What is the S gear on an automatic transmission car?
2 Answers
The S gear on an automatic transmission car is the sports mode of the vehicle. In S gear sports mode, the transmission can freely switch gears, allowing the engine to output greater power and achieve higher acceleration. An automatic transmission means that the driver does not need to manually shift gears; the vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear based on the driving speed and traffic conditions. The principle of an automatic transmission is to use a planetary gear mechanism for shifting, which can automatically change gears based on the degree of the accelerator pedal and changes in vehicle speed. Situations where the S gear should not be used include: 1. Using the S gear when the car is just starting can have a counterproductive effect on speed increase; 2. It should not be used during high-speed cruising.
I've been driving for nearly ten years, and the S gear is what we commonly refer to as the sport mode. The biggest difference from the regular D gear is the delayed upshift, allowing the RPM to climb much higher before shifting when you floor the accelerator. It's particularly useful for overtaking on highways or climbing steep hills without frequent gear changes that cause power interruptions. However, be aware that fuel consumption increases noticeably—using this gear in stop-and-go city traffic can show an extra 2-3 liters per 100 km. Additionally, transmission fluid temperature tends to rise more easily, so after half an hour of aggressive driving, it's best to switch back to D gear to let the system cool down. Many people think automatic transmissions only have PRND, but mastering the S gear can significantly enhance the driving experience.
