How to Shift Gears in an Old Santana?
2 Answers
Here are the specific shifting methods for an old Santana: 1. The gear lever is located in the center of the vehicle. 2. After parking the vehicle, shift into the "P" gear, which is the parking gear. 3. When reversing is needed, shift into the "R" gear, which is the reverse gear. 4. For short-term parking, use the "N" gear, which is the neutral gear. 5. To move forward, shift into the "D" gear, which is the drive gear. 6. For stronger forward power, shift into the "S" gear, which is the sport gear. Notes: 1. Master the use of each gear properly. 2. Take adequate rest to avoid fatigued driving.
When I first learned to drive, I drove an old Santana with a manual transmission. Shifting gears required pressing the clutch pedal first to ensure the car was completely stationary or in neutral. For a normal start, you begin with 1st gear at the bottom left, slowly releasing the clutch while giving a bit of throttle to prevent stalling. Accelerate to around 20 km/h before shifting to 2nd gear, then to 3rd gear at 40 km/h, and use 4th or 5th gear on highways for better fuel efficiency. The reverse gear has a unique position—usually push the gear lever all the way to the right and then lift it up, sometimes requiring a slight press on the gear knob to unlock it. If it doesn’t engage, gently rock the lever back and forth; forcing it can damage the gears. Older cars have larger gear gaps, making the operation a bit stiff, but once you get used to it, it feels smooth and offers strong driving pleasure. Remember not to rush when starting; synchronizing the clutch and throttle is key to avoid jerking. New drivers will get the hang of it with a few more practices.
