Will the Engine Stall in Second Gear Without Pressing the Accelerator?
2 Answers
On flat roads or downhill, the engine will not stall, but it will automatically stall when going uphill. Here are some fuel-saving tips for cars: Gear Shifting Technique: Shift gears according to the speed; avoid driving at low speeds in high gears for extended periods. Accelerator Technique: Press the accelerator gently when starting; stomping on it abruptly will only increase fuel consumption and put more burden on the engine. It's best to avoid frequent overtaking and not to squeeze into every available gap. Braking Technique: Try to avoid emergency braking, which requires the driver to prepare in advance; gentle tapping of the brakes is preferable. Tire Issues: Ensure the tire pressure is normal, as both underinflation and overinflation will increase fuel consumption, so regular checks of tire pressure are advisable.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for over twenty years, and if I shift into second gear without pressing the accelerator, the engine stalls very easily. At low speeds, the engine requires sufficient RPM to maintain balance. Without enough throttle input to provide adequate air intake, the pistons don't operate smoothly, and the engine naturally stops. This is especially noticeable at low speeds, such as when driving slowly in the city or coasting downhill in second gear—the car's inertia pulls on the engine, causing the RPM to drop too low and stall immediately. Beginners often struggle with this, and I went through it myself in my early days. Once, at a parking lot exit, I forgot to press the accelerator, and the car clunked to a stop, followed by a chorus of honks from behind! The solution is to practice coordinating the clutch and accelerator—starting in second gear or not giving it gas just doesn't work. However, when coasting downhill at high speed, if the RPM is high enough, the engine might still keep running, but this isn't recommended. Safety first—it's better to use neutral or match the throttle appropriately.
