What is the correct way to use the DS gear in the Teana?
2 Answers
The DS gear in the Teana is the forward gear used in the car's sport mode, typically employed for climbing hills and rapid acceleration during overtaking. During normal driving, the D gear is generally used, where the engine usually shifts up when the RPM reaches around 2300. When more power is needed, such as for pursuing acceleration and sporty performance, the sport mode should be engaged. To use it, simply push the gear lever into the DS position. Here are some additional details: 1. Gear Introduction: P stands for Parking gear, which must be engaged when the car is parked; R is the Reverse gear; N is the Neutral gear, which can be used when starting the car, stopping without leaving the vehicle, or during towing; D is the Drive gear, the most commonly used gear for normal driving, where the gear lever is placed in the D position, allowing the car to automatically shift between various forward gears; DS or S gear is the car's sport mode. 2. Fuel Consumption in DS Gear: After switching to sport mode, although power can be enhanced, the downside is that fuel consumption will also increase, resulting in poorer fuel economy. If the car is primarily used as a family vehicle, the standard mode is sufficient. Nowadays, many cars also feature a more fuel-efficient Eco mode, which helps save money when driving.
As a seasoned Altima driver, I consider the DS gear a little secret in driving—it switches to Sport mode for sharper vehicle response. Daily driving in D gear is fine, but when you need to accelerate for overtaking, climb steep slopes, or want some driving fun, shifting to S gear is the way to go. The operation is simple: just push/pull the gear lever or press the mode button while in D gear, and the dashboard will display an "S" indicator. Remember not to overuse it, especially during highway cruising—switch back to D gear for fuel efficiency, as the S gear delays gear shifts, potentially increasing fuel consumption by around 10% and adding mechanical wear. I usually engage it in city traffic or mountain roads for more spirited overtaking, but always prioritize safety by avoiding excessive engine RPM. Regular transmission fluid checks during maintenance help prevent issues.
