Which gear is suitable for following in traffic congestion?

[LeahMarie]

For manual transmission vehicles, it is advisable to use 2nd to 3rd gear and always be prepared to brake, but avoid keeping your right foot on the brake pedal for extended periods or too frequently. Maintain the speed between 20-30 kilometers per hour, or even below 20 kilometers per hour. Pay attention to the distance between cars: Try to slightly offset your car to the left from the car in front, allowing the driver to see several vehicles ahead. After the car in front starts moving, leave a car-length distance before starting to follow, while also monitoring the movement of the four or five cars ahead. If the leading cars only move one meter before braking, it is recommended not to start moving to prevent rear-end collisions due to insufficient braking time. Control the starting speed: Avoid starting too quickly or abruptly, and do not follow too closely. Traffic congestion often cannot be resolved immediately, and starting too fast can easily lead to accidents. At low speeds in lower gears, try to shift into neutral in advance and coast for a short distance using inertia.

[KendraAnn]

When driving in traffic jams, it's recommended to use lower gears. Based on my over ten years of driving experience, safety always comes first. For manual transmission cars, I often use first or second gear, which keeps the speed from getting too high and makes the throttle response more sensitive. This way, even a light tap on the brakes can stop the car in time to avoid rear-end collisions. As for automatic transmission cars, you can switch to manual mode and lock into first or second gear, or simply shift to S (Sport) mode for smoother deceleration. In case the car in front suddenly brakes hard, there's no need to panic in a lower gear—just release the accelerator, and the car will start slowing down. Remember to maintain a safe following distance of at least two to three meters and avoid tailgating, as stop-and-go traffic really tests your anticipation skills. Using higher gears like third or fourth can be risky: a light press on the accelerator may not respond, while a heavy press could cause the car to lurch forward, increasing the chance of an accident.

[MacSamuel]

I always pay attention to fuel efficiency during traffic jams and following cars. Lower gears actually save more fuel. For manual transmission cars, using first or second gear matches the low speed perfectly, resulting in higher engine efficiency and lower fuel consumption. For automatic transmission cars, it's best to switch to manual mode and stay in first gear during prolonged low-speed following to avoid frequent gear shifts that increase fuel consumption. Many people think coasting in neutral saves fuel, but it's actually dangerous and wasteful. Coasting in a lower gear with the gear engaged utilizes engine braking instead. After testing with a full tank of fuel each time, I found that sticking to lower gears in traffic jams can extend the distance by 30 kilometers. Combined with the habit of gently pressing the accelerator and starting slowly, it saves fuel and ensures safety, so I don’t have to worry about the fuel tank running out too quickly even during long traffic jams.

[VanIsabella]

To protect my car, I prefer using first and second gears in traffic jams. For manual transmission cars, lower gears reduce the time of half-clutch, preventing the clutch from overheating and burning the friction plates. For automatic transmissions, shifting to lower gears reduces the load on the gearbox, avoiding frequent switching between second and third gears. During short stops, I shift to neutral and engage the handbrake for a break, but when following traffic, I maintain a steady speed in a low gear. This also reduces wear on tires and brake pads, as sudden braking or lugging the engine causes the most damage. Car owners who inspect their chassis monthly will understand the value of this maintenance.