What is the S gear in an automatic transmission?
3 Answers
Automatic transmission S gear is the sport mode. When this gear is engaged, the gears can be freely switched, but the shifting timing is delayed, allowing the engine to maintain high RPM for a period of time to increase the car's power. The S gear only delays upshifting without changing other working aspects, which increases the transmission load and raises the temperature in a short time, leading to accelerated wear. Therefore, try not to use the S gear for extended periods. Cars that frequently drive in congested urban areas tend to accumulate more carbon deposits in the engine. Thus, using the S gear appropriately at regular intervals helps remove carbon deposits from the engine, improve fuel economy, and extend the engine's lifespan.
After driving for so many years, the S gear in my car stands for Sport mode, usually marked with an S letter on the automatic gear lever. It keeps the engine RPM higher and delays gear shifts, resulting in quicker acceleration response, which is particularly useful when overtaking or climbing steep hills. Once when I was driving on a mountain road, switching to S gear made the car noticeably more powerful and responsive, but the downside is that it consumes more fuel, so it's better to use D gear for cruising. If you want to experience sporty driving, I suggest trying it on an open road, but remember not to use it for too long to avoid potential wear on components. Overall, the S gear is a practical option that enhances driving enjoyment.
As a daily commuter, the S gear in an automatic transmission car stands for Sport mode, which means it enhances power output by delaying gear shifts. I usually drive to work in D gear to save fuel, especially when there are many traffic lights. But once, when I was in a hurry and tried the S gear on the highway, the car's response was noticeably sharper, accelerating as if it had an extra boost, which was particularly helpful when needing to change lanes quickly. However, I must remind you that this mode isn't for everyday use—it increases fuel consumption by 5%-10% and can add extra strain to the braking system in congested urban areas. I recommend that beginners try it occasionally to feel the performance boost but avoid overusing it.
