
When shifting gears, you need to first press the clutch in neutral to start the engine, then press the clutch to engage first gear, and slowly release the clutch while gently pressing the accelerator as the car begins to move. To shift to second gear, simply release the accelerator, press the clutch, and engage second gear. Repeat the same steps for shifting to third and fourth gears. When upshifting, it is necessary to appropriately increase the throttle before shifting gears. The purpose of increasing the throttle first is to ensure the engine has sufficient power.

I've been driving manual for over a decade, and shifting to fourth gear is actually super easy. Press the clutch pedal all the way down with your left foot, then gently push the gear lever back to neutral with your right hand - it's like plucking a guitar string. Then pull straight back, since fourth gear is directly behind third. The key is simultaneously easing off the gas pedal with your right foot, letting the engine RPM drop to around 2000 for the smoothest shift. Release the clutch steadily - quick through the first half to the bite point, then slower through the second half. Common rookie mistakes are yanking the lever too fast (making the gears clunk) or releasing the clutch too abruptly (causing the car to lurch). With experience, you'll learn to shift by engine sound alone - the lever just glides into position with a slight nudge.

The key to shifting from third to fourth gear is matching the engine speed. It's recommended to shift only after the vehicle speed exceeds 35 km/h. Keep your left hand steady on the steering wheel, and place your right palm flat on top of the gear lever. The moment you fully depress the clutch, use a gentle wrist motion to pull the gear lever straight toward your body in one smooth motion, like sliding a drawer on its track. The ideal engine speed drop is between 1500-2500 RPM - releasing the clutch at this range will minimize jerking. Pro tip: give a slight throttle blip with your right foot while releasing the clutch (experienced drivers all do this). Don't stare at the tachometer when shifting - a quick glance at the speedometer suffices. Remember to keep your shoulders relaxed during shifts; tension increases the chance of mis-shifting.

While teaching my daughter to drive, I noticed that shifting up mainly involves three key points. First is the shifting posture—avoid using the entire arm; letting the wrist guide the motion is easiest. Second, observe the speed range—shifting to fourth gear around 40 km/h in most cars ensures the smoothest transition. Third is clutch control—pause slightly when reaching the engagement point. If you encounter a situation where you need to upshift while turning, the correct approach is to first slow down and downshift. Practice shifting directly from third to fourth gear frequently to develop a feel for the straight-up-and-down motion. If the car lurches forward after shifting, it means the throttle was pressed too hard; if there's jerking, it’s likely because the clutch was released too quickly.


