What is the speed for driving straight in second gear?
3 Answers
First gear is the speed for starting, generally between 0-5 km/h; second gear corresponds to a speed of 5-20 km/h; third gear corresponds to 20-40 km/h; fourth gear corresponds to 40-60 km/h; and fifth gear corresponds to 60-100 km/h. How to determine if the gear shift timing is correct: For upshifting, when the engine has ample power, it will emit a dull humming sound. After upshifting, if there is no power deficiency or shaking of the transmission mechanism, and the speed increases quickly with smooth and natural vehicle movement, it indicates accurate upshift timing. For downshifting, when the vehicle's speed and engine RPM continuously decrease, and you feel the car losing power with engine compartment vibration, it's time to downshift one gear. Downshifting too early will cause noticeable jerking, wasting engine power, increasing fuel consumption, and negatively affecting the lifespan of the engine and transmission.
As a seasoned manual transmission driver with over a decade of experience, I often use second gear for straight-line driving in urban areas, with speeds typically ranging between 20 to 40 km/h. It depends on RPM and road conditions: at low RPM around 1500, I can maintain a steady 20 km/h; at higher RPM up to 3000, it might reach over 40 km/h, but I don't recommend this as it wastes fuel and strains the clutch. Vehicle type also affects this—heavier SUVs are slower than lighter sedans. The key is to accelerate gently in second gear to avoid engine lugging or excessive noise. A common mistake beginners make is driving at low RPM for extended periods, which increases carbon buildup and reduces engine lifespan, so it's safest to stay within the 1500-2500 RPM comfort zone.
I've been into cars for several years, and the speed in second gear during straight-line driving really tests a car's performance. For regular family cars, the second gear speed is typically between 15 to 30 kilometers per hour; for modified sports cars, I've tried reaching 30-60 kilometers per hour, but that requires high-revving racing. Factors influencing this include engine torque—cars with higher torque accelerate faster and have more flexible speed changes; and vehicle weight, with lighter cars responding more agilely. Additionally, tire size is relevant, as larger tires provide more stability when slightly increasing speed. It's advisable not to force second gear during normal driving. If the RPM is too low, the engine will 'lug,' and if it's too high, fuel consumption will increase. Maintaining mid-range RPM is optimal, as it saves fuel and protects the transmission system.
