What is the speed in second gear?
3 Answers
The speed in second gear is between 20 km/h and 35 km/h, while the speed in first gear is below 20 km/h. Start in first gear, then shift to second gear after driving a few meters. If the speed reaches above 20 mph but below 35 mph and further acceleration is needed, prepare to shift to third gear. There are many shifting techniques. For ordinary small cars with five gears or fewer, there is a gear display indicating the shifting speed. For cars with six gears or more, shift up one gear approximately every 15 mph increase in speed. Additionally, when shifting gears, monitor the engine RPM and shift promptly around 2,500 RPM for optimal performance. If the vehicle starts to shake while driving, it indicates the engine is operating under low-speed, high-load conditions, and it is advisable to downshift by one or two gears. While shifting, pay attention to the coordination between the clutch and the accelerator, and master the correct shifting hand position.
When it comes to the speed for second gear, I really remember struggling with this when I first started driving. In my experience, the suitable speed for shifting into second gear in a manual transmission car is generally between 15 to 25 km/h, but don’t just memorize the numbers! Because different cars can vary a lot. For example, my economy car has a weaker engine, so I’m used to shifting around 2000 RPM or at 20 km/h to avoid shaking. If you’re on a slope or carrying a heavy load, you should shift earlier, say around 10 km/h, otherwise it’s easy to stall. For beginners, I suggest checking the tachometer first—don’t just focus on speed. After starting smoothly, shift when you hear the engine sound getting louder—it’s the most practical way. Actually, shifting at the wrong time can increase fuel consumption and even wear out the clutch. You’ll get the hang of it after driving a few more times.
I'm just an ordinary veteran driver who's been driving manual transmission cars for over a decade, and I've got a good handle on the timing for shifting to second gear. Normally, the ideal speed range for shifting to second gear is between 18-25 km/h, but it's not a hard and fast rule. The engine type makes a big difference: smaller displacement cars need earlier shifts, usually around 20 km/h at 2000 rpm; larger cars can wait until higher speeds. I prefer using auditory cues—when the engine starts humming steadily and the car accelerates smoothly, that's when I shift to second. The key is not to shift at excessive speeds, which causes jerking; shifting too early results in insufficient power for climbing. Adjustments are needed for weather or road conditions too—for example, shifting at 15 km/h in snowy conditions is safer. New drivers often ask me about this, and I always tell them not to stress—with practice, the timing becomes instinctive, because safety always comes first.
