
Shifting from second to third gear is diagonally upward, but it involves passing through neutral. When shifting from second to third gear, with the clutch pedal depressed, push the gear lever forward. Manual transmission cars use a manual shift mechanical transmission to adjust the vehicle speed, meaning that moving the gear lever changes the gear engagement position inside the transmission, altering the gear ratio to achieve speed variation. The clutch must be depressed to move the gear lever. The corresponding speeds for manual transmission gears are: 1st and 2nd gears correspond to speeds of 5 to 20 kilometers per hour; 2nd and 3rd gears correspond to speeds of 20 to 40 kilometers per hour; 3rd and 4th gears correspond to speeds of 40 to 60 kilometers per hour; and 4th and 5th gears correspond to speeds of 60 to 100 kilometers per hour.

Having driven manual transmission cars for over a decade, I can tell you that shifting from second to third gear typically involves a diagonal upward push. It's like drawing a small arc on the gearshift: starting from the top-left second gear position, returning to the neutral center, then pushing diagonally upward to the top-right. This motion feels natural and effortless. Why is it designed this way? Primarily to facilitate smooth transitions, reduce the risk of selecting the wrong gear, and enhance driving safety. Personally, I've developed the habit of gently pressing the clutch during each shift to avoid jerking, which benefits the engine in the long run. For beginners, a few practice sessions will make it feel intuitive—the key is to keep your arm relaxed and tension-free.

When I was learning to drive, my instructor taught me very clearly that gear shifting should be done with standard movements: second gear is at the top left, and to shift to third gear, you return to neutral from there, then push diagonally upward to the right, with a slight upward tilt but not too much. This design ensures the shortest shifting path, minimizes errors, and makes it easier for beginners to master. Remember not to use too much force—just a gentle push—and coordinate well with the clutch rhythm to prevent stalling. When commuting in the city, I always remind myself not to rush; smooth gear shifts help with fuel efficiency. After driving a manual transmission a few times, these movements become muscle memory.

The joy of driving a manual transmission lies in these small details, such as shifting from second to third gear, which essentially involves pushing diagonally upward. This is because the gearbox layout positions third gear at the upper right and second gear at the upper left, requiring you to pass through the neutral zone before pushing diagonally upward. In actual driving, this design saves effort and speeds up shifts, reducing the chance of mis-shifting. Pairing it with a slightly quicker clutch release makes the process even smoother. Over time, you'll find this setup quite user-friendly.

I usually commute with a manual transmission, shifting gears frequently during my daily commute. Shifting from second to third gear always feels like drawing a small upward arc to the upper right—just a gentle diagonal push and it's done. This makes the shift quick and light, unlike the effort required at lower speeds. If the movement isn't smooth, it can cause jerks, affecting both driving mood and fuel efficiency. I recommend beginners practice this transition more—once mastered, driving becomes much more enjoyable.


