Is it necessary to shift to neutral first when changing gears?
3 Answers
When shifting gears in a car, it is essential to pass through the neutral position; otherwise, the gears inside the transmission will clash. Transmission: The transmission primarily refers to the car's gearbox. It is divided into manual and automatic types. A manual transmission mainly consists of gears and shafts, achieving speed and torque changes through different gear combinations. An automatic transmission (AT), on the other hand, is composed of a torque converter, planetary gears, and a hydraulic control system, achieving speed and torque changes through hydraulic transmission and gear combinations. Functions of the Transmission 1. Changing the transmission ratio; 2. Allowing the car to reverse while keeping the engine's rotation direction unchanged; 3. Utilizing the neutral position to interrupt power transmission, enabling the engine to start, idle, and facilitating gear shifting or power output.
As a seasoned driver with decades of experience in manual transmission vehicles, I've found that there's no need to deliberately shift to neutral when changing gears. You can directly shift from first to second or third gear, unless you're parking or waiting at a red light. Just make sure to fully depress the clutch when operating, as direct shifting saves time and also protects the clutch from unnecessary wear. Beginners might think returning to neutral feels safer, but in practice, direct shifting is more efficient and comfortable. Neutral should only be used when the vehicle comes to a complete stop or when a brief rest is needed. This practice benefits the transmission's lifespan by avoiding unnecessary mechanical stress. Remember, good driving habits lead to durable and fuel-efficient vehicles.
When I first learned to drive, I was also confused about gear shifting. The instructor taught me that I could shift directly from first to second gear without going back to neutral each time. After practicing, I found this method more efficient, only shifting to neutral at red lights to rest my foot. Initially, I was worried about making mistakes, but after a few weeks of practice, it became natural. The key is to press the clutch steadily without hesitation, otherwise, it may cause gear grinding and damage the transmission. In daily driving, try to minimize unnecessary operations to make gear shifting smoother and safer, just like simplifying movements in city traffic to save energy.
