What is the most suitable speed to shift into 4th gear?
2 Answers
Shift into 4th gear when the vehicle speed reaches above 35 mph and below 45 mph. After shifting gears, you should gently press the accelerator pedal, slowly release the clutch pedal, and wait until the vehicle speed stabilizes before fully releasing the clutch pedal. This helps avoid engine stuttering or clutch plate wear. If a downshift fails, you can add a "blip" of throttle or slow down before attempting the downshift again. When shifting gears while driving, pay attention to the following points: 1. Do not look down while shifting: This is a very dangerous behavior. Whether in the city or on the highway, looking down while shifting may cause the vehicle to veer off course, leading to accidents. 2. Pay attention to the clutch: Press the clutch pedal all the way down. Otherwise, the engine and transmission may not fully disengage, which can cause abnormal noises and damage to the gears.
There's no fixed speed for shifting to 4th gear, but based on my decade-plus driving experience, it largely depends on vehicle condition and road situation. When driving manual transmission, I usually shift up between 50-60 km/h, as this keeps engine RPM steady around 2000-2500 without causing shuddering or strain. For instance, shifting around 50 km/h works smoothly for sedans on flat roads, but when climbing hills or carrying heavy loads, wait until exceeding 60 km/h to avoid gear dragging and engine wear. Beginners often ask why speedometer readings alone aren't reliable - because each model differs (my old car might handle 40 km/h while newer ones need ~55 km/h). The key is listening to engine sound: avoid shifting at too low RPM (stalling risk) or too high RPM (fuel waste). Maintaining this range in urban driving ensures smooth acceleration and peace of mind. With practice, you'll naturally master the pattern.
