What is the difference between D gear and S gear in an automatic transmission car?
2 Answers
The differences between D gear and S gear are as follows: 1. S gear is more responsive than D gear: After shifting into S gear, upshifting is delayed. During driving, when the accelerator is suddenly pressed, S gear responds quickly, while D gear takes a bit longer. When the accelerator is pressed, the driving experience with S gear is more direct, whereas D gear feels relatively smoother. 2. S gear consumes more fuel than D gear: While pursuing speed advantages, S gear also maximizes power output. Long-term use of S gear increases fuel consumption compared to D gear due to higher air intake. However, the driving pleasure of S gear cannot be experienced in D gear. 3. S gear provides more power when climbing hills: When climbing a hill without switching to S gear, the car's engine may produce some unusual noises. This occurs because the engine cannot provide sufficient power at low RPMs, so using S gear is recommended for uphill driving.
I usually drive to and from work for my daily commute using an automatic transmission car. The D gear is the default driving mode, providing a smooth and steady ride, which is perfect for city traffic. The gear shifts automatically and incredibly smoothly, saving fuel and keeping things quiet—I use it almost every day. Occasionally, if I need to overtake or climb a steep slope, I switch to S gear. The S gear raises the engine RPM, delivering much quicker power response, and the moment the acceleration pushes you back into the seat, overtaking becomes effortless. However, it noticeably consumes more fuel—once I tried it on the highway and burned through half a tank, which was painful. So, for daily commuting, D gear is the economical choice, safe and worry-free. Just be careful not to misuse the gears, or your fuel consumption will skyrocket.
