Why Downshift Before Overtaking?

[DelEliza]

Overtaking requires downshifting for the following reasons: 1. To overtake quickly and safely, both manual and automatic transmissions should downshift. This is because the engine's maximum power output occurs at higher RPMs, while cruising RPMs are lower for fuel efficiency. Directly applying throttle without downshifting won't deliver sufficient power output. Downshifting increases RPM and power output, enabling faster and safer overtaking. 2. A vehicle accelerates based on the driving force from its driven wheels—greater driving force results in quicker acceleration. This force originates from the engine's torque transmitted to the wheels. Lower gears amplify engine torque more significantly, delivering greater torque to the driven wheels. Thus, downshifting during overtaking enhances acceleration capability, allowing the vehicle to complete the maneuver swiftly.