What are the functions of each gear in a manual transmission?
2 Answers
Manual transmission: 1st gear for starting, 2nd gear for passing, 3rd gear for transition, 4th gear for driving, 5th gear for high speed, and R gear for reversing. Manual transmission cars: A manual transmission (MT), also known as a manual gearbox, requires the driver to manually shift gears by moving the gear lever to change the gear engagement inside the transmission, altering the gear ratio to achieve speed variation. The working principle involves using shift forks to change the transmission ratio (gear ratio) of the engaged gears, thereby modifying the driving torque to suit different driving conditions. Automatic transmission cars: Since the transmission range is divided into several gear ratio segments, it is only continuously variable within the specified segments. Therefore, an AT (automatic transmission) is actually a type of automatic gearbox that lies between stepped and continuously variable transmissions. Advantages and disadvantages: AT does not require a clutch for shifting, has fewer gears with significant changes, and provides smooth connections, making it easier to operate. This not only brings convenience to the driver but also ensures comfort for passengers.
I've been driving manual transmissions for over a decade and know them well. First gear is for starting; when the car is stationary, engage first gear and coordinate the throttle and clutch to get the car moving smoothly—it provides strong force but isn't suitable for high speeds. Second gear is for low-speed driving, such as 20 to 40 km/h in the city, allowing steady acceleration and preventing stalling during starts. Third gear is the main gear for daily driving, most commonly used at speeds between 30 to 60 km/h, offering balanced power and fuel efficiency. Fourth gear is ideal for medium to high speeds, perfect for cruising above 60 km/h with lower RPM and better fuel economy. Fifth gear is the high-speed gear, best for speeds above 80 km/h, minimizing RPM to reduce engine wear. Reverse gear is specifically for backing up—always come to a complete stop before engaging to avoid damaging the transmission. Neutral is used when parked. The key is to shift gears promptly based on speed, such as downshifting on uphill slopes to maintain torque or using engine braking downhill. These practices have helped me save a lot on fuel and extend my engine's lifespan.
