
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.

After driving my old car for so many years, I've thoroughly figured out the speed ranges for gears 1 to 3. Shifting to 2nd gear at around 10km/h after starting in 1st gear makes for the smoothest transition – any slower and the car shakes. 2nd gear is super practical in the city, covering speeds from 15-40km/h, even allowing you to go over speed bumps without shifting. It's best to engage 3rd gear above 30km/h; otherwise, the engine sounds strained and uncomfortable. Once, when fully loaded with five adults climbing a hill, the RPM in 2nd gear at 40km/h was much higher than usual, and I could clearly feel the power struggling. Ultimately, speed depends on load and road conditions, not just what the speedometer shows.


