What happens when the vehicle speed and gear do not match?
2 Answers
Mismatched vehicle speed and gear can lead to increased fuel consumption, more engine carbon deposits, insufficient power, and other consequences. When driving a manual transmission car, the gear should match the engine speed and vehicle speed. Most car engines have an economical RPM range, and drivers should try to maintain the engine speed within this range while driving. Proper coordination between the accelerator and clutch is essential when driving a manual transmission car, and the gear should match both the engine speed and driving speed. During aggressive driving, you can wait until the engine speed reaches the redline before shifting gears. For normal driving, it is recommended to keep the engine speed between 2000 and 3000 RPM.
With over 20 years of driving experience, I fully understand the drawbacks of mismatched speed and gear. When driving at high speed in low gear, the engine RPM soars, creating a roaring noise and significantly increasing fuel consumption. Prolonged use under such conditions can lead to engine overheating and wear. On the other hand, driving at low speed in high gear causes the car to shake and lose power, potentially stalling when climbing hills or accelerating, which is both dangerous and harmful to the transmission. I remember once mistakenly shifting gears on the highway, resulting in nearly 50% higher fuel consumption than usual and almost causing an accident. I recommend that beginners practice gear shifting timing more often, keeping the RPM between 2000-3000 for smooth driving, which can save fuel and extend the vehicle's lifespan. Regularly checking the transmission fluid is also crucial to prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs.
