What is the correct way to shift from first gear to second gear?
2 Answers
The correct way to shift from first gear to second gear: When shifting from first gear to second gear, press down the clutch pedal, release the accelerator pedal, engage second gear, then slowly release the clutch with your left foot while pressing the accelerator to continue driving. In the manual shifting process, pushing the gear lever inward from neutral engages first gear, while pulling downward from first gear engages second gear. Following this method, the highest gear is fifth gear. A manual transmission car uses a manual shift mechanical transmission to adjust speed, meaning the gear lever must be manually moved to change the gear meshing position inside the transmission, altering the gear ratio to achieve speed change. The gear lever can only be moved when the clutch is depressed.
When I first learned to drive a manual transmission, I often experienced jerky upshifts. Later, I figured it out. After starting, when the speed reaches about 15 to 20 kilometers per hour, or when the engine sound becomes louder but not roaring, press the clutch pedal all the way down and smoothly shift the gear lever from first to second gear. Then comes the key part: don’t release the clutch too quickly. Instead, slowly lift your foot while gently pressing the accelerator to add a bit of throttle, allowing for a smooth engagement. This way, the car won’t jerk violently or stall. Releasing the clutch too fast can damage the clutch plate, while doing it too slowly wastes fuel, so finding the right balance is crucial. Practice a few times in safe areas like parking lots or empty roads. Once you get used to it, you’ll be able to operate smoothly by feel, and it’ll save fuel too. Also, pay attention to the timing of shifting—don’t shift too early or too late. Shifting too early leads to insufficient power, while shifting too late puts a heavy load on the engine. In short, practice makes perfect.