How Fast Can You Go in First Gear with Full Throttle?
3 Answers
Pressing the accelerator to the floor in first gear can achieve a maximum speed of 40km/h. Below are the specific speed ranges for each gear: 1st Gear: Used for normal starts or climbing very steep slopes. The speed is typically around 10 km/h. 2nd Gear: A transition gear for acceleration after starting or for low-speed driving, with speeds generally around 20 km/h. 3rd Gear: Used at speeds between 20-40km/h, commonly employed for city driving. 4th Gear: Suitable for speeds between 40-60km/h. 5th Gear: Can be used at speeds above 60km/h.
When you floor the throttle in first gear, the speed actually doesn't increase very much. Based on my experience, most small family cars only reach around 20 to 35 kilometers per hour. For example, when driving a small-displacement car, you might feel a surge of acceleration, but the engine revs skyrocket with loud noise, and wheel spin may occur. This situation is suitable for starting or climbing steep slopes, but be careful—frequent use can easily burn engine oil or waste gasoline. I've also encountered novice friends who stomped on the gas but couldn't gain speed, thinking the car was broken—when in fact, it's completely normal because first gear's gear ratio is designed for high torque and low speed to ensure smooth starts. In daily driving, shifting to second gear at the right time allows for more efficient acceleration.
After decades of driving, I must remind you that first gear with full throttle has obvious speed limitations, typically ranging between 15 to 40 km/h depending on the vehicle model. Regular sedans usually max out around 20+ km/h, while sportier models may go slightly faster. This is because lower gears deliver high torque to assist acceleration but have low speed ceilings. Pushing the throttle hard causes engine RPMs to surge, not only drastically increasing fuel consumption but potentially overheating and damaging components. I recommend testing in open areas and using it to enhance traction when climbing hills, which is more practical. Avoid trying this on slippery surfaces to prevent loss of control. Regular maintenance checks on transmission fluid can also minimize such issues.
