Which Gear to Use for Reversing?
2 Answers
To reverse, engage the reverse gear, which is the R gear. Below is some knowledge about manual transmission gears: 1. 1st gear: Used for normal starting or climbing very steep slopes. The speed is generally below 10 km/h when using this gear. 2. 2nd gear: Used as a transition gear for acceleration after starting, or for low-speed driving or climbing steep slopes. The speed is generally below 20 km/h. 3. 3rd gear: A forward gear, generally used when the speed is between 20 km/h and 40 km/h, commonly used for city driving. 4. 4th gear: Can be used for speeds above 40 km/h up to 80 km/h. 5. 5th gear: Can be used for speeds above 60 km/h, typically for high-speed driving. 6. N gear: Neutral gear, used when the vehicle is idling, such as when waiting at a traffic light. Shift to N gear and engage the handbrake. 7. R gear: Reverse gear, used for reversing.
I always shift to R gear when reversing, which applies to both manual and automatic transmissions. On a manual transmission car, the operation requires some skill: first, bring the car to a complete stop, press the clutch pedal firmly, and after confirming safety, push the gear lever to the R position—a 'click' sound indicates successful engagement. Then, gradually release the clutch while gently pressing the accelerator, and the car will slowly reverse. Automatic transmission cars are more straightforward—just shift directly from P to R. However, in real driving, I've noticed many people make mistakes, such as forgetting to press the clutch or misaligning the gear in a hurry, causing the car to lurch forward or stall. In severe cases, this could lead to accidents. So, before reversing, I always double-check the dashboard display to ensure it's correct and glance at the rearview mirror or backup camera for a clear view. If the reverse light is broken, others may not see you reversing, increasing the risk. I recommend beginners practice in an open area first and only attempt complex scenarios after gaining proficiency.
