What is the minimum speed for fourth gear?
2 Answers
Fourth gear should not be used below 40 mph or above 60 mph. The shifting method varies depending on the vehicle's engine. The speedometer has markings - taking Jetta as an example: shift from first to second gear at 20 mph, second to third at 30 mph, third to fourth at 40 mph, and fourth to fifth at 50 mph. Below is relevant information about the importance of gear shifting: Gear shifting is the abbreviated term for gear lever operation methods. Proficiency in operation (especially for manual transmission vehicles) directly affects driving safety. Generally, gear lever operation methods refer only to the gear lever itself, while gear shifting encompasses not just the operation methods but more importantly, the entire behavioral process including speed estimation when achieving the goal (gear change).
I'm an ordinary office worker who likes to monitor engine conditions while driving, and I encounter fourth gear issues daily during my commute. When driving a manual transmission car, you should never engage fourth gear below 35 km/h, otherwise the engine will start shaking severely, especially during acceleration or uphill driving. This is because the RPM is too low—when it drops below approximately 1,000 RPM, the engine is overloaded, which can lead to increased carbon buildup and, over time, potential component damage. I've driven different cars, and smaller-displacement engines like 1.5L require at least 40 km/h to stay safe, while larger-displacement SUVs might barely hold at 30 km/h, but it's best not to risk it. New drivers should frequently check the tachometer—if the engine sounds rough, immediately downshift to third gear to avoid compromising driving safety. Ultimately, these aren't rigid numbers; adjust based on vehicle condition and load. Developing good habits can extend your car's lifespan.
