What is the difference between the S gear and D gear in a car?
2 Answers
Difference between the S gear and D gear in a car: 1. Different modes: S gear is the sport mode; D gear is the normal mode. 2. Different shifting logic of the transmission: After engaging the S gear, the transmission will only shift when the engine speed reaches the redline zone; when in D gear, the transmission generally shifts when the engine speed is between 2000 to 3000 RPM. 3. Different usage scenarios: S gear is suitable for aggressive driving and overtaking; D gear is suitable for normal daily driving. Some automatic transmissions also have an L gear, which is the low gear. After engaging the L gear, the transmission will maintain a lower gear without upshifting. The L gear can be used when going uphill or downhill.
I usually drive to and from work, always cruising around the city, so I often use D mode: it runs smoothly and saves fuel, with the transmission shifting gears automatically, avoiding jerks even in traffic jams. Occasionally when driving on highways or uphill roads, I switch to S mode, feeling the car has more power, the engine revs faster, and it accelerates swiftly, but at the cost of higher fuel consumption. From long-term observation, S mode is suitable when you're in a hurry or seeking excitement, while D mode is sufficient for daily use. If you're a novice driver, it's recommended to try S mode on open roads first and combine its use after gaining proficiency. Remember not to neglect maintenance, as improper gear shifting may accelerate wear on transmission components.
