What does the S gear in an automatic transmission car mean?

[DeJocelyn]

Automatic transmission car's S gear stands for the sports mode of the vehicle. In sports mode, the transmission can freely switch gears, allowing the engine to output more power and achieve higher speeds. Situations where the S gear should not be used include: 1. Using the S gear when the car is just starting can have a counterproductive effect on speed increase; 2. It should not be used during high-speed cruising. An automatic transmission refers to a system where the driver does not need to manually shift gears; the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on the driving speed and traffic conditions. Its working principle is: using planetary gear mechanisms for gear shifting, which can automatically change gears based on the degree of throttle pedal and changes in vehicle speed.

[DelSawyer]

I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over a decade, and the S gear is the sport mode that instantly unleashes more power from the vehicle. Once engaged, it keeps the engine RPM at a higher level, makes the throttle response more sensitive, prevents the gear from shifting up too easily during acceleration, and delivers an incredibly strong push-back sensation. Especially when overtaking on highways or mountain roads, activating S mode makes the car surge forward as if it's come alive, effortlessly passing through traffic. However, don't overuse this mode as higher RPMs significantly increase fuel consumption and engine load, leading to quicker wear. For daily commuting, I stick to D gear for economy and comfort; S gear serves as an occasional treat for some thrilling moments, but I'd advise beginners to gradually get accustomed to the throttle changes—safety first, as sudden acceleration might startle people.

[LaNadia]

As a car enthusiast, I know quite a bit about the S gear in automatic transmissions. It stands for Sport mode, and its core purpose is to make driving more exciting. The gear-shifting system delays upshifting, maintaining lower gears with significantly higher engine RPMs, naturally resulting in faster acceleration. For example, when overtaking on the highway, I can feel the power surging continuously as soon as I press the accelerator—no hesitation whatsoever. This mode is cleverly designed to enhance driving pleasure, but don’t expect it to save fuel—it consumes much more than the D gear. I recommend using it briefly on open roads or when extra power is needed, enjoying the thrill but not making it a habit, as prolonged high loads aren’t engine-friendly. By the way, compared to other modes, D gear is for daily driving, L gear is specialized for climbing hills, and S gear is just a little trick to add some fun.

[GraceAnn]

I usually drive an automatic transmission car for commuting, and the S mode stands for Sport mode. Simply put, it allows the car to accelerate faster. When engaged, the throttle response becomes sharper, and gear shifts slow down, making it particularly useful for overtaking or climbing hills. However, I find it's not commonly used since I mostly rely on D mode for fuel efficiency and quiet operation. Occasionally, when driving on mountain roads or needing quick acceleration, I briefly switch to S mode for a few seconds to feel the power boost, yet the operation remains straightforward. Just drive with peace of mind and avoid frequent switching to keep it hassle-free.