What is the speed in second gear without pressing the accelerator?
3 Answers
In second gear without pressing the accelerator, the speed is generally above 10 mph and slightly over 20 mph. If the accelerator is not pressed at all, the car may shake slightly on a slope or with some braking. As for pressing the accelerator, the speed may exceed 30 mph or even reach over 40 mph, but at that point, the engine will start to roar hysterically. The disadvantages of starting in second gear: 1. Impact: It causes impact on the transmission. Starting in a higher gear requires increasing the engine speed to prevent stalling. Higher speed means greater power and torque, which, when transmitted to the drivetrain, causes certain impacts on the transmission, reducing its lifespan. 2. Wear: It wears out the clutch. Starting in a higher gear means the clutch gears do not match the current speed, requiring control of the clutch to stay in a semi-engaged state to prevent stalling. This continues until the speed matches the gear range, during which the vehicle is not only worn but also delays the start time. 3. Carbon buildup: It increases engine carbon deposits. Starting in a higher gear results in less torque, causing a mismatch between power and speed, leading to higher gasoline consumption compared to starting in first gear. Additionally, starting in a higher gear causes incomplete combustion of gasoline, gradually leading to carbon buildup in the engine, thereby increasing fuel consumption.
Back when I drove a manual transmission car, I tried keeping it in second gear without pressing the accelerator. The car would just creep along at a leisurely pace, around 5 to 10 km/h – felt like taking a stroll. It really depends on the road conditions: on flat roads, the car rolls forward on its own, goes slightly faster downhill, but might come to a complete halt or crawl at snail's pace uphill. I often used this technique in parking lots to practice control, but definitely don't do this on public roads – safety first! You might block traffic or tailgate, earning you angry honks. New drivers especially should avoid doing this long-term, as it wastes fuel and strains the transmission. If you really want to try, find an empty space where you won't bother anyone.
Vehicle speed is linked to engine idle speed and gear ratio. A normal engine idles at around 600 to 800 RPM, and the second gear ratio is typically between 1.5 to 2.5. Tire size and final drive ratio also come into play. Roughly calculated, the speed usually fluctuates between 8 to 12 km/h. I've measured it a few times while tuning cars in the garage—sedans tend to be slower, while SUVs are slightly higher. But don't expect precise values; factors like road smoothness or slight tire pressure differences during road tests can have a big impact. If you do this often, be cautious about accelerated clutch wear. I recommend regularly checking the car's idle condition and using professional equipment for more reliable measurements.
