What is the difference between D gear and S gear in a car?

[DiMiranda]

There are several differences between D gear and S gear in a car: 1. The advantage of D gear is that it is more fuel-efficient compared to S gear, but the disadvantage is that it has relatively less power and is not as responsive. 2. S gear is used for overtaking; after overtaking, you can switch back to D gear. S gear is a mode where the engine runs at higher RPMs, with the transmission shifting up later and downshifting earlier. The advantage of S gear is better vehicle performance, while the disadvantage is poorer fuel economy. It is suitable for overtaking and climbing hills. Here is some related information about D gear and S gear: 1. D gear is the drive mode, which is present in all automatic transmission vehicles. After shifting into D gear, the vehicle's computer will shift gears according to the preset program, operating entirely based on its logic. 2. S gear stands for Sport mode. After shifting into S gear, the computer's shifting logic changes, delaying upshifts to naturally provide stronger power.

[JeremiahAnn]

After driving in the city for a long time, I've gotten used to using the D gear. It makes the transmission shift early, keeping the RPM stable, which is both fuel-efficient and quiet, perfect for daily commuting and traffic jams. Occasionally on highways or mountain roads, I switch to the S gear, where the shift points are higher, the RPM rises quickly, and acceleration is more aggressive, but fuel consumption noticeably increases, so I have to be careful not to overdo it and damage the engine. In the long run, the D gear is simpler and cheaper to maintain, while the S gear is more entertaining, suitable for occasionally releasing stress, but it's important to use it according to road conditions to ensure safe driving.

[LePreston]

As a car enthusiast, I often switch to S mode on the highway because it delays upshifting, keeps the gear low, and provides super-fast throttle response, allowing me to experience more direct acceleration. D mode is quite ordinary—shifts are smooth but lack excitement, making it suitable for daily commuting. In performance cars, S mode can also simulate the fun of manual transmission, though it consumes more fuel, so I recommend using it only when overtaking or taking corners. Remember, frequent use of S mode increases engine load, so check the transmission fluid periodically to prevent wear.

[MacLeo]

I'm quite sensitive to fuel consumption, so I usually drive in D mode, which intelligently shifts gears to optimize fuel efficiency, saving an average of 0.5 liters per 100 kilometers. S mode is different—it locks in lower gears, providing higher RPMs and stronger acceleration, but it consumes over 15% more fuel, especially in stop-and-go city traffic. From a cost-saving perspective, I only use S mode temporarily for overtaking or climbing steep hills to balance performance and budget. Note that over-reliance on S mode can increase maintenance costs, so regular vehicle checks are essential.