What is the relationship between gear and RPM?
2 Answers
There is no inherent relationship between gear and RPM; shifting gears is not an action determined by the car's RPM. Below is a partial introduction to the relationship between car gears and RPM: 1. The optimal RPM of the engine determines the vehicle's most fuel-efficient speed. Keeping the engine RPM within the 1800-2200 RPM range, which is the lowest fuel consumption zone, the engine's fuel consumption curve is "U"-shaped. The most fuel-efficient range is between 1800-2200 RPM, with the most fuel-efficient point being at 1800 RPM. 2. The RPM for shifting gears is determined by the driving speed. Starting in first gear, the reference speed is 0-15 km/h; second gear is for 15-35 km/h; third gear is for 35-45 km/h; and fourth gear is for 45-60 km/h. 3. Gear shifting should be done cleanly and decisively, without hesitation. The clutch pedal should be depressed quickly and released slowly to avoid a situation where the engine RPM drops too low after shifting, causing a mismatch between gear and speed.
When I first started driving, I always wondered how to match the manual transmission gears with the engine RPM. It's actually quite simple: the higher the gear, the lower the engine RPM at the same speed. For example, when starting in first gear, the RPM can surge above 3000, making a roaring sound, but the initial power is strong. In fifth gear during highway cruising, the RPM might only be around 2000, making the engine much quieter and more fuel-efficient. This is because lower gears amplify torque, making it easier to climb hills or start, while higher gears are suitable for steady-speed driving to reduce fuel consumption. Shifting too quickly when the RPM drops too fast can cause jerking, while shifting too slowly wastes fuel, so you need to watch the tachometer and listen to the engine sound to shift at the right time. Develop good driving habits: use lower gears and higher RPMs for quick response in the city, and switch to higher gears and lower RPMs on the highway for better fuel efficiency. RPM also affects engine lifespan; maintaining the ideal range of 2000-3000 RPM is best to avoid long-term wear from high RPMs.
