60 mph in 4th or 5th gear?
2 Answers
Using 5th gear is better because it is more fuel-efficient than 4th gear when driving at 60 km/h. At 60 km/h, the engine speed in 4th gear is around 2000 RPM, while in 5th gear, it is around 1500 RPM. Due to the higher gear ratio in 4th gear, the engine output torque is lower compared to driving in 5th gear. Here are some additional gear-shifting tips: Shift at the right time: Change gears according to the speed of the car. Downshift based on actual conditions: Sometimes while driving, you may notice the car shaking slightly, indicating that the engine is operating under low-speed, high-load conditions. In such cases, immediately downshift by one or two gears. Coordinate the clutch and throttle properly: When shifting gears, ensure the clutch and throttle are well-coordinated. Press the clutch pedal fully, then release the throttle pedal, and quickly shift to the appropriate gear. After shifting, release your hand immediately and avoid keeping it on the gear lever (commonly known as the gear stick) for too long, as this can easily damage the gear lever.
Having driven in the city for decades, I believe the choice of gear at 60 km/h mainly depends on the situation. If you're cruising at a constant speed on a flat road, fifth gear is more appropriate—it keeps the engine RPM lower, improves fuel efficiency, and makes for a quieter, smoother ride. However, when climbing a hill or needing to overtake, shifting to fourth gear provides more torque, delivering stronger power and quicker response. Modern cars are generally designed with fifth gear optimized for highway cruising, so I usually stick to fifth gear at 60 km/h on highways or national roads—it's fuel-efficient and eco-friendly. Some older models or smaller-displacement engines may require adjusting based on engine sound; if the tachometer shows below 2,000 RPM, it might struggle a bit, so try shifting to fourth gear. The general principle is to prioritize fifth gear for driving efficiency and engine protection, but staying flexible based on specific conditions never hurts.