What are the techniques for throttle blipping when shifting gears in heavy trucks?
2 Answers
The specific techniques for throttle blipping when shifting gears in heavy trucks are as follows: 1. Heavy load uphill: When the engine speed cannot reach the 4th gear speed while going uphill, downshift to 3rd gear, and so on. Downshift to the appropriate speed, then quickly depress the clutch to downshift while stepping on the accelerator. 2. Clutch control: Large trucks generally use double-clutching. While upshifting may not require double-clutching, downshifting must use double-clutching. When downshifting, first depress the clutch to shift from 3rd gear to neutral, then partially release the clutch (you can release it halfway), and depress it again before shifting to 2nd gear. The movements must be quick.
I've been driving long-haul trucks for over 20 years, and I've mastered the techniques of gear shifting and throttle blipping through accumulated experience. Every time I upshift, like moving from a lower gear to a higher one, I press the accelerator in advance to raise the RPM to around 2200, ensuring smooth power transition. The key is to depress the clutch quickly and release it slowly, then lightly blip the throttle to add some power and avoid jerking. Downshifting requires even more attention, especially when going downhill. I blip the throttle more to keep the RPM above 2500 to prevent the vehicle from speeding out of control. I also listen to changes in the engine sound to adjust the throttle blipping, which over time helps save fuel and protect the transmission. New drivers often forget to blip the throttle, causing jerky movements. I recommend practicing starting on flat ground with an unloaded truck to get used to the rhythm of coordinating the throttle and clutch.
