What is the difference between D gear and S gear in automatic transmission?
4 Answers
The difference between D gear and S gear in automatic transmission is: the automatic control logic for gear shifting is different, S is performance-oriented, while D is comfort and economy-oriented. Below are some introductions to D gear and S gear: 1. D is the drive gear. When driving in this gear, the hydraulic system control device shifts gears according to the preset program, and the entire process runs completely according to the set logic. You can simply press the accelerator. 2. S is the sport gear. When this gear is engaged, the hydraulic system can only connect to the first and second gears in the drive gear, and the automatic transmission can only shift automatically between these two gears, unable to engage higher gears. The upshift is delayed, naturally resulting in stronger power.
I've been driving for over ten years, and I often use the D gear (Drive) in automatic transmission cars. It's especially suitable for daily commuting. It shifts gears automatically, maintains steady RPM, is fuel-efficient, and provides a smooth ride, making it easy to handle stops at red lights or in traffic jams. The S gear is Sport mode, which I occasionally use on mountain roads or when overtaking on highways. It delays upshifting to keep the engine RPM higher, delivering a more aggressive acceleration and a noticeable push-back feeling. However, S mode consumes more fuel, and prolonged use can lead to higher fuel consumption. Therefore, I recommend using D gear most of the time, especially for new drivers who should first get familiar with basic operations and avoid frequently switching to S. In everyday driving, D gear can handle 95% of scenarios—it's simple, hassle-free, and protects the engine.
I enjoy switching to S mode when driving an automatic transmission car on the highway because it's the sport mode that keeps the transmission in lower gears, raises the RPM for stronger power and faster acceleration. For example, it responds more agilely when overtaking in corners or climbing steep hills, making the car feel more powerful. In contrast, D mode is designed for fuel efficiency with earlier gear shifts and lower RPM for smoother driving. I've tried using S mode in traffic jams and found the fuel consumption significantly increased, while D mode is more economical. I recommend switching based on road conditions—use D mode in the city and S mode in the suburbs—but don't overuse it to avoid engine wear.
When driving an automatic transmission car, I mostly use the D (Drive) gear. Just put it in and go, with automatic gear shifting, no need to worry. The chassis filters out bumps comfortably. The S (Sport) mode is for sporty driving; after switching, the car delays upshifting, staying in lower gears with higher RPMs, providing quicker acceleration and more power, suitable for overtaking or climbing hills. However, I find using S mode in the city too aggressive, with higher fuel consumption, and it's easy for beginners to mishandle. My driving instructor said to get familiar with D mode first before trying S mode for safety. The key is understanding the difference: D is for daily use, while S is for special scenarios like mountain roads or rapid acceleration.
