What does rev-matching downshift mean?
2 Answers
Rev-matching downshift refers to the technique of blipping the throttle (quickly pressing and releasing the accelerator pedal) when shifting from a higher gear to a lower gear, before actually engaging the lower gear. This action helps eliminate the rotational speed difference between the engine and transmission, synchronizing the engine speed with the gear position as much as possible, thereby reducing the jerking sensation during downshifting. When performed correctly, rev-matching downshifting doesn't harm the vehicle; on the contrary, it can reduce clutch wear to some extent. It's important to note that you shouldn't give too much throttle during rev-matching - avoid pressing the accelerator too heavily, as excessively high engine RPM may cause the vehicle to lurch forward. Rev-matching downshifting is a driving skill that requires practical practice to master smooth downshifting techniques.
I've been driving for twenty years, and I have to talk about rev-matching downshifts. When preparing to downshift a manual transmission, say from 5th gear to 4th gear, the moment you press the clutch and shift into neutral, you should immediately tap the throttle lightly to raise the engine speed. Why? Because lower gears require higher RPMs. For example, at 60 km/h in 5th gear, you might be at 2000 RPM, but shifting to 4th gear could require 2500 RPM. Giving that little throttle blip beforehand brings the RPM up to where it needs to be, so when you release the clutch, the shift is smooth, and the car won't jerk forward suddenly. This technique is especially useful when driving on mountain roads—slowing down before a curve and downshifting to overtake—it makes the car feel glued to the road, with power delivery that's both quick and stable.
