Should I be having this mode on at all times? What is the advantage or disadvantage?

Thank you!!!

 

Pwr mode is going to provide downshifts more easily than normal mode. It assumes you'd rather drop down a gear for the extra "power". So, for example, when you go to pass and you put your foot in it the trans will downshift more than it would with the same pedal pressure at the same speed in normal mode.

It will also hold the trans in a lower gear longer for quicker starts. Try it and see where your tach shows the shift point from a standing start with pwr off and on. In the pwr mode the shift point will be higher.

I always drive in the pwr mode. It may cost a mile or 2 in mpg, but I figure I bought a 300 hp car for the GO and I can live with a bit less gas mileage.

 

Will this contiually put more stress on any of the drivetrain that may result in faster wear?

 

Well, depending on how you drive your engine may spend more time at higher rpm so it could cut the life of your engine a bit.

On the other hand driving with the trans in normal and never using more than about 1/3 throttle will ensure you keep your engine running in its lowest rpm. Driving like that would put me to sleep (and those behind me will think I'm driving a friggin' 4 cylinder).

You get to make the choice. To me I'd rather drive the car aggressively and enjoy it than get a few thousand more miles on my engine. But, if the power and shifting in normal mode seem comfortable to you, go for it.