When to change gears?

should I do it according to how hard the engine is working or do it by watching the rpms? Which is easier?



I had one lesson in a standard car (attending a driving school) but won't get another lesson(with an instructor) for nearly 2 weeks (due to family trip)When to change gears?
Depends on the car and the situation.



Most cars will have a ';recommended shift point'; for greatest efficiency listed in the manual. My book says 2500 rpm for 1-4 and 2300 for 5th, but it will be different for every car.



Really, like most people said, you will get a feel for it after a while. Its more than just a number on the tach, I say this because if your going up a hill you will need to shift later in order to maintain your power and thus speed. Coming down a hill you can shift sooner as gravity is doing a lot of your motors work for you. There are a ton a variables.



If you want a raw number I would say that in normal driving most 4 cylinder cars do not need to rev over 4000rpm, most 6 cylinders do not to rev over 3000rpm, and most 8 cylinders do not need to rev over 2500rpm.



Hope it helps and have fun, I will drive manual transmision cars until I physically cannot. =)When to change gears?
For everyday driving you don't need to look at the rpm's. You should be able to tell by the sound and feel of the engine. If you are watching the tach to shift you are taking attention off the road. The only time you really need to shift with the tach is when racing.
dont overrev and dont lug the engine you will find a spot in between that works as every car has different shift points depending on engine ,gearing,and tire size
Ive been driving a car thats a clutch my whole life and I find that its easier just to listen to the engine. You will be able to tell when its time to shift. I cant explain what noise the engine makes but you will be able to tell. It sort of whines kinda loud. Thats the best I can explain it. But believe me you will be able to tell when its time to shift.
When you are learning to change gears the rule of thumb is between 2000 and 3000 rpm. Once you do it a few times you will get the feel of when the engine is in this RPM zone and can change gears without looking at the tach
Usually you will know its time to shift when the old lady beside you is passing you. Shift lights are sorta useful, but I never trust them. I have no limit to my gears so I can't tell you when to shift. I can run mine around 5-6000 rpm in 1st before shifting, and then about 4-5000 rpm in 2nd and so forth. Just punch the gas, and when the car starts gyrating then it is time to shift.
go by ear, you can tell when you need to shift, just make sure the car is not going so slow that when you shift it lugs.

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