Why is driving at 80 km/h in 4th gear more fuel-efficient than in 5th gear?
1 Answers
Driving at 80 km/h in 4th gear is more fuel-efficient than in 5th gear for the following reasons: Due to the larger gear ratio in 4th gear, the engine output torque is smaller when driving in 4th compared to 5th gear. Normally, driving with light throttle input is more fuel-efficient in higher gears. However, when encountering uphill driving or full-load conditions where the throttle is pressed more than halfway, it is advisable to downshift one gear, as this can actually save more fuel. Tips for fuel-efficient driving: 1. Tip one: Avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking, as these actions consume several times more fuel and accelerate wear on car tires, shock absorbers, and other components. 2. Tip two: In winter, warm up the vehicle for about a minute until the tachometer needle drops before setting off, and maintain steady driving for 1 to 2 kilometers before accelerating. 3. Tip three: When approaching an intersection, observe the distant traffic signal early; if deceleration is needed, release the throttle early to coast to the intersection. 4. Tip four: For automatic transmission vehicles, unless necessary, avoid stomping on the accelerator. Instead, press the throttle gradually to allow the vehicle to accelerate smoothly to the target speed. This is because automatic transmissions have a kick-down function—when the accelerator is pressed hard, the transmission control unit will downshift to provide greater acceleration capability.
