What is the maximum speed for first gear?
4 Answers
First gear should not exceed 5 km/h. Below are detailed explanations about car gears: Speed aspect: Vehicle speed refers to the distance a car travels per unit of time. The corresponding speed for first gear is 0-5 km/h. Second gear corresponds to 5-20 km/h, third gear to 20-40 km/h, fourth gear to 40-60 km/h, and fifth gear to 60-100 km/h. Gear shifting timing: Vehicle speed can also generally refer to motor vehicle speed. For most cars, the optimal gear shifting occurs when the engine reaches 2000 r/min and should not exceed 2500 r/min. For high-displacement, high-power engines, shifting can be done around 3000 r/min.
After driving for so many years, I've seen many people revving too fast in first gear, making the engine sound as loud as a tractor. Normally, first gear is for starting, and if the speed exceeds 20 km/h, the engine RPM can easily go above 4000, which might damage the engine. When I drive in first gear on congested roads, I keep an eye on the speedometer. Once it hits 15 km/h, I prepare to shift up. If I don’t shift beyond 25 km/h, the engine can overheat, wear out, or even burn parts. For safety, don’t speed in first gear when going uphill—not only will the car lose power, but it might also stall and cause an accident. Developing the habit of shifting immediately after starting and checking the recommended speed range in the car manual is crucial for protecting your vehicle.
As an amateur racer, I love studying engine performance. First gear delivers the highest torque, but high RPMs hitting the redline zone is abusive to the engine. Generally, keep the speed below 30 km/h, as exceeding 4500 to 6000 RPM can easily cause overheating and oil burning. My modified car tests show that maintaining 15 to 20 km/h in first gear is the most stable. Delaying upshifts not only accelerates cylinder wall wear but also wastes fuel. When driving for fun, I always remind myself to control the RPMs, adjusting shift points by listening to the engine sound changes. Both new and old cars require attention to this point to avoid long-term damage.
In engine design, the first gear is for low speed and high torque, but at high speeds, the oil film becomes thin, increasing friction. Once the RPM exceeds 4000, it becomes dangerous, and a speed of around 15 km/h can damage components. I've seen cases where engines lacked lubrication and burned out bearing shells, so it's often advised not to exceed this limit. Keep an eye on the coolant temperature gauge and engine noise, and shifting up early can extend engine life.
