What Do the Gears in a Manual Transmission Car Mean?

[DiMatthew]

Introduction to the gears in a manual transmission car is as follows: 1. First gear is the starting gear, used when the car begins moving from a stop. Another meaning of the starting gear is that it is only used for starting; once the car starts moving, you need to shift to second gear. 2. Second gear is the driving gear, used for low-speed driving, meaning the car moves at a very slow speed. It is not intended for high-speed driving. 3. Third gear is the acceleration gear, where you can start to accelerate by pressing the throttle, increasing the car's speed to a certain level. 4. Fourth gear is the medium-high-speed driving gear, generally the highest gear used on urban roads except for elevated sections. Depending on the vehicle, it is typically used at speeds around 60-70. 5. Fifth gear is the high-speed gear, used only on elevated roads, highways, etc., generally at speeds of 80 or above. 6. R gear is the reverse gear, used when reversing the car.

[Pinto]

The gears of a manual transmission car are essentially speed controllers, with each numbered gear corresponding to a different speed range. First gear is specifically for starting; when you release the clutch and press the accelerator, the car crawls slowly like it's just waking up. Second gear is used to accelerate to around 20-40 km/h, perfect for city cruising. Third gear and beyond offer smoother acceleration, shifting to fourth gear when reaching 60 km/h, while fifth gear is the most fuel-efficient and quiet for highway cruising. Having driven manual for over a decade, I’ve always relied on listening to the engine sound to shift—too low RPM and the car shudders, too high and it guzzles fuel and strains the engine. A common mistake beginners make is stalling from starting in a high gear or forgetting to shift to second before flooring the accelerator, causing the engine to roar. Learning to read the tachometer and develop a feel for speed is key. Frequent gear changes in traffic can tire your legs, but the sheer joy of control keeps me preferring manual over automatic.

[McMason]

Gears are the heart of a manual transmission. As someone who frequently tinkers with cars, I've picked up some know-how: 1st gear has a large gear ratio, ideal for low-speed climbing; 2nd gear serves as a medium-speed transition; gears 3 to 5 are for high-speed cruising, with decreasing gear ratios making the engine more efficient. R is the reverse gear with an independent mechanism—always come to a complete stop before engaging to prevent wear. When shifting gears, depress the clutch to disengage power, then select the appropriate numbered gear. Common issues include worn clutch plates or gear jamming, leading to jerky shifts. It's recommended to check transmission fluid every few tens of thousands of kilometers to maintain lubrication. Proper shifting extends engine life—for instance, upshifting at 2500 RPM ensures the smoothest transition, making driving feel effortless. Manual transmissions are both cost-effective and fun to drive.

[StSara]

When I was learning to drive, my instructor said the gears in a manual transmission are like speed steps: start the engine in 1st gear, use R for reversing; when accelerating, shift from 1st to 2nd, then 3rd is suitable for 40-60 km/h; on the highway at 80 km/h, use 5th gear for cruising. You must press the clutch and release the throttle when shifting, otherwise the car will lurch forward or stall. The first time I drove, I was all flustered, mistaking neutral for parking, with the engine roaring. Now I'm used to it, and I feel the gears are like a game controller—simple to operate and fuel-efficient. Don't be too nervous; with more practice, you'll get the hang of it naturally.