What speed corresponds to the fifth gear in a manual transmission?
3 Answers
Manual fifth gear corresponds to speeds above 60 km/h. First gear is used for normal starts or when climbing very steep slopes, with speeds around 10 km/h. Second gear is used for low-speed driving or climbing steep slopes, with speeds around 20 km/h. Third gear is used for speeds between 20 to 40 km/h, commonly used for city driving. Fourth gear can be used for speeds between 40 to 60 km/h. Since different vehicles have varying gear ratios in their transmissions, the engine RPM corresponding to each speed point also differs. Therefore, drivers can also use engine RPM as a reference point when shifting gears. When upshifting, the engine RPM should be between 1800 to 2500 rpm for optimal vehicle responsiveness, superior power performance, and better fuel efficiency.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for over twenty years, and I usually shift into fifth gear when the speed reaches around 80 kilometers per hour, mainly for fuel efficiency during highway cruising. The timing of gear shifting is crucial—shifting into fifth gear too early can strain the engine and increase fuel consumption, while shifting too late wastes power. On highways, I typically maintain speeds between 100 and 120 kilometers per hour in fifth gear, keeping the engine RPM below 2000, which ensures a smooth and quiet ride. Different cars vary significantly—for example, my friend's sedan runs at lower RPMs, while off-road vehicles require more patience. Remember, regular transmission maintenance can prevent shifting issues, and I recommend checking the gear oil every 20,000 kilometers.
I just started learning to drive a manual transmission car. My instructor said the fifth gear is for high speeds and can be used when the speed is above 60 km/h, but don't rush it. At first, I always wanted to shift into fifth gear in the city, but the engine stalled badly. Later, I found that the speed needs to be at least 70 km/h to be suitable. Now when I drive my small car to the suburbs, I usually shift into fifth gear at around 90 km/h, and the engine sounds much quieter and is more fuel-efficient. However, every car is different, so you need to find the right point for your own car. Also, in rainy weather or when going uphill, you should slightly increase the speed to prevent stalling. With more practice, you'll get used to this rhythm.
