What gear should be used for manual transmission when going uphill or downhill?
2 Answers
For manual transmission, use 1st gear when going uphill or downhill. Precautions for manual transmission when going downhill: 1. Reduce speed before descending; 2. Shift into an appropriate gear before descending; 3. Do not turn the steering wheel sharply on downhill sections; 4. Maintain a distance of more than 50 meters from the vehicle in front; 5. Use a lower gear for long downhill sections, allowing the engine to naturally idle and control the speed, intermittently applying the brakes to reduce speed based on speed and road conditions. Correct parking sequence for manual transmission: 1. Turn on the right or left turn signal; 2. Lightly press the brake to reduce speed, observe the right rearview mirror, and drive to the right; 3. Press the clutch pedal when the speed is relatively low, and pay attention to the surrounding distance when parking; 4. After the vehicle is stationary, shift into neutral, turn off the turn signal, and engage the handbrake before turning off the engine.
As a veteran driver with over 30 years of manual transmission experience, I've navigated all kinds of mountain roads. When climbing uphill, you must shift to lower gears like first or second, allowing the engine to deliver more power and prevent stalling or rolling backward on slopes. For downhill sections, second or third gear provides the most stability, letting engine braking assist with deceleration instead of relying solely on brakes—overheated brake pads can fail completely. I once controlled speed perfectly on a steep descent using third gear, maintaining engine RPM around 2,500 to avoid danger. New drivers shouldn't underestimate this technique; it's literally life-saving. Once mastered, it becomes as natural as breathing. Remember: any mistake on inclines can be fatal, so prioritize safety by choosing the right gear—slow and steady wins this race.
