What gear should a 4.2-meter truck start in?
2 Answers
4.2-meter trucks typically start in 2nd gear when empty and 1st gear when loaded. Here are some starting techniques: 1. Depress the clutch, engage the gear, then release the clutch to start; 2. Don't drive off immediately after ignition - wait briefly on the spot, recommended to wait until air pressure reaches at least 3 bars before moving to ensure proper brake performance; 3. For hill starts, use the handbrake method and ensure minimum 3 bars of air pressure before moving, otherwise the brakes won't function effectively. Trucks (Wagons) are commercial vehicles primarily designed for transporting goods, generally categorized into heavy-duty and light-duty based on weight. Most trucks use diesel engines as power source, though some light-duty trucks may use gasoline, LPG or natural gas.
I've been driving a 4.2-meter truck for over a decade, and I always start in first gear. This type of truck has considerable weight, and the high torque provided by first gear ensures a smoother start, especially when fully loaded or going uphill. If you try starting in second gear, the engine is prone to stalling. Once, I attempted starting in second gear on a steep slope, and the truck jerked violently, almost rolling backward. Since then, I've strictly used first gear. When empty on flat roads, occasionally trying second gear is possible, but you need precise throttle control—otherwise, frequent stalling wastes fuel and damages the vehicle. Over time, you'll adjust your habits based on road conditions and load, but I recommend beginners always start in first gear—safety first.
