At what speed should I shift to fourth gear?
4 Answers
45 km/h. The speed range for the 4th gear in a manual transmission car is between 45-56 km/h. Below is a detailed introduction to gear shifting speeds: 1. Gears: Start in first gear, shift to second gear after driving a few meters, 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, and shift to fifth gear when the speed exceeds 45 mph. 2. Notes: While shifting gears, the clutch and throttle must be well-coordinated. Press the clutch pedal all the way down, then release the throttle pedal, and quickly shift to the corresponding gear. Release your hand immediately after shifting; do not keep it on the gear lever for a long time, as this can easily damage the gear lever.
The ideal point to shift into fourth gear is generally around 40 to 50 km/h, but I believe it also depends on the specific car. With over 30 years of driving experience, I've developed my own habits: in city traffic, I shift into fourth gear once I hit 40 km/h; on the highway, I wait until 50 km/h for a smoother transition. The key is to listen to the engine sound and watch the tachometer—shifting between 1800 to 2200 RPM feels the smoothest. Shifting too early strains the engine, causing noticeable shaking, while shifting too late wastes fuel and harms the car. When driving a manual transmission, developing a feel for it is crucial—don’t just focus on the numbers. Practice in different conditions, like accelerating on flat roads to find the rhythm, and you’ll get the hang of it.
As a newly licensed driver, I've also pondered this. The instructor taught that shifting to fourth gear at 45 km/h is optimal, but I've found it actually depends on the car model and road conditions. With my small manual car, I shift earlier around 40 km/h in city driving, but delay shifting to around 50 km/h on highways. Shifting at low RPM makes the car feel sluggish and wastes fuel, while shifting at high RPM causes jerking. As a beginner, I often made wrong shifts - I recommend using dashboard aids like watching the speedometer hit around 45 km/h and practicing several times. Pay attention to acceleration during daily driving, avoid rushing gear changes, and it becomes much easier once you develop the habit.
The key to shifting timing lies in engine demand. For manual transmissions, shifting to fourth gear around 45 km/h is the standard range, keeping RPM in the ideal 1500-2500 range. Shifting too early causes low-RPM high-load conditions, straining the engine and increasing fuel consumption; shifting too late wastes fuel at high RPM and risks transmission wear. During normal driving, accelerate smoothly with speed and use engine sound to judge proper shifting—don't ignore gearshift feedback. Regular gear oil changes maintain smooth, hitch-free shifting.
