Not so long ago, an automatic transmission used the familiar ‘PRNDL’ (or “Prindle”) shift pattern. But modern technology has brought with it many new advances for today’s automatic transmission. Among these are a number of handy shift modes, if you know how to use them. So let’s stroll through the alphabet and answer the question, what is S on an automatic transmission shifter?
What Transmission Do I Have?
Let’s say hello to the letter S!
If you have noticed that there is a S on your shift gate, then you are actually in luck. The S stands for Sport, as in sport mode. That’s right, your transmission has a go fast setting! Well, the fast part really depends on what you’re driving. But you get the idea. Shifting into the S position will make your vehicle respond in a much sportier fashion.
What does transmission sport mode do?
The S position on your automatic shifter engages a more responsive shift program that enables the transmission to stay in a gear much will longer, as opposed to quickly upshifting to get better fuel economy. By doing this, you’re able to run the engine at a much higher RPM, thus extracting more power when you need it. In some vehicles, it will also make the transmission downshift to a lower gear when you let off the gas, giving you a bit of engine braking.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Driving your vehicle in sport mode will cause you to burn a lot more gas. It may also make it the driving experience a bit more harsh when you’re in stop and go traffic. So it’s often best to just shift into regular old D when you’re in traffic. Then when you get out on a curvy backroad, you can shift into S and have a little fun!
