How fast can a car go in first gear?

[MiguelLynn]

First gear is used for normal starting or climbing very steep slopes, with a speed generally around 10km/h. Below is an introduction to gear positions and speeds: 2nd gear: This is a transitional gear for acceleration after starting or for low-speed driving, with a speed generally around 20km/h. 3rd gear: This gear is used for speeds between 20-40km/h and is commonly used for city driving. 4th gear: This gear is used for speeds between 40-60km/h. 5th gear: This gear is used for speeds above 60km/h and is typically used for highway driving.

[GeorgeLynn]

I've been driving for nearly twenty years, and first gear speeds really vary by vehicle, though the upper limit generally isn't too high. My old sedan could reach about 25 km/h in first gear at most, but this speed is rarely used in actual driving. First gear is designed for low speed and high torque, ideal for starting from a standstill or climbing steep hills. If you drive too fast, say over 30 km/h, the car will make a lot of noise, fuel consumption will skyrocket, and the transmission can be easily damaged. There's quite a difference between vehicle types—SUVs might have an upper limit around 15 km/h, while sports cars, optimized for acceleration, might be limited to around 10 km/h. For beginners just learning to drive, I recommend finding an open space to test your car's limits once. Remember, don't rely on high-speed driving in first gear for daily use—it's both fuel-inefficient and noisy. Regular transmission maintenance can also help keep your car's response sharp.

[SanAutumn]

As a young car enthusiast, I drive my compact Hyundai around the city every day. I've tested the speed in first gear, which ranges between 15 to 25 km/h. This gear isn't designed for sustained high speeds – as soon as the engine noise kicks in, you need to shift to second gear quickly. I've tried my friend's new energy vehicle where first gear easily exceeds 20 km/h but consumes more fuel; compared to SUVs, off-roading in first gear limited to 15 km/h actually feels safer. In city traffic jams, using first gear for starting is more responsive than automatic transmissions. Prolonged high-speed driving in first gear can damage the transmission system and increases fuel costs. I recommend downloading an OBD software to monitor real-time speed – understanding your car's parameters boosts driving confidence and prevents safety risks from lingering in low gears.

[ColinLee]

Having driven many cars, the speed limit in first gear is generally 15-25 km/h, with slight variations depending on the model. It provides high torque for easy starts but is unsuitable for high speeds due to low RPM. Misusing first gear for fast driving significantly increases transmission load, potentially causing jerking or overheating failures. The design principle balances efficiency and durability, with manual transmission beginners often making the mistake of delaying upshifts. During routine maintenance, check the clutch to ensure smooth shifting. Safety first—shift immediately after climbing hills to maintain stability.