What is the speed in second gear without pressing the accelerator?

[LeMaddox]

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.

[VanSimon]

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.

[TessaFitz]

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.

[RiverFitz]

Shifting to second gear without pressing the accelerator usually results in very slow speed, at most around 10 km/h. When I first started driving, I was curious and tried it, but the car became unstable and prone to stalling, especially in traffic—it was too dangerous. Once, I almost rear-ended another car. After that lesson, I only emphasize during new driver training: idling in second gear is only suitable for practicing at extremely low speeds, don't actually use it on the road. Different car brands may have slight variations in speed—BMWs might be a bit higher, Toyotas lower—but safety comes first. For everyday driving, it's best to just press the accelerator properly.

[MacMiles]

The speed depends on the vehicle model and conditions. I've driven Ford and Honda, and at idle in second gear, the speed is around 5 to 15 kilometers per hour, depending on the road: about 8 km/h on flat roads, maybe up to 12 km/h downhill, and as low as 2 km/h uphill. If the engine idle is stable, the car will move forward smoothly, but with older cars, fluctuating RPM can cause significant speed variations. During car maintenance, I noticed that insufficient tire pressure or engine carbon buildup can also slow things down. It's advisable to check with the onboard diagnostics to both expand your knowledge and prevent potential issues.

[OAliyah]

When I first started learning to drive, my instructor had me try second gear without pressing the accelerator, and the speed was like a snail crawling, barely over 7 km/h. In an open area, it felt manageable, but on the road, it was impractical—too slow and prone to being overtaken or causing trouble. I even recorded speed variations at different temperatures; the car moved slower when cold and faster when warmed up, with the wheels struggling to turn. Beginners should note that this is a good method to practice basic skills, but don’t rely on it—practice for just a few minutes before switching to using the accelerator to develop good habits.