Will driving in S gear have any impact?
2 Answers
It will increase fuel consumption but has no impact on the vehicle. Here are the relevant details: 1. S Gear: This is the sport mode, which essentially increases the engine's power output by raising the shift RPM and increasing fuel injection. The sport mode in cars is generally controlled by the transmission computer, meaning the shift programming is different. 2. Benefits: The car's transmission will shift freely, but the shift timing is delayed, forcing the engine to maintain higher RPMs for a longer period. Although using S gear can reduce some safety hazards during overtaking and better utilize the engine's braking effect when going downhill, thereby improving safety.
I find driving in S mode quite enjoyable, especially when accelerating to overtake on mountain roads or highways—the car feels more responsive and zooms off with just a light tap on the gas. However, it has a downside: fuel consumption is noticeably higher. After a few tests in city traffic with frequent stops and starts, a full tank lasted only about 500 km in S mode, roughly 50 km less than in regular D mode. While not a huge issue, daily use would mean spending more on fuel. Plus, the engine consistently runs at higher RPMs, which might increase wear over time. So, I reserve S mode for weekend fun drives and stick to D mode for commuting—it’s more economical, hassle-free, and easier on the car in the long run.