When is the best time to use S mode?
4 Answers
S mode is best used when overtaking or climbing hills, and you can switch back to the more economical D mode after completing the action. In terms of fuel consumption, the higher engine speed increases fuel injection, leading to higher fuel consumption in S mode compared to normal mode, which can also cause more wear on the transmission. It is not necessary for daily driving. For cars frequently driven in congested urban areas, where carbon deposits tend to accumulate in the engine, periodic use of S mode can help remove these deposits, improve fuel economy, and extend engine life. However, it is not recommended to use S mode for extended periods on highways, as it only delays gear shifts without altering other operational parameters. This can significantly increase the transmission load in a short time, raise temperatures, and accelerate wear. Additionally, vehicle comfort may be slightly reduced in S mode, so prolonged use should be avoided.
I've been driving for ten years, and when I need to overtake quickly, I highly recommend using the S mode. For example, on national highways when a large truck is blocking the way, switching to S mode instantly raises the RPM, providing much faster power response. You can easily overtake without pressing the accelerator too hard. However, don't get greedy—switch back to D mode after overtaking. This mode consumes 20-30% more fuel than D mode, puts extra strain on the engine over time, and can affect transmission longevity. A friend of mine once used S mode continuously for about a hundred kilometers on the highway, and later the transmission fluid temperature soared, triggering a warning. In my opinion, it's best used for short-term scenarios like overtaking, climbing steep hills, or accelerating off ramps—safe and efficient.
Young people enjoy some driving fun, and my experience is that using the S gear on empty mountain roads or highway service area exits is the most thrilling. This gear delays the transmission's upshift, and with just a light tap on the accelerator, the engine roars, and the push-back feeling comes instantly. Especially in turbocharged cars, the acceleration feels like driving a completely different vehicle. But don't get too carried away—avoid using it in congested city traffic, as the engine stays in high revs, making it noisy and fuel-consuming. Also, prolonged use of the S gear can make throttle control unstable, leading to sudden acceleration that might startle the car behind. I recommend trying it out on weekend mountain drives—it's even more fun with manual paddle shifters—but skip it for daily commutes.
Veteran drivers know best the benefits of using S gear on long descents. Last year on the Yun-Gui Expressway, with a continuous five-kilometer downhill, switching to S gear made things half as stressful. This gear relies on engine braking to control speed, eliminating the need for frequent brake taps. In regular D gear, the car tends to speed up downhill, and prolonged braking can lead to overheating, which is particularly dangerous. Personally, I make it a habit to use S gear on slopes exceeding 3%, keeping the speed steadily under sixty. However, it's important to note: don't use it as a brake on flat roads, as it can cause significant damage to the transmission. For beginners driving on mountain roads, it's best to familiarize yourself with the S gear position in advance—it could be a lifesaver in critical moments.
