Is it called idling when in first gear without giving gas?
3 Answers
Being in first gear without giving gas is not called idling. Below is some introduction about idling: 1. Introduction: Idling refers to the operation of the engine under no load, where it only needs to overcome the frictional resistance of its internal components and does not output power externally. The minimum speed at which the engine maintains stable operation is called idling, which is one of the five basic operating conditions of an engine. For an engine with good performance, its idling speed is generally between 550-800 RPM. 2. Function: The idling speed can be adjusted by changing the throttle opening size, the amount of fuel supplied at idle, etc. Generally speaking, the best idling speed is the lowest speed at which the engine does not shake within the idling range and has good acceleration performance.
As someone knowledgeable about cars, I would say that engaging first gear without giving gas is commonly referred to as 'idling' in everyday conversation, but this isn't entirely accurate. Strictly speaking, idling refers to the engine running at its lowest RPM state when in neutral or with the clutch depressed, without any load. However, when in first gear with the clutch engaged, the engine actually bears the load of the vehicle's weight, causing the car to move at an extremely low speed, known as 'creeping' mode. Prolonged use of this method increases clutch wear because the engine outputs low torque while under pressure, similar to idling but technically different. When teaching friends to drive, I often remind them that using this technique in traffic jams can save fuel and prevent stalling, but they should be cautious if the engine RPM drops too low, as it may suddenly stall, posing a danger. Correctly understanding the difference between idling and creeping helps maintain the car's condition, and periodic tuning of the engine control unit settings can improve overall performance. In fact, this reflects a driving skill—beginners can achieve smoother starts by practicing the balance between the clutch and accelerator.
Having driven for many years, I always operate like this in traffic jams: shift to first gear without giving gas, which everyone calls idling, although it's not the pure technical definition of idling. Idling originally means the engine runs in neutral, but with the gear engaged, the car will move slowly like crawling, especially confusing for manual transmission beginners. I've encountered many times on gentle slopes or in crowded sections where this trick is super useful—it prevents stalling and saves a bit of fuel, but don't overdo it, otherwise, the clutch plate will wear out quickly and need replacement sooner. Looking back to my driving lessons, the instructor emphasized this as similar to 'half-clutch idling,' essentially for safety and control. My takeaway is that it's most suitable when the speed is below 5 km/h, but you must keep an eye on the surroundings because other drivers might misjudge that you're not moving. I recommend beginners first simulate low-speed driving scenarios and combine it with slight throttle input to reduce mechanical burden. Although this habit is practical, it's not a long-term solution, as increased engine load will slightly affect fuel economy.
