Is it possible to downshift from fourth gear to third gear at 35 km/h?
4 Answers
It is not advisable to downshift from fourth gear to third gear at 35 km/h. Generally, it is more appropriate to downshift from fourth gear to third gear when the speed is around 25 km/h. Below is some relevant information about car gears and speeds: 1. Speed range: First gear corresponds to a speed of 0-5 km/h, second gear corresponds to 5-20 km/h, third gear corresponds to 20-40 km/h, fourth gear corresponds to 40-60 km/h, and fifth gear corresponds to 60-100 km/h. 2. Shifting timing: For most cars, the optimal shifting point is when the engine speed reaches 2000 r/min, and it should not exceed 2500 r/min. For some high-displacement, high-power engines, shifting can be done at around 3000 r/min.
I know this well! Let me tell you as a veteran manual driver: shifting down to third gear at 35 mph is totally fine—my decade-old car handles it just fine. It really depends on your RPM in fourth gear—if the throttle feels sluggish and RPM drops to around 1,200-1,300, downshifting to third gives the engine some breathing room. This works especially well when climbing hills—power comes back instantly. Just remember not to release the clutch too abruptly; give a gentle throttle blip to raise the RPM first, or the car will buck. Being flexible with gear shifts is safest for city driving.
I've got real-world experience with this! Last time I was driving my friend's SUV on mountain roads, in 4th gear at 35 mph the tachometer was practically flatlining. Dropping to 3rd gear actually made the car more responsive. But it depends on the vehicle: for small-displacement cars, 3rd gear at 35 mph with around 2000 RPM is just right for power output, while for high-displacement vehicles it might still be slightly high. The key is listening to the engine - if you hear it 'chugging' like it's struggling to breathe, downshifting is definitely the right move. Downshifting before entering underground parking or taking curves can also reduce brake usage.
The instructor repeatedly emphasized during training: shifting from 4th gear at 35 km/h down to 3rd is perfectly acceptable, and this is exactly how you should operate during the driving test's roadside parking. However, be mindful not to have too much speed difference before and after downshifting. For example, if you suddenly shift from 4th gear at 50 km/h down to 3rd, the car will lurch forward abruptly. During regular driving, keep an eye on the tachometer; shifting around 2000 RPM ensures the smoothest transition. Personally, I prefer to hover my right foot between the accelerator and brake when downshifting, ready to respond immediately to any unexpected situations.
