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

[MatteoAnn]

Automatic transmission car's S gear stands for Sport mode. When engaged in this gear, the engine can provide more powerful performance. Generally, when overtaking, shifting into S gear can be more fuel-efficient. Moreover, stepping hard on the accelerator in S gear saves a lot of fuel and accelerates much faster. Advantages and disadvantages of using S gear: 1. Advantages: For cars frequently driven in congested urban areas, the engine tends to accumulate more carbon deposits. Therefore, using S gear periodically helps remove carbon deposits from the engine, improves fuel economy, and extends engine life. 2. Disadvantages: Since S gear only delays upshifting without altering other operational aspects, it inevitably increases the transmission load in the short term, accompanied by rising temperatures, which leads to accelerated wear. Hence, it is advisable not to use S gear for extended periods. In terms of fuel consumption, because the fuel injection volume increases at high RPMs, the fuel consumption in S mode is significantly higher than in normal mode.