How to Match Speed with Gear Shift?

[OLayla]

Manual transmission gear speeds are as follows: 1st gear: generally around 10km/h; 2nd gear: generally around 20km/h; 3rd gear: typically used between 20km/h to 40km/h; 4th gear: between 40-60km/h; 5th gear: above 60km/h. Additional information: 1. Upshifting: Regardless of the current gear, shift up when the engine reaches 2500 RPM. The gears in the transmission are arranged by size. 2. Gear and speed matching: Larger gears rotate slower, corresponding to lower gears and slower speeds; smaller gears rotate faster, corresponding to higher gears and faster speeds. 3. Consequences of gear mismatch: If the gear does not match the engine RPM, it can lead to a mismatch between engine power and transmission gears, resulting in jerky movement (or high engine RPM, loud noise, but very slow speed).

[LaMalachi]

Matching speed with gears is something I believe mainly comes with experience. When I was learning manual transmission in my younger days, the instructor said you generally start in first gear at around 10 km/h, shift to second between 15-30 km/h, move to third when reaching 30-50 km/h, switch to fourth at 50-80 km/h on highways, and use fifth or sixth gear above 80 km/h. But don't be too rigid – every car is different. Smaller cars might be more flexible, while SUVs are heavier. The key is listening to the engine sound or watching the tachometer; maintaining 1,500-2,500 RPM is the safest range. Too high RPMs cause engine strain and waste fuel, while too low leads to lugging and engine stress. Practice more in city driving – like starting slowly, not rushing to upshift on slopes – and you'll naturally develop a feel over time. Remember, safety comes first, as mismatched gears can destabilize the vehicle and affect handling.

[TheoRose]

When I first started with manual transmission, I also struggled with the relationship between speed and gears. My advice is to practice starting at low speeds: use first gear for 0-15 km/h for stable starts; shift to second gear around 20 km/h for smoother acceleration; third gear is ideal for speeds between 30-50 km/h for steady power delivery; fourth gear works best for highway cruising at 50-80 km/h; and fifth gear should be used above 80 km/h for fuel efficiency. But don't just stare at the speedometer - pay more attention to RPMs. The sweet spot for shifting is between 1500-2500 RPM. Too high revs can damage the engine, while too low causes the car to shudder. Practice in open areas, repeatedly starting, accelerating, and downshifting to develop muscle memory. This helps prevent stalling at starts or losing power on hills. Beginners should take it slow - with enough practice, manual transmission will become second nature.

[OKatherine]

Matching speed and gear is super effective for fuel economy! If you're driving at 20 km/h in a high gear, the engine will lug and fuel consumption will skyrocket; driving at high speeds in a low gear makes the engine scream and wastes fuel. A reasonable approach is: first gear for 0-15 km/h, second gear for 15-30, third gear for 30-50, fourth gear for 50-80, and fifth gear for 80 and above. Keeping the RPM between 1500 and 2500 is optimal, reducing fuel consumption and protecting the engine. Pay attention to these habits when driving a manual transmission—don't upshift unnecessarily in slow city traffic. This can save you a lot on fuel costs in the long run.