What gear is suitable for driving at 60 mph?
4 Answers
60 mph is fifth gear. The gear shifting positions vary slightly between different car models, but generally, if the speed has reached 60 km/h, it's better to use 5th gear. Gear shifting tips: Generally, start in first gear, then shift to second gear after driving a few meters; shift to third gear when the speed is between 20 mph and 35 mph; shift to fourth gear when the speed is between 35 mph and 45 mph; shift to fifth gear when the speed exceeds 45 mph. The above applies to ordinary five-speed cars. For cars with six or more gears, you can upshift one gear for every additional 15 mph. Additionally, when shifting gears, pay attention to the engine speed. It's best to shift gears promptly when the engine reaches around 2500 rpm. Vehicle shaking during gear shifting: Sometimes while driving, you may notice the vehicle shaking slightly, indicating that the engine is operating under low speed and high load. In such cases, immediately downshift by one or two gears based on the actual situation.
I've been driving for many years, and at a speed of 60 km/h, it's generally most appropriate to use fourth or fifth gear, depending on the vehicle and road conditions. For example, on a flat highway, using fifth gear can keep the engine speed around 1800 to 2000 RPM, making the drive smoother and more fuel-efficient. However, when going uphill or carrying a heavy load, you might need to downshift to fourth gear to provide more power. Remember, at 60 km/h, using a higher gear can prevent the engine from revving too high, reducing wear and noise. I often do this when driving a small car. While driving, keep an eye on the tachometer to ensure it stays within the comfortable range of 1500-2500 RPM, which is good for engine protection. Beginners can practice shifting gears first; if the car runs smoothly without shaking, you're doing it right.
I'm quite familiar with cars. When driving at 60 km/h, it's recommended to select a higher gear. For automatic transmission vehicles, the system usually shifts to 5th gear automatically. For manual transmissions, it depends on the engine type – small-displacement cars like 1.5L can use 5th gear with the RPM around 2000, which ensures good fuel efficiency and lower emissions. In complex road conditions like urban traffic, appropriately increasing the gear can avoid frequent shifting and improve safety. Developing the habit of monitoring RPM is crucial, as both excessively high and low RPMs increase fuel consumption and harm the vehicle. I believe checking the vehicle manual before driving to understand the manufacturer's recommendations is more prudent, as it can save a lot of trouble in daily driving.
I'm a beginner driver, and my instructor said that driving at 60 km/h in fifth gear is ideal, as it keeps the speed steady and saves fuel. During driving, listen to the engine sound: if there's too much humming, it might be in a lower gear; smooth and steady means the higher gear is working properly. This setup is convenient and safe for city driving.
