What is the speed matching for each gear?
3 Answers
Speed matching for different gears: 1st gear 10 km/h; 2nd gear 20 km/h, 3rd gear 20-40 km/h. 1st gear: Used for normal starting or climbing very steep slopes. When using this gear, the speed is generally around 10 km/h; 2nd gear: Used as a transitional gear for acceleration after starting, or for low-speed driving or climbing steep slopes, with a speed generally around 20 km/h; 3rd gear: Speed range is 20-40 km/h
Having driven for years, my experience with manual transmissions is that gears and speed need to be well-matched, otherwise the car will groan or stall. Generally, 1st gear is used for starting or crawling at low speeds, around 0 to 15 km/h, with the shift point determined by watching the tachometer or listening to the engine to avoid excessive roaring. 2nd gear is suitable for 15 to 30 km/h, commonly used in stop-and-go city driving. 3rd gear covers 30 to 50 km/h, ideal for flat roads before entering highways. 4th gear ranges from 50 to 70 km/h, maintaining steady cruising. 5th gear is for speeds above 70 km/h, offering fuel efficiency and quietness on highways. However, this depends on the vehicle type—small cars and light trucks differ significantly. For example, small cars benefit from shifting to higher gears earlier for fuel economy, while trucks carrying heavy loads need more leeway at lower speeds. The key is sensing the engine’s vibration and sound rather than fixating on the speedometer. Uphill driving may require manually downshifting. Regular practice helps develop a natural habit once you’re familiar with your car, extending engine life and avoiding the embarrassment of stalling at intersections.
I just got my driver's license not long ago. When I was learning to drive, my instructor always emphasized speed matching, otherwise the car would shake or stall. I remember the gears simply: 1st gear is for starting from a stop up to 20 km/h, beyond 20 you should shift or the engine will be too noisy; 2nd gear is for 20 to 40 km/h, the most practical in the city; 3rd gear is for 40 to 60 km/h, making the ride smoother; 4th gear is for 60 to 80 km/h, activating the fuel-saving mode; 5th gear is used when exceeding 80 km/h. When practicing on my own, I initially kept looking at the speedometer, but later learned to judge the shifting point by listening to the engine's hum—shift to a lower gear when the sound is light at low speeds, and shift to a higher gear when the sound is deep at high speeds. Once, I shifted to a high gear too early, and the car couldn't pull, which scared me into slowing down and shifting back. Different engine conditions have a big impact; for example, my small hatchback is much easier to match than an SUV. I recommend that beginners drive more to get familiar with their car's personality.
