What are the corresponding speeds for each car gear?
4 Answers
1st gear is used for starting; 2nd gear corresponds to a speed of 5-20km/h; 3rd gear corresponds to 20-40km/h; 4th gear corresponds to 40-60km/h; 5th gear corresponds to 60-100km/h, or the maximum speed. Relevant information about manual transmission cars is as follows: 1. Introduction: A car that uses a manual shift mechanical transmission (also known as manual transmission, MT) to adjust speed. That is, the gear shift lever must be moved manually to change the gear meshing position inside the transmission, altering the gear ratio to achieve speed change. The gear shift lever can only be moved when the clutch is depressed. 2. Composition: By switching different gear sets, gear changes are achieved. As a key component in distributing power, the transmission must have two major parts: the power input shaft and output shaft, plus the gears that make up the transmission, which are the most basic components of a manual transmission.
As someone who has driven for many years, I believe the speed ranges for each gear aren't rigid rules—they're affected by vehicle type, weight, and road conditions. For manual transmissions, the basic ranges are: 1st gear from 0 to around 20 km/h, mainly for starting or hill starts; 2nd gear between 20-40 km/h, good for gradual acceleration; 3rd gear 40-60 km/h, commonly used for city commuting; 4th gear 60-80 km/h, ideal for suburban roads or expressways; 5th gear 80+ km/h, suited for highways or steady cruising. When I drive, I prefer watching the tachometer—shifting between 2,000 to 3,000 RPM feels smoothest, saving fuel and protecting the engine. In city traffic jams, you'll often alternate between 2nd and 3rd gears; avoid higher gears to prevent engine shudder. On inclines, downshift early to maintain power. Each vehicle differs—sedans, SUVs, and performance cars have variations, with recommended speeds listed in the owner's manual. With practice, you'll naturally find the rhythm—when the engine sound deepens, it's time to shift.
For daily commuters, I find the gear speed quite easy to remember: first gear for starting at 0-20 km/h, shift to second gear around 20; second gear for 20-40, shift to third gear around 40; third gear for 40-60, then jump to fourth; fourth gear for 60-80, then shift to fifth. Automatic cars adjust themselves, but with manual transmissions, aim for smooth transitions—don’t stomp on the gas. I mostly drive in the city with frequent traffic lights, staying between second and third gears to avoid wasting fuel with low-gear high-speed or damaging the engine with high-gear low-speed. Too high RPMs sound harsh, too low and the car lacks power and shudders. I suggest balancing speed and feel for relaxed driving—don’t rigidly follow numbers. Use higher gears on highways for stability. Remember to gently release the clutch when shifting to reduce jerking, forming good habits to extend component life. Vehicle condition also affects speed matching, so regular checks and maintenance are crucial.
When I first learned to drive, I figured out the basics of gear speeds: first gear 0-20 km/h for quick starts; shift to second at 20 km/h; third gear around 40 km/h; fourth gear around 60 km/h; and fifth gear for speeds above 80 km/h. Beginners with manual transmissions often experience jerky shifts—don’t rush during practice. In city driving, you’ll mostly use second and third gears at around 30 km/h, while fifth gear on highways saves effort. Listen to the engine sound—smooth shifts happen when the sound is steady. Avoid wasting fuel with low-gear high-speed or damaging the engine with high-gear low-speed. Safety first: don’t accelerate aggressively at starts, shift decisively but smoothly, and gain experience by driving more—it’ll become natural.
