What are the speed requirements for gear shifting?
4 Answers
Speed requirements for gear shifting are as follows: Start in first gear, shift to second gear when reaching 10 km/h, shift to third gear at 20 km/h, shift to fourth gear at 30 km/h, and shift to fifth gear when reaching 40 km/h. Gear shifting should be completed within 100 meters, with the gear sequence increasing from low to high. Below is a detailed introduction to vehicle gears: First gear corresponds to speeds of 0-5 km/h, second gear to 5-20 km/h, third gear to 20-40 km/h, fourth gear to 40-60 km/h, and fifth gear to 60-100 km/h.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for over a decade, and the core of smooth gear shifting lies in matching engine RPM with vehicle speed for both efficiency and fuel economy. Typically, you should shift from first to second gear when reaching around 20 km/h, as the engine noise increases and RPM exceeds 2500 – delaying the shift wastes fuel and strains the engine. Second gear should be upshifted to third between 35-40 km/h, third to fourth at 50 km/h, and fourth to fifth at 70 km/h. Downshifting follows a similar logic: drop to third below 30 km/h, and fourth below 40 km/h. Always adapt to road conditions – in stop-and-go traffic, shift frequently at low speeds when RPM rises; on highways, maintain fifth gear cruising steadily between 80-100 km/h. The key is listening to the engine note and monitoring the tachometer – shift promptly when it roars to avoid lugging. Over the years, this approach has saved me significant fuel, and my shifts are as smooth as a seasoned pro's.
I just got my driver's license, and the instructor taught me the speed requirements for shifting gears very clearly. Start in first gear, shift to second gear when the speed reaches around 15 km/h, depress the clutch fully when shifting, and do it quickly. Drive in second gear until 30 km/h, then shift to third gear. Shift to fourth gear as soon as the speedometer passes 40 km/h. If the engine is buzzing loudly, it's time to upshift; if the sound becomes weak or the car shakes, downshift. When I first started driving in the city, I often made mistakes, like shifting to fourth gear at 20 km/h, which made the car jerk uncomfortably. Later, I got used to listening to the car's sound and shifted more accurately. On rainy days or mountain roads, pay extra attention to matching low speeds, otherwise, the car may stall easily. Practice more, and safety comes first.
I'm a manual transmission enthusiast, and shifting gears is all about performance matching. First gear is ideal for acceleration from 0-20 km/h, quickly revving up to 3000 rpm before shifting to second gear for strong power. The speed ranges are: second gear 20-40 km/h, third gear 40-60 km/h, fourth gear 60-80 km/h, and fifth gear 80+ km/h. Avoid exceeding 3500 rpm during shifts to prevent gear wear. For fuel efficiency, shift around 2000 rpm—it delivers great acceleration feel. Using lower gears for engine braking downhill is better than relying on brakes alone, protecting the system. I've modified my exhaust, making the engine sound crisp and shift points much easier to judge. Mismatched gears on mountain roads or highways waste fuel and damage the car—now, my driving is incredibly smooth.
