DRIVERS are just realising the “hidden” button which turns your motor into a race car – but there are some serious drawbacks.
Many modern vehicles have buttons which can change the functionality of your car at the flick of a switch.
GettyModern motors may have a switch enabling “Sport Mode”[/caption]
While these changes are not long-term, they can have an impact on fuel efficiency, throttle speed, and performance.
One such button is “Sport Mode” which is usually controlled via a switch or button toggle.
Sport Mode works by essentially acting as a sprint booster for your motor and is present in cars like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW models.
It helps your car accelerate to its top speed quicker and makes the throttle input a lot lighter, according to Hotcars.
The mode may increase the power and torque of your vehicle’s engine which will see you zipping past other drivers on the motorway.
Sport Mode will also hold on to gears for longer to keep the acceleration constant as you feel your engine roar to its maximum potential.
The same car, however, in Normal or Comfort Mode will change gears far quicker to get better fuel consumption.
Experts say that engaging Sport Mode will also lead to stiffer suspension and tighter steering – which can leave you feeling like Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel.
And petrolheads will be glad to hear that this will reduce your car’s centre of gravity and increase the maneuverability of your motor.
You will also have better handling when travelling at high speeds and your throttle’s feel and response should be improved.
Just a tiny input to the throttle pedal will have immediate results while sport mode is engaged.
But with the enhanced steering mechanics, drivers should be wary as comfort will be sacrificed while the toggle is switched on.
As incredible as it sounds, Sport Mode is not without its drawbacks and some could cause lasting damage to your much-loved motor.
One obvious drawback of the switch is that it usually increases fuel consumption and wastes precious gallons in order to keep up with the roaring power demands.
Meanwhile, overusing the mode for a prolonged period could wear down your engine faster than anticipated over time.
Constant use of the switch can increase the wear and tear of suspension components, tires, brake discs and steering components, say experts.
In the short term this might go unnoticed but using your car in “Sport” as opposed to “Normal” will eventually take its toll.
It goes without saying that Sport Mode is not suitable for everyday driving with the average journey not akin to a Silverstone racetrack.
But the secret switch can be particularly enjoyable while on long winding backroads and empty stretches.
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