At What Speed to Shift Gears?

[MadelineRose]

Here is a detailed introduction on when to upshift based on speed: 1. First gear: Start moving, gently release the clutch, and shift to 2nd gear when speed reaches above 10 km/h. 2. Second gear: Normally drive above 20 km/h before shifting to 3rd gear. 3. Third gear: Shift to 4th gear when speed exceeds 35 km/h. 4. Fourth gear: Shift to 5th gear when speed goes above 45 km/h. 5. For cars with 6 or more gears: Upshift one gear for every approximately 15 mph increase in speed. Here are some additional points: 1. Reducing carbon buildup: Normally when shifting gears, the engine speed should be around 2500 rpm. Shifting at this time helps reduce engine carbon deposits. 2. Vehicle shuddering: If you shift gears when the engine speed is too low, the vehicle may shudder, indicating the engine is operating at low speed with high load. This can be harmful to the vehicle.

[MayaMarie]

When shifting gears in daily driving, it's not that rigid—it really depends on the specific car's condition. For regular family cars, you can shift from 1st to 2nd gear around 15-20 km/h, and shifting to 3rd at 30-40 km/h feels smoother. However, a crucial reminder: the tachometer is the key indicator! Most engines shift most smoothly around 2000 RPM. Shifting below 1500 RPM may cause lugging and shaking, while going above 2500 RPM wastes fuel. Once, when driving a friend’s modified car, I had to rev 1st gear up to 40 km/h before shifting—that’s how high-RPM engines perform. As long as the car feels powerful and doesn’t shake after each shift, you’re doing it right. Being too dogmatic can actually be unsafe.

[EllaAnn]

Shifting timing is actually a test of feel. After driving a manual for ten years, my deepest realization is to listen to the engine sound. When the engine sound becomes muffled, it's time to downshift; when it becomes sharp, upshift. For regular cars, you can shift to second gear as soon as the car moves after starting in first gear, and shifting to third gear around 25 km/h is very smooth. Don't use higher gears too early—shift to fourth gear only above 45 km/h, and fifth gear at 60 km/h for better fuel efficiency. Turbocharged cars require extra attention—my old turbo car would immediately experience surging if shifted to fifth gear below 40 km/h. The joy of driving a manual lies in the 'click' of the gearbox and the dance of the tachometer needle—it's far more accurate than watching the speedometer.

[VanArabella]

Many people memorize 'shift to 2nd gear at 20 mph, shift to 4th gear at 40 mph', but this actually harms the car. Engine types vary greatly: naturally aspirated cars shift perfectly at 2000 rpm, while turbocharged (T) cars need to reach 2500 rpm for optimal power. Once, I drove a diesel pickup that had ample power shifting at just 1800 rpm. For beginners, focus on two key sensations: smooth shifting without hesitation indicates proper timing, and delay shifting half a gear later when climbing hills compared to flat roads. Never shift to a higher gear while climbing—I once shifted from 3rd to 4th on a mountain road and the car instantly felt like it was being pulled backward. If unsure, shift at 2000 rpm—this number works for 90% of vehicles.