What do you think is better? Driving in D all the time, using S, or manually shifting gears? Could any of these be bad for the car in the long run? Does manual shifting help or harm more?
Some say S is better if you have it. I’ve got a 2014 SE hatch auto without S mode, and it’s been fine. I had to replace the clutch at 189k miles and now I’m at 224.1k with no issues. I guess it depends.
I used to use D a lot, but I switch to S in the snow or on steep roads. D would sometimes shift early, leaving me stuck on hills. It also shuddered going from 1st to 2nd almost every time.
My clutch went out at 125k miles, and since then, I mostly use S and shift myself. No more shuddering, better power control, and it’s easier to drive. D is now just for quick trips or if I’m eating while driving.
I’m not super technical, so I don’t know what’s better overall. But driving in S seems to reduce shifting, so maybe there’s less wear on the parts?
My car needs to start in S for at least 5–10 minutes to shift smoothly in D. If I drive under 50 mph, I also have to switch back to S because D gets too slippery. By the way, my actuator B is struggling and doesn’t clamp as well as actuator A.
If you have a DPS6, use S. The computer decides what’s safe, but S lets you control the shifts. Is it just manual mode? Not exactly.
Using S gives you control to shift when needed or avoid unnecessary shifts, which can reduce clutch wear.
If you use manual mode and let off the gas while shifting, it reduces clutch slipping. That can help the clutches last longer.
Sport is more exciting than Drive since it holds higher RPMs and expects more aggressive driving. Manual shifting works fine too as long as you’re using the + and - options instead of shifting through 1, 2, and D.
Maybe an unpopular take, but I drive mine in M all the time!
I stick to S and play a game I call ‘Dodge 1900,’ where I avoid loading the engine between 1500 and 2000 RPM.
My 2017 SE wants to know what everyone thinks too.