What is the speed range for second and third gears?
2 Answers
Second gear is between 20 mph and 35 mph, and third gear is between 35 mph and 45 mph. Shift gears according to the car's speed. Generally, start in first gear, then shift to second gear after driving a few meters; shift to third gear when the speed reaches above 20 mph but below 35 mph; shift to fourth gear when the speed reaches above 35 mph but below 45 mph. Below are methods to avoid stalling: 1. Control the clutch well: Beginners may not handle the clutch well, especially in manual transmission cars. If the clutch is released too slowly, the car may stall. Therefore, when starting, press the clutch firmly with your left foot. 2. Control the throttle well: While pressing the clutch with your left foot, also press the throttle with your right foot to ensure a smoother start. 3. Use the handbrake when starting: Sometimes, beginners may experience the car rolling back when starting, which can cause panic and stalling. In such cases, use the handbrake. Before shifting to start, pull the handbrake tight, then release the clutch halfway, release the handbrake, and press the throttle to prevent rolling back. 4. Avoid driving at high gears with low speed: When driving normally, if the car is in a high gear but moving at a low speed, the engine may start shaking, lose power, and stall. Therefore, beginners should find the right timing to shift gears.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for over a decade, and there's really no fixed standard for second and third gear speeds. Second gear is usually the first driving gear after starting, and it's most comfortable driving between 20 to 40 km/h in the city, with the engine revving around 2000 RPM—the car has enough power without being too noisy. Third gear is used more often, suitable for speeds between 40 to 60 km/h, especially on urban expressways where third gear at around 50 km/h makes overtaking particularly smooth. However, it also depends on the car's condition—my old Jetta could pull up to 45 km/h in second gear, but newer cars tend to be more conservative. The key is to watch the tachometer and avoid letting the needle enter the red zone. Pay attention to speed and any jerking when shifting gears, and with enough experience, you'll naturally develop a feel for it.
