How to use the gearbox correctly
The ability to use a manual transmission correctly is one of the key factors in ensuring safe and smooth vehicle operation.
Even when driving an automatic car, it's still important to understand manual transmissions.
Driving an automatic car is quite simple, almost anyone can do it, but to better understand the principles of car transmissions, every driver should also be proficient in manual transmissions.
Once drivers understand manual transmissions, they can perform all gearbox operations, whether automatic or manual, correctly, quickly, smoothly, and accurately. Using the gears correctly not only ensures the best condition for the vehicle but also contributes to improving driving skills and feel.
Note when changing the number sequence
When changing gears in a manual transmission, the clutch must be fully disengaged, meaning the clutch pedal must be pressed all the way down. If shifting gears is very difficult and strenuous, it's because the clutch pedal isn't fully depressed.
To get the car moving, the driver needs to depress the clutch, shift into gear, release the clutch, and accelerate; the car will then move slowly. When shifting to a higher gear, the driver needs to release the accelerator completely, depress the clutch, and only press the accelerator again after the gear is engaged and the clutch is fully released.
Performing these steps correctly will help prevent clutch damage, keep the engine running smoothly, and prevent the vehicle from feeling sluggish.
Conversely, when shifting down to a lower gear, the driver should maintain a little pressure on the accelerator pedal so that the engine speed matches the vehicle's speed after releasing the clutch. Nowadays, most manual transmissions have synchronizers to help ensure smooth gear changes.
When performed skillfully, all upshifts and downshifts will occur smoothly, preventing the car from jerking.
Use the correct number progression in specific situations.
When starting off, drivers should engage first gear. Starting in second gear will cause the clutch to wear out faster because the gears slip more. Furthermore, using second gear after starting will result in less rapid and decisive initial acceleration compared to first gear, and also carries a higher risk of stalling.
Some people have a habit of driving in the highest possible gear, while others tend to use mid-range gears, which often leads to the engine revving too high. Therefore, the way you use gears must be appropriate.
Accordingly, the principle when driving on a flat road is to use the appropriate gear for the speed: gear 1 for slow speeds of 0-15 km/h, gear 2 for 15-25 km/h, gear 3 for 25-35 km/h, gear 4 for 40-55 km/h, and so on.
However, in reality, it will depend on the type of vehicle, engine power, and the number of gears in its transmission.
Always pay attention to the tachometer.
When looking at the tachometer, the driver will see an orange area to warn of the engine's limit and a red area to indicate the exact limit.
In addition to displaying engine limits, the tachometer is also very useful in maximizing the engine's power characteristics.
When going downhill, should you downshift or brake?
When going downhill, drivers should reduce speed using the brakes and only shift to a lower gear when there are signs that the vehicle needs to stop (at a red light, approaching a parking spot, etc.). Additionally, if approaching a busy area like an intersection or roundabout and needing to temporarily slow down, it may be better to shift down a gear in a single gear (for example, from 5th to 3rd gear) to quickly regain speed, rather than shifting down sequentially.
With an automatic transmission, driving becomes easier; the driver simply needs to engage "D" for driving, "P" for stopping/parking, and "R" for reversing... The automatic transmission automatically selects the appropriate gear and speed for the driver.
Other things to note when using an automatic transmission are that if you need to stop for more than a few tens of seconds, such as at a red light, you can take your foot off the accelerator, lightly press the brake, shift to "N" (neutral), and keep your foot lightly on the brake. If you only need to stop for a short time, you don't need to shift gears; just holding the brake is sufficient. Also, never use your left foot to brake, as driving an automatic car with both feet is extremely dangerous.