What is the speed range for each gear?
3 Answers
Each gear has the following speed ranges: 1st gear ranges from 10 km/h; 2nd gear ranges from 20 km/h; 3rd gear ranges from 20 to 40 km/h; 4th gear ranges from 40 to 60 km/h; 5th gear ranges from 60 km/h. When driving a manual transmission car, it is crucial to master the timing of gear shifting. Shift gears when the engine speed is around 2000 rpm, first reduce the throttle and then press the clutch, so the clutch will not be forcibly disengaged, and then shift gears. A manual transmission (MT), also known as a manual gearbox, requires manually moving the gear lever to change the gear meshing device inside the transmission, thereby altering the gear ratio to achieve the purpose of shifting.
I've been driving manual transmission for over a decade, and the speed range for each gear really depends on the vehicle condition and road situation. First gear is roughly 0 to 15 km/h, just for starting off before shifting; second gear from 15 to 35 km/h is the most comfortable and commonly used in city driving; third gear between 30 to 50 km/h handles slow cruising on national highways; fourth gear from 45 to 70 km/h suits suburban expressways perfectly; fifth gear above 60 km/h is most fuel-efficient for highway driving. However, climbing steep hills requires downshifting for more power, while descending long slopes needs lower gears for engine braking. My old car shifts smoothest when the RPM passes 2,000, whereas the new one delivers better power shifting at 2,500 RPM—the key is getting familiar with your car's characteristics.
When I was learning to drive, the instructor said I had to memorize the gear speeds by rote, but in reality, once you get used to it, you don't even need to look at the speedometer. First gear is just for starting—shift to second as soon as the car moves. Second gear feels most stable around 25 km/h, perfect for school zones. Third gear is most flexible around 40 km/h, ideal for grocery runs or picking up the kids. Fourth gear accelerates fastest between 55 to 65 km/h, essential for overtaking on overpasses. Fifth gear only saves fuel above 70 km/h, making it perfect for comfortable highway cruising. Nowadays, I shift purely by feel—upshift when the engine sounds strained, downshift when the car shudders.
