subject: Learn Driving, Shifting Gears [print this page] With the wide manufacturing of cars with automatic transmission nowadays, it seems a bit unnecessary to know the process of shifting gears in a car. Little people would be keen to know the technique to drive a car having manual transmission. However if you are a car enthusiast, then a skill like this is a must-have. Knowing the techniques of shifting gears will come in handy when it comes to renting a car on vacation. Many rental cars have manual transmission and are cheaper as compared to those with automatic transmission. Follow the fairly simple directions.
Directions
In the cars that have manual transmission, the first gear when engaged allows to speed up from 10 to 15 mph. If there is a need to increase the speed, then the gear has to be shifted into the second one. It is believed as a versatile gear because the car can be driven at a moderate speed up to 25 mph. If the traffic is moving very slow, the brakes get some relief by keeping the car engaged in second gear.
It is obvious that the faster speed you desire, the higher gears will be needed to engage. The specific speeds at which these high gears are used vary in every car. This is the most probable reason that practice is needed before becoming familiarized with the gears on the car. The third gear is generally perfect for driving in cities and towns, although the gear has to be shifted into the first one when approaching a stop and then staring again. Use of the highest gear available in the car is required when driving on highways or motorways.
It is not a scary exercise to learn shifting gears. The basic point is to recognize from the sound of the engine when it calls for shifting the gear when the car is accelerated. The RPM gauge also helps the driver to time the gear shift. If the car is running at a faster speed than the capacity of the gear, the engine will make a whirring sound of a high pitch. This is a usual indication that the gear needs to be changed. The RPM gauge will usually reach 3000 to 3500 RPM when the gear has to be shifted to a higher gear.
For shifting the gear, lift the right foot completely from the pedal while pressing the clutch pedal completely using the left foot. The engine will immediately sound quiet and RPM will reduce to an idle rate. Pull the gear stick from first to second with the clutch pedal still depressed. When done, release the clutch pedal gradually while pressing the gas pedal at the same time in a steady manner. Continue driving and shift to high gears with the increase in speed.
For reducing the speed and slowing down, press the clutch and shift to a lower gear. Remember to tap the brakes and dont tread heavily with heavy strength.
