What is the matching between C1 gear and speed?
4 Answers
C1 gear and speed matching refers to the manual gear shifting required while driving a manual transmission vehicle. Below are the relevant details: 1. Gear usage: First gear is used for normal starting or climbing very steep slopes. Second gear serves as a transition gear for acceleration after starting or for low-speed driving. Third gear is used when the speed is between 20-40 km/h, commonly used in urban driving. Fourth gear is used when the speed is between 40-60 km/h. Fifth gear can be used when the speed reaches 60 km/h. 2. Permissible speed ranges for gears: The permissible range for first gear is 0 to 20 km/h, with the shift to second gear recommended at 15 to 20 km/h. The permissible range for second gear is 10 to 30 km/h, with the shift to third gear recommended at 25 to 30 km/h. The permissible range for third gear is 20 to 40 km/h, with the shift to fourth gear recommended at 35 to 40 km/h. Note that during exams, the speed in third gear must not exceed 40 km/h. The permissible range for fourth gear is 30 to 50 km/h, with the shift to fifth gear recommended at 45 to 50 km/h.
I think driving a manual transmission for a long time naturally builds muscle memory for shifting gears, just like my daily commute. Generally, first gear is suitable for starting up to 15 km/h, when the engine sound is relatively muffled, and the tachometer reaches nearly 2000 RPM, it's time to shift to second gear. Second gear runs smoothest around 25 km/h, which is completely sufficient for city driving and following traffic. Third gear is particularly comfortable in the 30 to 40 km/h range, with the engine neither roaring nor shaking. On expressways, fourth gear is used for cruising between 40 to 60 km/h, which is very fuel-efficient. Fifth gear is basically for highway speeds above 60 km/h. The key is to watch the tachometer—I’m used to shifting between 1500 to 2500 RPM, which protects the transmission and saves fuel. Beginners can start by practicing with the speedometer, and within half a month, they’ll get the hang of it.
I mainly rely on engine RPM and sound when driving, and speed matching isn't a rigid rule. For example, when climbing a steep slope, even if the speed drops to 25 km/h, I'll downshift to second gear to raise the RPM if the engine is roaring. On flat roads, cruising at 40 km/h in third gear is particularly effortless, but when going downhill, coasting in fourth gear with engine braking is more fuel-efficient. Shift timing should consider the car's condition - older cars need to maintain higher RPMs, while newer cars with electronic throttles are more responsive. In traffic jams, I prefer to coast along in second gear at around 20 km/h. Remember, when the engine sound suddenly becomes louder, it's time to downshift; when it sounds muffled, it's time to upshift - this is more reliable than memorizing numbers.
The driving instructor's method is the safest: first gear for 0-15 km/h, second gear for 15-25 km/h, third gear for 25-40 km/h, fourth gear for 40-60 km/h, and fifth gear for speeds above 60 km/h. However, this is just the basics; actual driving depends on specific conditions. When teaching students, I emphasize two points: keep the RPM above 1200 to prevent stalling, and exceeding 2500 RPM will significantly increase fuel consumption. A common mistake beginners make is hastily shifting to third gear at 20 km/h, causing the engine to shake like it has Parkinson's. It's best to practice starting in third gear to force yourself to feel the clutch engagement point.
