What gear should be used at 20 km/h?

[ValeriaRose]

Use second gear at 20 km/h. Speed and gear matching: For manual transmissions, the gear-speed correspondence is as follows: 1st gear: generally for speeds around 10 km/h; 2nd gear: around 20 km/h; 3rd gear: typically used between 20 to 40 km/h; 4th gear: for speeds between 40-60 km/h; 5th gear: for speeds above 60 km/h. Precautions for gear shifting: When shifting gears, coordinate the clutch and accelerator properly. Press the clutch pedal fully, then release the accelerator pedal, and quickly shift to the corresponding gear. Release your hand immediately after shifting; do not keep it on the gear lever for too long to avoid damaging the lever.

[OMary]

Shifting gears at 20 km/h or 20 mph depends on the vehicle model and road conditions. Having driven manual transmission for over a decade, I usually find second gear works smoothly at this speed. On flat roads, third gear can also handle it after starting, but second gear provides better power when going uphill. Maintaining the RPM around 2000 is most fuel-efficient and prevents engine shudder. Remember, don't lazily shift into fourth or fifth gear at low speeds—it not only risks stalling but also damages the clutch plate. Experienced drivers all know this principle.

[PatrickMarie]

For automatic transmissions, just step on the gas pedal and the gearbox will automatically select the most suitable gear. However, in manual mode or semi-automatic mode, I watch the tachometer—if it's below 2000 RPM, I downshift to second gear for more power, and when it hits 3000 RPM, I upshift to third gear for smoother driving. In stop-and-go city traffic at around 20 km/h, second gear offers the best flexibility, while on expressways, third gear at higher speeds saves more fuel. When I first started driving, my instructor always scolded me for mismatching gears and speed, but now that I've got the hang of it, it's a breeze.

[StGavin]

Shifting at 20 mph isn't just about speed, it depends on the car's temperament. My small-displacement car feels just right when I push second gear to 2500 rpm for acceleration; my friend's high-displacement SUV can manage fine in third gear at just 1500 rpm. The key is watching the tachometer: downshift if the car shakes, upshift if the engine roars. A common rookie mistake is stubbornly staying in second gear until 40 mph without shifting—wasting fuel and straining the engine. Drive a few more times and you'll remember the feel—it's more effective than memorizing numbers.