···
Log in / Register

What is the S and L gear in an automatic transmission?

4 Answers
DelHannah
07/29/25 11:16pm
In automatic transmission vehicles, the S gear stands for Sport mode, and the L gear stands for Low gear. Below is an introduction to the gears of an automatic transmission vehicle: 1. P gear: P stands for Parking gear. When parking the car, the gear lever must be shifted into the P position. 2. R gear: R stands for Reverse gear. 3. N gear: N stands for Neutral gear. The N gear can be used when starting the car, parking without leaving the vehicle, or when towing. 4. D gear: D stands for Drive gear. When driving normally, place the gear lever in the D position, and the car will automatically shift between forward gears. The D gear is the most commonly used gear. 5. S gear: The S gear is the Sport mode of the car, typically used for climbing hills and rapid acceleration. 6. L gear: The L gear refers to the Low gear mode of the transmission. It is most effective in heavy traffic conditions and on steep slopes. When going up or down a slope, it allows full utilization of the car engine's torque.
Was this review help?
4
1
Share
EmersynFitz
08/16/25 1:38am
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over a decade, and in my experience, the SL gear usually stands for 'Sport Low' mode, which helps maintain lower gears when climbing hills or needing acceleration, keeping the engine RPM higher for more responsive power. For example, when driving on mountain roads, switching to SL gear can prevent the transmission from frequently shifting up and down, making the drive more stable. Similar modes include L gear or snow mode, but SL is more like a sport version, which is also quite practical for overtaking in the city. However, don't use it too often, as it can increase fuel consumption and accelerate engine wear. I recommend beginners first get familiar with the basic D gear before trying SL gear, and remember not to use it for extended periods on flat roads to avoid unnecessary damage. Try it a few more times, and you'll get the hang of it.
Was this review help?
15
4
Share
Expand All
McAurora
10/18/25 7:53am
As someone who loves tinkering with cars, I find the S/L gear design quite ingenious. It keeps the engine running in lower gears to increase torque output, which is helpful for climbing hills or more aggressive starts. The principle is similar to a limiter, preventing automatic upshifts to higher gears. Many cars use it to simulate a manual feel, and it can also reduce wheel slip on snowy roads. However, remember not to overuse it—prolonged high RPMs can strain the transmission lifespan, so regular fluid checks are crucial. I often use it when off-roading, and it works even better combined with a 4WD system. Just maintain normal driving speeds and good maintenance habits.
Was this review help?
4
0
Share
Expand All
JulianaAnn
12/01/25 8:29am
When I first learned to drive, I was quite confused about what the SL gear in automatic transmissions meant. Later, I understood that most cars call it the "Sport Low" gear, simply put, it's a low gear mode suitable for driving on slopes or slippery surfaces to prevent wheel loss of control. The operation is very easy; after shifting to SL, the car moves slower but with stronger power. Trying it for the first time on a rainy road felt very safe. Don't worry about it being complicated; you'll get used to it after trying a few times. Just remember not to confuse it with the D gear. The mechanic mentioned during maintenance not to use it frequently to avoid wear and tear.
Was this review help?
6
3
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

Will I Be Fined for Driving with the Trunk Open?

Driving with the trunk open is considered a traffic violation, and the vehicle may be stopped by traffic police and penalized. Generally, this results in a fine, but the driver may only receive a warning without any points deducted. Upon being reminded by the traffic police, the driver must promptly close the trunk securely. According to Article 9 of the 'Measures for the Scoring Management of Road Traffic Safety Violations,' if the trunk being open blocks the license plate, it constitutes the violation of 'intentionally obscuring the license plate.' In such cases, the traffic management authorities will impose a fine and deduct 12 points. Additionally, an improperly closed trunk can obstruct the driver's visibility and affect safe driving, potentially interfering with other vehicles and pedestrians on the road. The traffic police may impose a fine and deduct three points, as this situation can easily lead to traffic accidents and poses significant safety hazards. Therefore, the traffic police may impose stricter penalties on the driver to prevent such behavior from recurring. According to Article 62 of the 'Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China,' the following acts are prohibited while driving a motor vehicle: driving with the doors or trunk not properly closed; hanging or placing items within the front or rear windows that obstruct the driver's view; making or receiving handheld phone calls, watching TV, or engaging in other activities that hinder safe driving; stalling or coasting in neutral on steep slopes; or throwing items onto the road. If there are items in the trunk, they may be lost when driving on bumpy roads, leading to financial losses. If these items cause damage to vehicles behind, the driver may also be liable for repair costs.
9
0
Share

Differences Between Honda XR-V and CR-V

Differences between Honda XR-V and CR-V are as follows: 1. Models: The latest top-end model of Honda XR-V is the 2021 220TURBO CVT Flagship Edition, while the latest top-end model of Honda CR-V is the 2021 Sharp Hybrid 2.0L 4WD Pure Enjoy Edition. 2. Price: The official price of the top-end Honda XR-V is lower than that of the top-end Honda CR-V. 3. Overall Body: The body of the top-end Honda XR-V is shorter than that of the top-end Honda CR-V, and the wheelbase of the top-end Honda XR-V is also shorter than that of the top-end Honda CR-V. 4. Overall Configuration: The top-end Honda CR-V is more richly equipped than the top-end Honda XR-V.
11
0
Share

What is the 0-100 km/h acceleration time for the Sylphy?

According to official data, the 1.6L Sylphy model has a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 12.1-12.2 seconds. Factors affecting a vehicle's 0-100 km/h acceleration time are as follows: Torque: Torque, in layman's terms, represents how much force is available. The greater the torque, the more force is available to propel the vehicle, resulting naturally in faster acceleration. The Audi R8 has a maximum torque of 570 Nm and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 3.1 seconds. The Sylphy has a torque of 155 Nm and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 12.1 seconds. Transmission efficiency: The transmission is the medium for transferring power and inevitably involves power loss. The higher the transmission efficiency, the better the acceleration performance. Generally, transmission efficiency ranks as follows: manual transmission > dry dual-clutch transmission > wet dual-clutch transmission > AT transmission > CVT transmission. The Sylphy is equipped with a CVT continuously variable transmission. Power-to-weight ratio: The relationship between horsepower and vehicle weight is called the power-to-weight ratio (unit is Hp/T). The higher the power-to-weight ratio, the faster the acceleration. The Audi R8 has a power-to-weight ratio of 373 Hp/T and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 3.1 seconds. The Sylphy has a power-to-weight ratio of 103 Hp/T and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 12.1 seconds.
3
3
Share

What is the Seizure Status of a Motor Vehicle?

Vehicle seizure status refers to a vehicle that is prohibited by the court from undergoing registration, modification, transfer, mortgage release, deregistration, or pledge release due to reasons such as economic debt disputes. Below is a detailed introduction to seized vehicles: 1. Overview: A seized vehicle is one that is prohibited by the court from undergoing registration, modification, transfer, mortgage release, deregistration, or pledge release due to reasons such as economic debt disputes. 2. Other Information: According to Order No. 124 of the Ministry of Public Security, it clearly stipulates the operations prohibited during the seizure period, namely registration, modification, transfer, mortgage release, deregistration, and pledge release; however, operations such as annual inspections, temporary license plates, and replacement of license plates are not prohibited.
16
3
Share

Why Are There So Many Used Volkswagen Tayron SUVs?

The reasons for the abundance of used Volkswagen Tayron SUVs are as follows: It may be due to the low resale value or satisfaction ratings of Volkswagen SUVs. Specific explanations are provided below: The Volkswagen Tayron is positioned as a midsize SUV. In the hot comparison model reputation ranking, it ranks second with a score of 4.44, with its power and comfortability both ranking first. Relevant information about the Tayron is introduced below: 1. New vehicle dimensions: The vehicle length is 4590mm, the wheelbase is 2731mm, the fuel tank capacity is 63 liters, the luggage compartment capacity is 506-1590 liters, it uses 95-octane gasoline, and features front MacPherson + rear multi-link independent suspension. 2. Configuration: The new vehicle is equipped with tire pressure warning, active braking, front and rear parking radar, cruise control, panoramic sunroof, 8-inch LCD instrument panel, supports CarPlay+CarLife+original factory mapping/screen mirroring, LED automatic combination headlights, electric exterior rearview mirrors + heating, one-touch up/down for all windows + anti-pinch, automatic anti-glare rearview mirror, automatic climate control with PM2.5 filter, and other features.
6
4
Share

What are the differences in annual inspections between seven-seater and five-seater vehicles?

Five-seater vehicles enjoy a six-year exemption from inspection policy. For new vehicles within six years, owners only need to go to the vehicle management office to obtain the annual inspection sticker. Below is relevant information about vehicle annual inspections: 1. Time: For passenger cars and blue-plate minivans, within the first six years after new vehicle registration, inspections are required every two years; after six years, inspections are annual; after ten years, inspections are annual, and after fifteen years, inspections are required twice a year. For trucks, inspections are annual after registration, and after ten years, inspections are required twice a year. 2. Regulations: If a vehicle is found by traffic police on the road without an annual inspection, the owner may be fined or the vehicle may be impounded. Additionally, in insurance contracts, vehicles that have not undergone timely annual inspections are considered unqualified, and no claims will be paid in the event of a vehicle insurance accident.
20
0
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.