Will the car keep running at idle speed in third gear?

[DeOlive]

Hanging in third gear at idle speed will not keep the car running continuously. The functions of car gears are as follows: 1. First gear: Starting gear, used for initiating the car's movement, not suitable for prolonged high-speed operation. 2. Second gear: Passing gear, mainly used for navigating roads and handling complex situations, such as sharp-angle (right-angle) turns without special obstacles, crowded and bustling areas, steep slopes, and bumpy roads. 3. Third gear: Transition gear, primarily used for low-speed driving in urban areas. It allows for easy acceleration to fourth gear or deceleration to second gear. 4. Fourth gear: Cruising gear, mainly used for extended high-speed driving and economical operation. Most vehicles achieve their economical speed in the lower speed range of fourth gear.

[ChaseLee]

I've been driving manual transmission cars for over 10 years. When idling in third gear, the car usually doesn't keep moving forward—it might just creep slightly or not move at all. Third gear is a higher gear where the engine's torque at idle is relatively low, making it less capable of moving the vehicle compared to first gear. I remember trying it on a flat road last time—after releasing the clutch, the car barely moved. On a slope, it might even roll backward slightly. I recommend not relying on this method for parking; instead, get used to using the foot brake or handbrake for control—safety comes first. During normal driving, idling in the wrong gear can also easily stall the engine and affect battery life. It's best to shift to neutral when parked to save fuel. Beginners often misunderstand this—the idle speed actually depends on the car model and road slope. It's best to practice in an open area to get a feel for it and avoid accidents in the city.

[Caden]

As someone who enjoys DIY car repairs, I analyze from a mechanical engine perspective: the car generally won't move forward continuously when idling in third gear. The torque from a manual transmission is amplified through the gearbox, and third gear has a smaller amplification ratio than first gear. At idle speed, the engine's output power is insufficient, so the wheels usually only rotate slightly or remain stationary. For example, I tested my old car at 1000 RPM idle speed—after fully releasing the clutch, the car barely moved and required a slight press of the accelerator to go. In contrast, first gear idle allows for easier slow movement. Key factors include engine health, clutch wear, and ground friction. Regular maintenance checks on the clutch can reduce this issue, but don't rely on idling to drive—active control is more reliable and worry-free.

[StXavier]

When I first started learning to drive, I was also curious if the car could move in third gear at idle. The instructor said it rarely happens because the torque at higher gears is too low at idle. If the wheels vibrate slightly without stopping, you're lucky. I tried it at the driving school, and the car would only move slightly or jerk in place, not creep like an automatic transmission. Beginners often mistakenly think third gear has the same effect as first gear, but only lower gears like first and second have a tendency to move forward at idle. Always make it a habit to engage the handbrake when parking to prevent accidental sliding and collisions. Practice coordinating the clutch and accelerator more, don't be afraid of stalling, and experience will accumulate. Safe driving starts with the details.