At what speed ranges should manual transmission gears be shifted?
3 Answers
Shift to third gear when the speed reaches above 20 mph but below 35 mph; shift to fourth gear when the speed reaches above 35 mph but below 45 mph; shift to fifth gear when the speed exceeds 45 mph. Below are detailed introductions to the consistent three gears of manual transmission: 1. 1st gear: Used for normal starting or climbing very steep slopes. The speed is generally around 10 km/h. 2. 2nd gear: A transitional gear for acceleration after starting or for low-speed driving, with speeds typically around 20 km/h. 3. 3rd gear: Used at speeds between 20-40 km/h, commonly employed for city driving.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for many years, and shifting gears isn't about staring at the speedometer—it's about feeling and listening to the engine. Generally, after starting in first gear, you should shift to second when you reach around 15-20 km/h; otherwise, the engine will roar. For shifting from second to third, a smooth transition happens at 20-30 km/h in city driving. When shifting from third to fourth, around 40-50 km/h is ideal for fuel-efficient highway cruising. The shift from fourth to fifth is best between 60-80 km/h, and beyond that is for overtaking or long-distance driving. The key is adjusting based on driving conditions—slow down in traffic jams to avoid stalling by not rushing to upshift, and shift earlier when climbing hills to ease the engine's load. Stay flexible and get used to checking the tachometer—keeping it around 2,500 RPM is safest and gentlest on the car.
When learning manual transmission, the instructor taught a standard procedure: start in first gear, shift to second when speed exceeds 10 km/h, pull second gear to around 20 for third, shift to fourth between 30-40 in third gear, and push to fifth when reaching 50-60 in fourth. But after driving a small-displacement car, I realized it varies by situation—city commuting requires gentler shifts around 2000 RPM for fuel efficiency and quietness; on highways, delay slightly, keeping it under 3000 RPM. Never rigidly follow the speedometer, as vehicle weight and road conditions greatly influence it—empty or fully loaded makes a huge difference. With practice, beginners can naturally judge shifts by engine sound, extending car life while avoiding awkward stalling moments.
