What is the S gear?
3 Answers
S gear stands for Sport gear. When the car is in S gear (Sport mode), the transmission can shift freely, but the shifting timing is delayed, keeping the engine at high RPM for a longer period. This allows the car to maintain a low gear and high RPM for an extended duration, resulting in greater torque output and acceleration. Below is an introduction to the gears of an automatic transmission car: 1. L gear: Low gear, which limits speed. When engaged during uphill driving, it maintains a state of high RPM and low gear. 2. S gear: Sport mode, where the transmission can shift freely but with delayed timing, keeping the engine at high RPM for a longer period, allowing the car to maintain low gear and high RPM. 3. D gear: Drive gear, used for forward movement of the car. 4. N gear: Neutral gear, used during brief stops. 5. P gear: Park gear, used when parking; engaging this gear stops the car's braking system, preventing it from rolling. 6. R gear: Reverse gear, used when backing up. However, R gear should only be engaged when the vehicle is completely stopped. Engaging R gear while the car is moving slowly can cause severe damage to the transmission.
Hey buddy, I was also confused by the transmission letters when I first started driving. The S gear stands for Sport mode! Once you shift into it, you immediately feel the engine roaring more vigorously, making overtaking and climbing hills especially smooth. The principle is that the computer deliberately delays upshifting, keeping the RPM above 3000, so power is available whenever you step on it. But don’t keep it engaged just for the thrill, especially on highways—this gear is particularly fuel-hungry. My buddy once tried it on a long trip, and the fuel consumption shot up by more than 2 liters. Also, try not to use S gear when the roads are slippery in the rain, as the sudden torque burst can easily cause skidding. I remember once driving a friend’s new car in the rain, flooring it directly triggered the ESP, scaring me into a cold sweat!
Last week at the repair shop, that Audi Q5 was a classic case. The owner complained about jerky gear shifts, only to discover he'd been commuting in Sport mode for years. Truth is, this sport mode is like giving your car an adrenaline shot - the transmission holds lower gears at higher RPMs, making the car lurch forward with just a slight tap of the accelerator. But with the engine constantly screaming at 4,000 RPM, carbon buildup increases by 30% compared to normal mode, and valve body wear accelerates. Modern cars are smarter though - BMW's Sport mode, for instance, automatically weights up the steering and opens the exhaust valves. But honestly, there's no need for it in city driving. Unless you're racing for that fraction of a second at traffic lights, you're just wasting fuel and wearing out your car.
