What is the correct way to use the DS gear in the Teana?
4 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.
As a car enthusiast, I've studied the DS gear mechanism of the Teana. It's actually a driving logic switch rather than a physical gear. The S mode can be activated while in D gear, making the transmission more aggressive in maintaining high RPMs for stronger acceleration response, similar to the control feel of a manual transmission. Operationally, you can also use the steering wheel paddle shifters to manually shift up or down, which is suitable for rapid acceleration or off-road hill climbing. However, I don't recommend driving continuously in S mode because high RPMs increase fuel consumption and component stress. The correct use is to engage it briefly in scenarios like overtaking or sharp turns, then switch back to normal mode afterward. For everyday driving, combining it with cruise control is more worry-free. Always keep an eye on the coolant temperature gauge to prevent the system from overheating.
I haven't been driving the Teana for long, but I've easily mastered using the DS gear - it's the sport function. For normal driving, keep it in D gear. When you need quick acceleration or overtaking, just shift to S position. The system responds faster, the throttle becomes more sensitive, and the steering feels lighter too. The operation isn't complicated - just press a button, but avoid using it during cruising on flat roads. Safety tip: Beginners should practice a few times on roads with less traffic to ensure no accidental engagement. Remember to switch back to D gear promptly after use to save fuel and prevent accidents.
