Will the Engine Stall in Fourth Gear Without Accelerating?
2 Answers
If the vehicle is already in motion and shifted into fourth gear, it can continue to run without pressing the accelerator, but the speed will gradually decrease. Once the speed drops to a certain level, the car will start to shake and eventually stall. Fourth Gear in Cars: The fourth gear in a car is a driving gear primarily used for prolonged high-speed and economical driving. The most fuel-efficient speed for most vehicles typically occurs in the lower speed range of fourth gear, generally between 45-56 km/h. Gear Shifting Principle: Manual transmission vehicles achieve gear ratio changes by switching different gear sets. As a key component in power distribution, the transmission must have two main parts: the power input shaft and the output shaft, along with the gears that make up the transmission. These are the most basic components of a manual transmission. Car Accelerator: The accelerator in a gasoline engine primarily controls the throttle opening size. A smaller opening means less air-fuel mixture enters the cylinder, resulting in lower engine power output, and vice versa. The more air-fuel mixture enters the cylinder, the greater the combustion force, which in turn increases the force pushing the piston, speeds up piston movement, and consequently increases engine speed.
When I first learned to drive, I also tried not pressing the accelerator in fourth gear, and the car suddenly stalled, which gave me quite a scare. This happens because in manual transmission cars, the engine speed is naturally lower in higher gears like fourth gear. If you don't apply throttle, the engine load increases, causing the RPM to drop rapidly. Once it falls below idle speed, the engine is prone to stalling. This is especially common at low speeds, such as below 30 km/h. However, if you're moving faster, say around 50-60 mph, the car might coast for a while before gradually slowing down. The key to avoiding this situation is maintaining an appropriate speed that matches the gear. Beginners should practice throttle control on flat roads and avoid risky maneuvers like climbing hills or turning corners. It's also important to develop the habit of downshifting—if you feel the speed dropping, promptly switch to a lower gear or give it a bit of throttle.
