Is 20 mph in 3rd gear considered lugging?
3 Answers
20 mph in 3rd gear is not considered lugging. Lugging is divided into high-speed low-gear and low-speed high-gear situations. The standard gear shifting speed for vehicles is to use 3rd gear at speeds between 20-40 km/h, which is commonly used for urban driving; the normal gear for 50 mph should be 4th gear, while 50 mph in 3rd gear would be considered high-speed low-gear lugging. Below is a detailed introduction to the standard gear shifting speeds for vehicles: 1. 1st gear: Used for normal starts or when climbing very steep slopes. The speed in this gear is around 10 km/h. 2. 2nd gear: Used as a transition gear for acceleration after starting, or for low-speed driving or climbing steep slopes, with speeds around 20 km/h. 3. 3rd gear: Used at speeds between 20-40 km/h, commonly used for urban driving. 4. 4th gear: Used at speeds between 40-60 km/h. 5. 5th gear: Can be used at speeds of 60 km/h or above.
From my years of driving experience, being in 3rd gear at around 20 km/h is very likely considered lugging the engine. Lugging occurs when the engine RPM is too low for the higher gear, causing the car to shake and struggle to accelerate. Different car models react differently, but generally speaking, a manual transmission car in 3rd gear at 20 km/h may only have the engine RPM around 1000, while the ideal range is between 1500 to 2500 RPM for smooth operation. If the RPM is too low, incomplete fuel combustion occurs, making the car feel jerky, like an old ox pulling a broken cart, and fuel consumption will also be higher. I recommend paying attention to the engine sound or checking the dashboard—if you notice any shaking, immediately downshift to 2nd gear. Prolonged lugging can also accelerate carbon buildup and damage internal engine components. Therefore, it's best to maintain a proper match between speed and gear while driving to avoid costly repairs later.
When I first learned to drive, I also encountered this situation. Whether driving at 20 km/h in 3rd gear is considered lugging depends on the car and driving habits. My instructor said that lugging means the engine struggles at low RPMs, like when in 3rd gear at low speeds, the car will feel very strained, especially when starting or going uphill. If the RPM drops below 1500, it's mostly lugging, which can cause the car to shake and become unstable. I once tried it on a country road, and the car almost stalled. Later, I developed the habit of using 2nd gear at around 20 km/h for safety. This relates to driving comfort and safety, and beginners often overlook these small details. So, I recommend practicing more with lower gears until you find your car's rhythm. Remember to check the vehicle manual regularly to understand the recommended RPM range and avoid more trouble.
