When shifting gears in an automatic transmission car, you must press the brake to prevent misoperation and ensure safety. Below is a detailed introduction to car gear positions: 1. First Gear (Starting Gear): Primarily used for starting and climbing steep slopes. Small cars should generally start in first gear unless under special circumstances. Large vehicles are designed to start in first gear when fully loaded, so they can start in second gear when lightly loaded. First gear is used for steep slopes, with a typical speed below 10 km/h. 2. Second Gear (Passing Gear): Used for navigating complex road conditions, such as sharp turns without obstacles, crowded urban areas, moderately steep uphill sections, or bumpy roads. The typical speed is below 20 km/h. 3. Third Gear (Transition Gear): Mainly used for low-speed urban driving, especially on roads with frequent speed changes. Slight acceleration increases speed, while easing off the throttle slows the car. If shifting is needed, acceleration can smoothly transition to fourth gear, and deceleration can easily shift down to second gear. 4. Fourth Gear (Driving Gear): Used for prolonged driving at an economical speed, typically above 40 km/h. Most vehicles achieve optimal fuel efficiency at engine speeds between 1,800–2,500 RPM and speeds between 60–80 km/h. Fourth gear is suitable for speeds above 40 km/h, while fifth gear should be used above 50 km/h. 5. Fifth Gear (High-Speed Gear): Primarily for high-speed long-distance driving above 50 km/h. Maintaining high RPMs in fourth gear wastes fuel and increases engine wear. Shifting to fifth gear allows for sustained high-speed driving while keeping the engine in its optimal fuel-efficient RPM range, improving both efficiency and vehicle longevity. 6. Reverse Gear: Used for reversing. Note that the car must come to a complete stop before shifting into reverse. Never shift into reverse while the car is moving forward, as this can damage the vehicle.
