Which gear should be used when turning a vehicle?
3 Answers
When turning a vehicle, the appropriate gear depends on the radius of the curve and the vehicle's speed, ranging from 1st to 5th gear as needed. Here are the relevant details: 1. Principle for entering a turn: The basic principle is to ensure the vehicle has sufficient torque available. Select the appropriate gear before entering the turn, not when accelerating out of the turn. 2. Additional notes: Gear selection is particularly important when turning. If the gear is too high, the vehicle may experience loss of control such as oversteer or understeer. If the gear is too low, it reduces efficiency and increases safety risks. Generally, when navigating a sharp turn, the vehicle should slow down in advance. For manual transmission vehicles, it is best to use 2nd gear for a smooth pass. If the intersection is wide and road conditions are good, 3rd gear can also be used.
I've been driving for many years, and shifting gears during turns depends on the situation. For manual transmission cars, slow down before the turn, reduce to an appropriate speed, and then shift to a lower gear like second or third to maintain control and avoid stalling. This is especially crucial for sharp turns—never shift gears mid-turn as it can lead to loss of control and accidents. With automatic transmission cars, the system adjusts the gears automatically; you just need to steer smoothly, making it much easier. Turning isn't just about gear shifting—speed, road conditions, and weather all matter. On rainy days, curves are slippery, so lower gears are safer. New drivers should develop the habit of preparing for turns early, practicing to get a feel for it until it becomes natural. Remember, safety comes first—don't rush through turns at high speeds to save time, as the consequences could be dire.
As a novice driver who just started learning to drive, I used to struggle with what gear to use when turning. In a manual transmission car, I would brake and slow down before sharp turns, then shift to second or third gear to control the speed and navigate the curve smoothly, avoiding stalling or shifting into the wrong gear like a beginner might. If the speed was too high and I took the turn in a higher gear, the car would feel floaty and unstable, which in hindsight was quite dangerous. With an automatic transmission, it's simpler—just leave it in D and focus on steering. When navigating narrow city streets, I always remind myself to prepare the gear in advance and not wait until the last moment to panic. Shifting gears while turning is not a good idea as it can be distracting. With more practice and familiarity with the car, everything becomes smoother, saving a lot of trouble.
