If you have purchased a new vehicle recently, then you might have noticed that one of the buttons on the centre console or the dashboard says “sport” or “sport mode.” Upon noticing it, you might wonder what that button does. Does it make the car faster? Does it kill the car’s fuel economy?
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Let’s take a closer look at that sport button and see what “sport mode” actually does.
In most cars, whether it’s the push of a button or a setting that you have to toggle on through a menu, the sport mode changes the car’s settings in a number of different ways. Typically, sport mode adjusts the car’s throttle response, steering response, and shift points.
If the car is automatic, then putting it in sport mode will make the transmission shift later in the RPM range to use all of the car’s power. On some cars, using sport mode could tighten up the suspension, making it more fun on the twisty backroads.
It Enables Sharper Throttle Response
Unlike the cable-controlled throttle linkages of the past, throttles on cars today are now controlled electronically, and the different mode settings on your car can open the throttle slower or faster.
For example, if your car has an “ECO mode,” then the gas pedal will feel dampened when you press down on it, and the throttle will open slower, thereby letting less air and fuel into the engine and making it more fuel-efficient.
Sport mode does the opposite; it will make the gas pedal feel more responsive and open the throttle quicker, making the engine feel more responsive. However, it can use fuel more quickly as well.
It Quickly Changes the Shift Points
If your car is automatic, then it shifts at certain points automatically. In a normal setting, your car will shift at the most optimal fuel efficiency and acceleration point. However, when you put it into sport mode, the car will shift at a higher RPM, or at the redline, for better acceleration and speed when you “floor” the gas pedal.
It Tightens Vehicle Steering
Most cars nowadays utilize electric power steering as opposed to hydraulic pumps. With electric power steering, the steering feel is able to be changed on the fly, and sport mode usually toggles it on. Sport mode will add more resistance to the steering feel, giving it a sportier and more weighted feeling.
It Has Sharper Handling
Adjustable shock absorbers are typically found on higher-end luxury and sports cars. However, you might find them on more-affordable cars as time goes on. In any case, sport mode will adjust the dampening levels in the car’s shock absorbers to tighten up the ride for less body roll and a sportier feel.
Conclusion
Depending on what kind of car you have, the sport mode or the “sport” button can provide a “night and day” driving experience or feel like it does nothing at all. Either way, experts suggest that it’s best to press the button or set the car in sport mode and see what it does. It makes you like your car even more.
