Must Gear Shifting Be Done Step by Step?
2 Answers
It is possible to shift directly from fifth gear to first gear, but in most cases, many drivers do not adopt this practice. At this time, it is necessary to apply the brakes. If the brakes are not applied, it will cause significant impact on the transmission and engine. Additionally, the vehicle speed will suddenly decrease, and the higher speed will also cause the engine's RPM to rise sharply. The principle of downshifting: The general principle of operating the transmission is: upshifting should be done step by step, while downshifting can be done by skipping gears. Based on the current vehicle speed, shift from a higher gear to a lower gear that can maintain appropriate torque. Scenarios of skipping gears when downshifting: One is naturally downshifting when the vehicle speed decreases to a certain extent, and the other is forced downshifting, also known as emergency downshifting. Generally, the brakes should be used first to reduce the speed to a level suitable for the lower gear before downshifting; otherwise, it may cause significant damage to the transmission.
As a novice driver who just got my license, I have a deep impression of gear shifting operations. When I first started learning to drive, the instructor strictly required me to shift gears sequentially, from 1st to 2nd, then to 3rd, without skipping any steps. He said this was to protect the transmission and clutch, preventing sudden impacts that could damage the car. Once on the highway, I tried to take a shortcut by shifting directly from 3rd to 5th gear, but the RPM didn't match, causing the car to jerk violently and nearly lose control, which really scared me. Now I understand that although theoretically you can skip gears (e.g., from 2nd to 4th when the speed matches), incorrect operation can increase wear and even cause accidents. Unless you're very experienced, developing the habit of shifting sequentially is safer and more reliable, and it also extends the car's lifespan. I recommend that beginners start with the basics and not cut corners.
