What is the appropriate speed for third gear?
3 Answers
Third gear allows a speed range of 20~40 km/h, and the optimal time to shift to fourth gear is between 35~40 km/h. It's important to note: during the test, third gear must never exceed 40 km/h, otherwise within seconds you may be penalized 10 points for "gear and speed mismatch". Below are the requirements for gear shifting: Test requirements: According to the voice prompts of the test system, perform corresponding gear shifting operations. Upshift requirements: When upshifting, the action should be brisk and gentle, gear selection must be accurate, you cannot look down at the gearshift, and coasting in neutral is prohibited. Before upshifting, check the left and right rearview mirrors to ensure road safety. Downshift requirements: Before downshifting, check the left and right rearview mirrors to ensure road safety. For example, when downshifting from 3rd to 2nd gear, release the throttle (or apply the brake) at 30 km/h, then wait for the speed to gradually decrease to 20 km/h before switching to 2nd gear.
I've driven many cars, and my experience is that the third gear in a manual transmission is generally most suitable at speeds between 30 to 50 kilometers per hour. This keeps the engine running smoothly, with RPMs between 2000 to 3000, which is both fuel-efficient and quiet. In the city, third gear is especially practical—like when going uphill or turning—you can easily upshift after accelerating. If the speed is too low, downshift to second gear; if it's too high, push to fourth. Safety first—never speed or lug the engine (overloading at low RPM), as this extends the car's lifespan. I also recommend beginners practice listening to the engine sound—if you hear rattling, shift immediately. Remember, every car is different. For example, my small-displacement hatchback is fine in third gear up to 40 km/h, but an SUV can handle around 55. Checking the manual is the safest bet. Regular maintenance keeps the gears running smoother. In short, third gear is a transitional gear—just adapt flexibly to road conditions.
As a car enthusiast, I must say third gear is an acceleration marvel! The ideal speed range is 40 to 60 km/h, when the engine torque peaks, allowing for quick overtaking or hill climbing. When driving sports cars, I always keep it above 3000 rpm in this gear for explosive power, but avoid hitting the redline to prevent engine damage. On clear roads, you can push third gear up to 70 km/h, but keep it around 50 in urban areas to save fuel. The key is listening to the engine – shift up if it's roaring too loud, downshift if it sounds sluggish. Adapt to road conditions: shift to fourth immediately after acceleration on flat roads to conserve fuel; use third gear downhill to protect brake pads. I constantly monitor the tachometer to ensure RPM matches speed, a technique that keeps my car running longer and more efficiently. Third gear driving is so much fun – experiment with different scenarios!
