At What RPM Should an Automatic Transmission Shift?
2 Answers
For automatic transmission vehicles, maintaining a stable RPM between 1800 and 2000 for shifting is considered normal. Below is an introduction to automatic transmission shifting: 1. Intelligent Shifting: When the accelerator is pressed hard, the onboard computer interprets this as a need for rapid acceleration. To achieve quick speed increase and require high torque, the computer will shift gears when the engine RPM is between 2500 and 3000. When the accelerator is pressed gently, it is generally considered normal driving conditions, so shifting occurs at the normal RPM range. 2. Accelerating by Pressing the Accelerator: Once you feel the speed is sufficient, releasing the accelerator slightly can prompt an upshift, which also saves fuel. This is a common technique for automatic transmission vehicles. If you always apply light pressure on the accelerator, the automatic transmission will upshift at a low RPM (around 1500) once the speed increases, which may cause a jerky feeling. However, if you consistently upshift at 2500 RPM, you will hardly notice the shift.
I usually drive an automatic transmission car for commuting, and I find the shift points quite intelligent. Generally, when slowly starting on small city roads, it upshifts around 1800 to 2000 RPM, which makes driving both fuel-efficient and smooth. If I accelerate a bit faster, like when in a hurry, it holds the shift until 2500 RPM, giving a stronger power feel. When encountering steep slopes or highway entrances, the car automatically delays shifting until above 2800 RPM to maintain climbing power. In traffic jams, the RPM is very low, around 1500 RPM, with frequent upshifts, but it’s very smooth. In sport mode, it holds shifts until above 3000 RPM, making the response quicker but a bit more fuel-consuming. It’s normal for the RPM to be slightly higher when starting with a cold engine. Overall, I think keeping shifts between 1800-2200 RPM is the most economical. The key is to maintain steady throttle control and avoid stomping on the pedal.