Will the car be damaged if driving at 100 km/h in 3rd gear?
4 Answers
If driving at 100 km/h in 3rd gear for a long time, it will reduce the service life of the car. Here are some related introductions about gear shifting: 1. Upshifting essentials: The key to smooth upshifting lies in the "acceleration" level. The "acceleration" distance should be determined by the gear level being shifted to. The higher the gear, the longer the "acceleration" distance. During "acceleration", the accelerator pedal should be pressed steadily and released quickly at medium speed. 2. Downshifting essentials: Release the accelerator pedal, quickly press the clutch pedal, shift the gear lever into neutral, then release the clutch pedal, quickly press the accelerator pedal once ("empty fueling"), quickly press the clutch pedal again, shift the gear lever into a lower gear, and release the clutch pedal with a quick-pause-slow technique to allow the car to continue driving in the new gear.
As someone who has been driving for many years, let me share my thoughts on this. Driving at 100 km/h in 3rd gear can indeed damage the car because the engine RPM will surge to over 4000, far exceeding the normal range. Many engines are designed to operate optimally between 2000 and 3000 RPM. Such high RPMs can subject components like pistons and crankshafts to excessive stress, leading to accelerated wear and overheating issues. It might be fine for a short period, but prolonged use can hasten engine aging or failure. I recommend always keeping an eye on the tachometer and avoiding frequent high-speed driving in lower gears. Also, consider safety factors: high RPMs generate loud noise, which can affect hearing and may even lead to loss of control. It's best to develop the habit of shifting up to 4th or 5th gear in a timely manner, protecting the vehicle while also saving fuel and ensuring a smoother ride.
Once I tried pushing the engine to 100 km/h in 3rd gear, and instantly the engine roared loudly, the cabin vibrated violently, and the oil temperature gauge shot up towards the red line! I quickly slowed down to avoid disaster. Since then, I've learned my lesson: lower gears are for climbing hills and starting, not high-speed cruising. Overloading the engine increases internal friction, potentially burning out spark plugs or overheating and melting wires. Driving a regular car like this also drastically increases fuel consumption, making it less economical than using higher gears. I recommend regular checks of the cooling system to prevent overheating. If you ever encounter a similar situation, immediately reduce speed and seek professional maintenance to avoid hidden dangers.
If you frequently drive at 100 km/h in 3rd gear, the engine load surges dramatically, increasing the risk of wear. At high RPMs, the imbalanced forces on engine components can easily lead to cylinder wall damage or chain slackness. I've observed similar cases where some vehicles developed abnormal noises or power loss prematurely, necessitating major repairs. The core issue is that the engine design isn't suited for this type of operation; daily driving should match gear selection with speed, using higher gears to reduce RPM and protect equipment lifespan. Also, pay attention to road safety: sudden acceleration and high noise levels can distract drivers and increase accident probability. Doing it once in the short term may not cause major issues, but making it a habit can have serious consequences. I advise everyone to prioritize upshifting and drive steadily.
