What is the speed range for gears 1-3?
3 Answers
The following are the speed ranges for each gear: 1. 1st gear: Used for normal starting or climbing very steep slopes. The speed in this gear is generally around 10 kilometers per hour; 2. 2nd gear: Used as a transition gear for acceleration after starting, or for low-speed driving or climbing steep slopes, with speeds typically around 20 kilometers per hour; 3. 3rd gear: Used at speeds between 20-40km/h, commonly used for city driving; 4. 4th gear: Used at speeds between 40-60km/h; 5. 5th gear: Can be used at speeds of 60Km/h and above.
My experience with driving manual transmission is that starting in 1st gear is generally best kept between 0-15km/h, and shifting to 2nd gear immediately after the car moves makes for a smoother transition. The optimal speed range for 2nd gear is 15-30km/h, where the engine sound is most comfortable, making it especially easy for city driving and following traffic. As for 3rd gear, it's typically used for speeds between 30-50km/h, such as on urban main roads or speed-limited zones within residential areas. The key is to consider the specific condition of the car. For instance, in my small-displacement car, the RPM gets quite high when climbing hills in 2nd gear at 30km/h, whereas my friend's large-displacement SUV can handle 40km/h in 2nd gear without any issue. The timing for shifting gears isn't just about watching the speedometer; the sound and vibration of the engine are more important. With enough experience, you'll develop a feel for when it's time to upshift.
During my driving test, the instructor repeatedly emphasized the importance of gear matching, noting that the speed ranges for gears 1-3 are actually quite flexible. First gear is just a transitional gear; you should shift to second gear once the speed exceeds 10 km/h. Second gear is suitable for speeds between 20-35 km/h, where the throttle response is very direct. Third gear covers 30-55 km/h and is most commonly used when merging onto the highway from an on-ramp. However, the instructor specifically advised against memorizing numbers rigidly. Once, during heavy rain and slippery roads, my car started skidding at just 25 km/h in second gear, so I quickly downshifted to first gear to control the speed. Driving a manual requires constantly sensing tire traction and engine conditions—safety is the top priority.
