Is it necessary to downshift sequentially when stopping from fifth gear?
3 Answers
It is not necessary to downshift sequentially when stopping from fifth gear. Below is relevant information about stopping from fifth gear: 1. Method for stopping from fifth gear: First release the accelerator and gently apply the brakes to slow down gradually; when the vehicle slows to approximately 30 kilometers per hour, press the clutch pedal fully with your left foot while simultaneously applying the brakes with your right foot; once the vehicle comes to a complete stop, engage the handbrake, shift the gear to neutral, then release the clutch and brakes, and turn off the engine; after turning off the engine, unfasten the seatbelt, check the rearview mirrors for any vehicles or pedestrians, and only open the door to exit after confirming it is safe. 2. Speed range for gears 1 to 5: First gear is used for starting. When the speed reaches 10 km/h and the engine RPM reaches around 2000, you can shift to second gear. When the speed reaches 20 km/h and the engine RPM reaches around 2000, you can shift to third gear. When the speed reaches 40 km/h and the engine RPM reaches around 2000, you can shift to fourth gear. When the speed reaches 60 km/h and the engine RPM reaches around 2000, you can shift to fifth gear.
I've been driving manual transmission for over a decade, and you don't have to rigidly downshift through every gear when coming to a stop. For red lights or brief stops, just press the clutch and shift to neutral—it's the easiest way and gives your left foot a break. But don't get lazy on long descents! You must downshift sequentially from 4th to 3rd to 2nd to use engine braking and prevent overheating the brake pads. Once, I got lazy coasting downhill in 5th gear on a mountain road and nearly smoked my brakes. Beginners should get into the habit of watching the tachometer—avoid shifting directly from 5th to 2nd at speeds above 60 km/h, or you'll hear that heart-wrenching 'clunk' from the transmission. Older cars demand even more care—my 15-year-old ride shakes so violently during aggressive downshifts that coins in the cupholder go flying.
When I first got my license, I was also confused about this issue. The driving instructor said you must downshift sequentially, but actually, it depends on the situation! In city driving with frequent stops, it's perfectly fine to coast in 5th gear down to 20 km/h, press the clutch all the way, and shift to neutral. However, there are two things to note: first, don't skip gears when the speed is above 40 km/h, as the transmission gears will grind loudly; second, it's better to downshift sequentially in cold weather, especially for friends in the north, since the gear oil becomes thicker after freezing overnight. Once, I tried to save time by shifting directly from 5th to neutral, but I released the clutch too quickly, causing the car to jerk violently—and the hot drink in the back seat spilled everywhere. That experience was definitely paid for with hot beverages.
