What gear should be used for manual transmission cars when driving on an overpass?
3 Answers
Generally, for small cars driving on an overpass, both 4th and 5th gears are suitable. Specific reasons: Because the slope of the overpass is not steep, the power system of small cars can easily handle such a slope. Therefore, as long as the road is clear, there is no need to use 1st, 2nd, or 3rd gear when driving on an overpass. Correct hand position for gear shifting: It is also important to master the correct hand position when shifting gears. Many drivers often neglect the hand position for gear shifting, sometimes casually using two or three fingers to shift, which is neither standard nor safe. The correct hand position for gear shifting is to cover the gear lever head with the palm facing downward and then shift gears.
When driving onto an elevated bridge, I usually prefer to use 2nd or 3rd gear, depending on the slope of the bridge and the current speed. If the slope is steep or I'm in the starting phase, I directly shift to 2nd gear, which allows the engine to provide more torque, making it easier to climb without stalling or rolling back. However, if the speed is already between 30 to 50 kilometers per hour and the slope isn't too steep, I shift to 3rd gear to maintain a smooth ride, saving fuel and ensuring comfort. Remember never to use higher gears like 4th or 5th—if the engine RPM is too low, it won't have enough power, making it easy to stall on the slope, which is quite dangerous. Make it a habit to check the road conditions before climbing, slow down, and shift to a lower gear. When descending, gradually upshift to return to normal driving. This method is what I've learned from over a decade of driving—simple and practical.
As a car owner, I place great emphasis on safety, so I prefer using lower gears like 2nd gear when driving on elevated highways to avoid accidental stalling or rolling back. Elevated highways often have varying slopes, and using higher gears can easily overload the engine, leading to loss of control or fuel wastage. The key is to maintain a steady speed when climbing, avoid stomping on the accelerator, and shift gears in advance when encountering traffic congestion. At the same time, keep an eye on the dashboard and fine-tune the throttle if the RPM gets too high. New drivers can also learn the technique of starting on a slope in a lower gear, which is a bit more challenging than on flat ground. Regular maintenance checks on transmission lubrication can also improve slope performance—safety always comes first.
