How to change the manual transmission gears properly

The gear shifting technique, while seeming trivial, requires some skill. The gear change is used in two cases - when accelerating and when the vehicle is slowing down. Changing speed in the second case (deceleration) is quite often unknown to drivers.

In short about the menu gearbox

The transmission is designed so that each gear (speed) has a certain effective band (power band), in which the engine is able to transmit maximum power to the wheels. From the picture to the right we can see how each gear has its effective range.
The gearbox assemblies are designed to keep the engine speed at the beginning of the effective range with each change of speed, thus providing maximum acceleration up to the maximum vehicle speed.

Changing speed when accelerating

During vehicle acceleration, it is necessary to change gears properly so that we do not unnecessarily overload the engine, so as not to unnecessarily waste fuel and thus pollute the environment (and throw away money).
When gear changes during acceleration, it is not necessary to insert the first gear into neutral gear (ler) or to add “intermediate throttle”. Modern gearbox assemblies are very precise and there is no need for such techniques, it is best to make a gear shift in a uniform motion.

For economical driving, the speeds change to around 2000 rpm during acceleration. for diesel engines, or at about 2500-3000 rpm for gasoline engines. This change in gearing achieves significant fuel savings.

Changing speed during deceleration (braking)

Failure to change gears during deceleration is likely to damage the transmission assemblies. You probably don't notice this because you're occupied with braking and traffic around you, but there are ways you can see for yourself how harmful this is to your car:
- Accelerate to 80km / h by driving in fifth gear. Brakes (no change in speed) up to 40km / h. Release the brake. What do you notice?

It will often happen, especially when driving around the city, that you have to stop the vehicle completely (eg because of traffic lights). Unless you are in the habit of changing gears during braking, then you know how much load the transmission can handle - until you press the clutch.

Changing gears during deceleration can be demanding and can cause sudden changes in the center of gravity of the vehicle, resulting in uncomfortable driving for your passengers and sudden "knocks" on the transmission. With a little practice, this gearshift can be completely "painless" without the slightest jerk - using a speed-matching technique.

Author: Tomislav Saser

Retrieved from: autopress.hr