What does the S gear mean?
2 Answers
S gear is the sport mode of a car. Generally, automatic transmission vehicles have gear positions P, R, N, D, and S: ①P (Parking gear): When parking the car, the gear lever must be shifted into the P position. ②R (Reverse gear). ③N (Neutral gear): The N position is equivalent to neutral or used when towing. ④D (Drive gear): During normal driving, place the gear lever in the D position, and the car can automatically shift between forward gears. ⑤S gear is the sport mode of the car ("S" stands for "Sport"): In sport mode, the transmission can shift freely but with a delay, keeping the engine at high RPM for a longer time, allowing the car to move at high RPM in lower gears for an extended period, thereby achieving greater torque output and acceleration.
The S gear stands for Sport mode, which is quite common in automatic transmission vehicles. Having driven for several years, I particularly enjoy using it when I need a bit of excitement. When you shift from the regular D gear to S gear, the transmission control unit adjusts its programming to delay gear shifts, keeping the engine running at higher RPMs. This provides more immediate power output and stronger acceleration, making it perfect for moments like navigating mountain curves or overtaking on highways, where instant burst power is needed. However, I should remind you that using S gear noticeably increases engine noise and fuel consumption, making it unsuitable for daily commuting. In some modern vehicles, the S gear also integrates sport suspension or enhanced throttle response, offering a more agile driving experience overall. But don’t overuse it—save it for open roads to enjoy the thrill of driving.
