Can I keep using manual mode (M gear) on the highway?
2 Answers
You can keep using manual mode (M gear) on the highway. Here are some important considerations for highway driving: 1. Overtaking: Clearly identify travel lanes and passing lanes as well as road signs. On highways, the lane closest to the median barrier is the passing lane. Do not stay in the passing lane for extended periods unless overtaking. The far-right lane is typically the emergency lane - never use it for overtaking. 2. Driving speed: Pay attention to your speed. On highways, slower doesn't necessarily mean safer. For passenger vehicles, maintaining speeds between 80 to 100 km/h is generally safer. 3. Exiting: When exiting the highway, identify your exit ramp clearly. If you miss your exit, continue to the next exit rather than attempting to reverse or make a U-turn.
When driving on the highway, I often encounter this question. The M mode is the manual mode, allowing you to control gear shifts yourself, making you feel more involved in the driving process. However, on the highway, the speed is usually around 120 kilometers per hour, and continuously using the M mode can distract your attention. You have to constantly monitor the tachometer and manually shift up or down, which means you spend less time looking at the road conditions and may not react in time during emergencies. The automatic mode is smarter—it adjusts automatically based on speed and load, allowing you to focus more on safety and navigation. Using the M mode occasionally for overtaking or climbing hills is cool, but prolonged manual operation can tire your hands and may increase fuel consumption or engine wear due to improper shifting. If it's for the thrill of driving, choose some open road sections to experience it. For mainstream highway driving, the automatic mode is recommended—safety first.
