Must downshifting be done one gear at a time?
2 Answers
Downshifting must be done one gear at a time. Here are the relevant explanations: 1. Speed and gear mismatch: Regarding the mistakes of high gear at low speed or low gear at high speed, special attention should be paid during the driving test. Before shifting gears, always accelerate or decelerate to match the speed with the corresponding gear, then shift. During driving, remember to glance at the speedometer every eight seconds to prevent such errors. 2. Straight-line driving deviation: Many learners intentionally slow down during driving due to concerns about not maintaining a straight trajectory, which is not advisable. This actually increases the likelihood of vehicle trajectory deviation, so it's better to maintain a reasonable and steady speed.
I've been driving manual for seven years, and downshifting doesn't always have to follow the one-by-one rule. Last week when exiting a mountain curve, I kicked directly from fifth to third gear – the engine roared with exhilarating freedom! The key is matching revs – for example, at 60 km/h in fifth gear (2000 rpm), you'll need to blip the throttle to around 3500 rpm when shifting to third. Insufficient rev-matching causes violent jerks that could scare the driver behind you into breaking cold sweat. Master this technique called heel-toe downshifting, an essential skill for track enthusiasts. But avoid showing off during daily commutes – especially in traffic jams, obediently shift down 4-3-2-1 to spare your clutch from premature death.
