What are the speed and gear positions for shifting up and down?

[LeCatherine]

Shifting gears in relation to speed is as follows: Start in 1st gear, shift to 2nd gear at 10 km/h; shift from 2nd to 3rd gear at 20 km/h; shift from 3rd to 4th gear at 30 km/h. Similarly, when downshifting, apply the brakes to decelerate, shift to 3rd gear when speed drops to 30 km/h; shift to 2nd gear when speed drops to 20 km/h. The difficulty in shifting gears lies in the coordination between the throttle and clutch, ensuring the vehicle shifts smoothly without hesitation or jerking. When upshifting, first confirm traffic conditions, then press the accelerator to increase speed. Once the desired speed is reached, release the accelerator, press the clutch, shift gears, and slowly release the clutch, pausing slightly at the semi-engaged position before fully releasing. When downshifting, apply the brakes to decelerate, press the clutch once the speed is reduced, shift gears, and slowly release the clutch, pausing slightly at the semi-engaged position before fully releasing. Driving test (Subject 3) gear shifting technique rhyme: Right then left, act immediately, left up right down like a seesaw. Right then left: The right side is the accelerator and brake, the left is the clutch pedal. This means, whether upshifting or downshifting, always start with the right side (accelerator or brake), then match the speed before pressing the clutch pedal. Act immediately: After pressing the clutch pedal, act immediately—left hand stabilizes the steering wheel, right hand quickly shifts gears. Left up right down like a seesaw: This refers to the coordination between the throttle and clutch—slowly release the clutch, pause slightly at the semi-engaged position, gently apply the throttle without pressing too hard, moving up and down like stepping on a seesaw.

[Kendra]

I've been driving for many years and am particularly skilled at shifting gears. I usually start in 1st gear and shift to 2nd when the speed reaches around 15 to 20 km/h to prevent stalling. Then, as the speed increases to 30-40 km/h, I shift to 3rd gear, to 4th at 50-60 km/h, and to 5th at speeds above 70 km/h—it's really comfortable on the highway. Downshifting works the opposite way: for example, when approaching a red light or turning, I downshift to 3rd gear if the speed drops below 30 km/h to maintain power, and to 2nd gear below 10 km/h to prevent stalling. The key is listening to the engine sound—shifting up around 2500 RPM is ideal, and if it drops below 1500 RPM, downshifting is necessary to avoid engine strain. When I was younger, I didn’t know better and recklessly wore out the transmission. But after learning proper techniques, my driving is now fuel-efficient and safe, especially on rainy slopes where controlled speed prevents skidding. Remember, these aren’t rigid rules—adjust flexibly based on different car performances.

[LaClara]

When I first started learning to drive, I was always confused about the right time to shift gears. My instructor said to shift to 2nd gear at 15 km/h after starting, 3rd at 30 km/h, 4th at 50 km/h, and 5th above 70 km/h; downshifting is the opposite—shift to 3rd at 20 km/h and 2nd at 10 km/h. But I often fumbled, shifting too early made the car shudder, while shifting too late startled me, stalling several times, wasting fuel and creating risks. Gradually, I learned to watch the tachometer—shifting smoothly between 2000 to 3000 RPM, and downshifting quickly below 1000 RPM. After practice, I realized that matching speed depends on road conditions: frequent shifts in heavy traffic, fewer on highways; otherwise, beginners may get drowsy or even rear-end others. In short, practice makes perfect—smooth shifting extends engine life, and safety always comes first.

[LeviAnn]

As a car-savvy friend, the key to shifting gears lies in the RPM range: Generally, it's appropriate to upshift when the engine is between 2000 and 3000 RPM, corresponding to speeds of 15 km/h for 1st to 2nd gear, 30 km/h for 2nd to 3rd, 50 km/h for 3rd to 4th, and 70 km/h or above for 4th to 5th. Downshifting should be done when RPM drops below 1500, such as shifting to 3rd at 30 km/h or 2nd at 10 km/h. The principle is to match engine load, as shifting too early or late can cause overheating, carbon buildup, or wear. Note that each car is different—consult the manual or listen for engine noise: a high-pitched hum means upshift, while shaking indicates a need to downshift. Improper shifting can damage the transmission and increase repair costs, so timely maintenance prevents major issues. For safety, smooth operation on flat roads is most reliable.