Will driving 200 kilometers in S mode damage the car?
2 Answers
Driving 200 kilometers in S mode can potentially harm the vehicle. The S mode merely delays gear shifts without altering other operational aspects, which inevitably increases the transmission's workload in the short term, raises its temperature, and consequently accelerates wear. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid prolonged use of S mode. In terms of fuel consumption, since higher engine speeds require more fuel injection, S mode consumes significantly more fuel compared to normal driving mode. Tips for maintaining your car's transmission: Smooth driving: Avoid aggressively emphasizing acceleration speed in automatic transmission vehicles, as they are designed for comfort. During normal driving, pressing the accelerator pedal about one-third of the way is sufficient, allowing the transmission control unit to manage gear shifts based on vehicle speed and engine load signals. Early upshifting: If the automatic transmission shifts gears late, avoid stomping on the accelerator, as this will only produce the opposite effect. The timing of gear shifts in an automatic transmission is determined by the control unit based on vehicle speed and engine load signals, with the latter being influenced by the degree of throttle input.
I usually enjoy using the S mode when driving, especially on highways. It delays gear shifts, keeps the engine RPM a bit higher, and provides faster power response, which makes driving more exhilarating. Driven 200 kilometers? That's really nothing. Modern car engines and transmissions are designed to be quite durable, and occasional use won't cause harm. The only downside is that fuel consumption might increase a bit—I calculated it once and found it burns about 10% more fuel, which hurts the wallet a little. Engine temperature may also rise slightly, but as long as the car is well-maintained with regular oil changes and coolant checks, there's no major issue. Overall, it's fine—I'll keep using it next time.
