When to Use the S Gear?

[SkylarLynn]

The S gear can be selected when the car needs to shift gears for overtaking. The S gear is the car's sport mode ("S" stands for "sport"). The function of the S gear is to achieve instant acceleration. In sport mode, the engine's high RPM can also help remove carbon deposits from the engine. Many automatic cars are equipped with an S gear. In S gear sport mode, the transmission can shift freely, but the shift timing is delayed, keeping the engine at high RPM for a longer time, allowing the car to move at low gear and high RPM for an extended period, thereby achieving greater torque output and acceleration, but with higher fuel consumption. In addition, automatic cars have other gear positions marked with letters such as P, R, N, D, L, and M. Below is a detailed introduction: P Gear: "Parking" means "to stop." It is the parking gear, used when parking. When you reach your destination or need to park for a long time, shift the gear lever into this position. Note: The vehicle must be completely stopped before shifting into P gear. Shifting into P gear before the vehicle has fully stopped can cause mechanical damage to the automatic transmission. When in P gear, the wheels are mechanically locked, preventing the vehicle from moving forward or backward. Therefore, always shift into P gear when parking on a slope. Additionally, during short stops (e.g., at traffic lights), it is best not to shift into P gear to avoid severe damage to the entire transmission in case of a rear-end collision. R Gear: "Reverse" means "to turn back." In a car, it is the reverse gear, used when reversing. To reverse, press the safety button on the shift lever and shift into R gear. However, it is important to ensure the vehicle is completely stopped before shifting to avoid serious damage to the transmission. N Gear: "Neutral" means "in the middle." It is also called the neutral gear. At traffic lights, you can shift into this gear and press the brake pedal. If the waiting time is long, it is recommended to engage the handbrake, allowing your foot to rest off the brake pedal. Many people mistakenly believe that shifting into N gear while coasting downhill or at high speed can save fuel. This is a serious misconception; not only does it not save fuel, but it can also damage the transmission. D Gear: "Drive" means "to operate." In a car, it is the forward gear. Shifting into this gear and pressing the accelerator allows the car to move. In this gear, the transmission automatically shifts based on speed and throttle conditions. At traffic lights, you can stay in D gear and press the brake pedal. If the waiting time is short, this is fine, but prolonged waiting can raise the transmission fluid temperature and degrade the fluid. L Gear: "Low" means "slow speed." In a car, it is the low-speed forward gear. When shifted into L gear, the transmission operates only in low gear (equivalent to manual gear 1) and does not automatically shift to other gears based on speed. This gear is generally used when climbing or descending steep slopes. In low gear, the drive wheels output greater torque, providing sufficient power to climb steep slopes. Prolonged braking can overheat the brake pads, reducing braking effectiveness, which is dangerous on long descents or steep slopes. Shifting into L gear allows the engine's low RPM to control the vehicle's movement, eliminating the need for constant braking. M Gear: The M gear is the manual mode. After shifting into M gear, the driver can manually control the transmission's upshifts and downshifts. It can be used when climbing or descending hills or when quick overtaking is required.