Modern automatic transmission cars make shifting between drive modes easier. They feature several drive modes on the gear shifter to suit different driving needs and road conditions.
If you’re like most drivers, you must be familiar with the P (Park), D (Drive), N (Neutral), and R (Reverse) driving modes. However, some vehicles will come with added modes that activate particular driving experiences. One of these modes is D/S gear, which is available on automatic cars.
So, what does the D/S mode mean, and how does it impact the driving experience? I discuss what the DS stands for, how it works, and when to use it.
Question: What is D/S Gear in Cars?
D/S on your vehicle’s shifter stands for Drive Sport. D/S gear means your automatic transmission has a Sport mode that gives you more control over your car. When you shift to the DS gear, your car accelerates faster and becomes more aggressive.
In other words, this mode gives your car a sportier feel. The vehicle can take off faster from a complete stop than when in D (Drive) mode. When in the D/S mode, the car immediately reacts to acceleration commands, making it more effective on highways.
Question: What Are the Main Transmission Drive Modes in Cars?
Transmission cars have multiple drive modes to suit driving needs and road conditions. Besides the basic drive modes on your shifter, your vehicle might have other modes. Below are the main drive modes and when to use them:
- Eco mode: If you’re an eco-conscious driver or want to minimize fuel consumption, the Eco mode has you covered. This mode makes the throttle less responsive and limits the engine revs. As a result, the vehicle increases fuel efficiency and minimizes emissions.
- Sport mode: Sport mode gives your car more power to accelerate better and become more responsive. It makes your car feel much sportier, especially on the steering wheel. Unlike Eco mode, Sport mode makes your car burn more fuel to drive faster.
- Comfort mode: As its name implies, Comfort mode prioritizes comfort for car occupants. It’s handy for long-distance driving, ensuring a comfortable ride for the driver and passenger. Your car may also perform better in this mode than in Drive mode.
- Snow mode: Snow mode ensures better traction when driving in icy conditions. This mode distributes power between the wheels to allow better grip and control.
Other popular drive modes you may find in cars include Track mode, Off-road mode, and Slippery mode.
Question: How Does the DS Mode Work?
The D/S gear increases the number of RPMs when you press the accelerator. It makes you feel like you’re driving a manual car without pressing a clutch.
Shifting to D/S mode involves pressing the button on the gear selector and shifting to this mode. You can shift to DS drive while driving without hurting your transmission. This mode is only active when you want to give the vehicle some extra oomph.
When you activate this mode, your car prioritizes performance over fuel economy or occupant’s comfort. You’ll notice higher engine revs, harder shifts, and a better steering response. The mode also causes the traction control to turn off and the throttle to become more responsive.
Moreover, the DS mode lets gears shift at higher revs, allowing your car to accelerate quicker.
Question: Why Should I Use the D/S Gear?
Using the D/S gear has several benefits.
Drive Faster
If driving on the highway, the D/S mode can help you achieve and maintain maximum speed. The mode can help you accelerate faster from stop-and-go traffic or overtake when necessary.
Better Steering Response
Shifting to the Drive Sport allows better steering wheel control. The steering responds faster and more effectively, making it easier to make sudden moves or navigate corners. Besides, a better steering response ensures increased stability, reducing the risk of an accident.
Increases Throttle Response
How fast your car responds when you push the gas pedal can mean a lot while driving. Thankfully, the D/S gear gives your vehicle a better throttle response to ensure full acceleration.
Better Suspension
The D/S gear makes the suspension stiffer to absorb road shocks when driving on rough or bumpy roads. As a result, you can enjoy a smoother and more comfortable ride.
Provides High Traction
If you’re driving on slippery roads, the tires may slip or skid, preventing better acceleration. Luckily, the D/S mode gives your car more traction, allowing the tires to grip better.
Question: Can the DS Gear Hurt My Car?
The good news is that the Drive Sport mode does all the above without putting extra strain on the engine. Its goal is to improve vehicle performance, allowing drivers to feel how sports cars operate.
All the D/S mode settings are meant to keep the engine in good shape. When you shift to this mode, the car’s computer is always in control. It lets the mode work whenever you want to boost speed and handling.
The onboard computer will prevent engine or transmission damage due to late shifting. However, using this mode all the time can harm the engine over time. Driving at higher revs may put more strain on the engine, leading to excessive engine wear.
It’s advisable to use the Drive Sport mode when you want a boost of energy. The mode allows better response when overtaking, accelerating from stoplights, or driving through corners.
Question: Does the DS Mode Consume More Gas?
The Drive Mode gear prioritizes car performance over fuel economy. This mode gives you more power and torque than when in Drive mode. However, boosting performance on D/S gear comes at the cost of fuel consumption.
Drive Sport mode makes your engine rev higher than normal, thus consuming more fuel to sustain its performance. If you use the D/S feature all the time, the car will use more fuel than it does in drive mode.
The engine burns more fuel in this mode to achieve a higher throttle response. It also requires more gas to allow faster acceleration, maintain speed, and prevent stalling. If you’re looking for ways to save on fuel, consider using this mode when necessary.
Question: How Do You Deactivate the D/S Gear?
It’s easy to activate and deactivate the D/S mode, even when driving. The vehicle’s onboard computer, ECU, will monitor the gear-shifting process for a smooth transition. You can turn the D/S mode on or off at any speed without affecting performance.
When turning this feature off, press the button on your shifter and look for the D (Drive) mode. Shift the lever to D to put your vehicle into normal Drive mode.
Final Thoughts
D/S or Drive Sport mode is a popular driving mode in automatic cars. Shifting to D/S gear gives your car more power to accelerate quickly while making the steering more responsive. You can use this mode when overtaking, moving from stop-and-go traffic, or accelerating during an emergency.
Despite being an exciting feature, Drive Sport mode increases fuel consumption and emissions. It may also lead to engine wear over time due to higher engine revs.