What is the S gear in automatic transmission vehicles?

[EllianaLynn]

Automatic transmission vehicles' S gear stands for Sport mode. When shifting to the S gear, the transmission can shift freely but with delayed shift timing, keeping the engine at higher RPMs for an extended period. This allows the car to maintain lower gears at higher speeds for longer durations, resulting in greater torque output and acceleration. Due to its powerful performance, the S gear is typically used during overtaking or climbing hills. After completing these maneuvers, drivers usually switch back to the more economical D gear, as the S mode consumes more fuel due to increased fuel injection at higher RPMs. The S gear only delays upshifting without altering other operational aspects, inevitably increasing the transmission's load and temperature in the short term, which in turn accelerates wear and tear.