Changing Gear

Gear changing is probably one of the most important skills any new driver should develop as it not only allows the driver to move the vehicle from a standing start but also gives the driver the power to build up their speed by working through the appropriate gears. Gear changing is a very physical skill requiring good coordination between the

Hands
Feet
Eyes
Ears

Lets take a look at a typical gear lever and see how the gears are laid out. It is important when driving that you do not look down at the gear stick when changing gear, although some drivers find this difficult at first it doesn't take long to achieve. You can practice gear changes sitting in the car with the engine switched off and the clutch pressed down. If you do have difficulty mastering the gears there is always the option of driving an automatic car, the downside of this is of course that after passing your test you will be restricted to using automatic cars only.

This particular gear lever has five forward gears and one reverse gear. Some of the older vehicles will only have four gears while some top of the range vehicles may have six or more gears. The layout of different gear levers may vary. It doesn't matter how the gear lever is laid out the gears will work in exactly the same way. In most vehicles the first 4 gears form an 'H' appearance on the gear lever. Neutral is the middle line in the 'H' formation on the gear stick. The gears run from left to right of the 'H', top left being first gear through to bottom right being 4th gear. Most cars now have a fifth gear which is located on the far top-right of the gear lever (to the right of the 'H').

To engage reverse gear you sometimes have to either push the gear lever down or lift it up towards you. Different vehicles have different setups. So always check were reverse is on a new vehicle.

1st Gear is used for moving off, manoeuvering and for creeping slowly in traffic and at junctions.

2nd Gear is used for moving off down very steep hills, building up speed after moving away and driving at low speeds.

3rd Gear is used to build up speed and when you need more power for climbing hills. It also increases your control when going down steep hills and dealing with some bends.

4th Gear is used for driving at speeds generally higher than 30 mph, where there are no hazards to confront.

5th Gear not all vehicles have a 5th gear. which gives better fuel economy. This is normally only used on open roads when travelling constantly at higher speeds.

When to Change Gear.

Following on from the Moving Off tutorial, once we have the vehicle moving we then need to change gear as first gear will only take you so far. This is where our eyesight and hearing come into play. Remembering that first gear is only used to move off from a standing start, we should start to hear the engine getting progressively louder as the gear comes to the end of its usefulness.

This is a good guide for your next gear change, which would be second gear. By listening to the engine note, (2K REVS) you can judge when the vehicle requires a gear change. As the engine gets louder, change gear. If you are deaf or have impaired hearing you could use the following table as a guideline.

First Gear .....0 - 10 MPH*

Second Gear .....10 - 20 mph.*
Third Gear .....20 - 30 MPH.*
Fourth Gear .....30 - 40 MPH.*
Fifth Gear .....40 - 70 MPH.*

* MPH - Miles Per Hour

(The table should be seen as a general guide, as larger vehicles will allow the vehicle to travel at higher speeds before requiring a gear change.)

Using the Gear Lever
So we've got our guideline for changing gear, how do we actually use the gear lever? When the gear lever is in the neutral position the lever normally positions its self below third gear.

Selecting First & Second Gears
Because the gear lever rests below third gear the driver has to push over and up to select first gear or over and down to select second gear. This is necessary because the gear lever is sprung loaded, which enables it to return to its resting position below third. The correct way to select first or second gear is to use the "palming method".

The Palming Method
By using this method you eliminate the risk of your hand slipping off the gear lever or selecting the wrong gear.

As we can see in the diagram the position of the hand will make it easier to select the first and second gears as I will be pushing against the sprung loaded lever.

Selecting Third Gear

Because the gear lever is sprung loaded and will always centralize below third gear, simply reverse your grip on the lever and let the gear lever spring back to its resting position and then push up, which will select third gear. Let the gear lever do some of the work when selecting the higher gears.

Selecting Fourth Gear
Using the same grip on the gear lever simply pull down on the gear lever as far as it will go and this should ensure that fourth gear has been selected.

Selecting Fifth Gear
To select fifth from fourth gear simply push the lever up and horizontal towards the steering wheel until it will not go any further and then push up.

Never try to rush or force your gear changes as this will probably result in a missed gear change. If you've got to rush something when you're driving, you're doing it wrong. Take your time.

Follow these simple steps for a successful gear change.
You've moved off from a standing start using first gear. Listening to the engine or watching the speedometer you decide to change into second gear. Allow your right foot to come off the gas pedal and then press the clutch pedal to the floor. Using the palming method, palm and knuckles facing away from the steering wheel, select second gear. Ensure you apply enough pressure on the gear lever as you pull down. This will stop it springing back to its resting position below third gear. Once you're happy that second gear has been selected, bring the clutch pedal up slowly and apply a little pressure to the gas pedal. The secret to smooth gear changes is to bring your clutch pedal up slowly as this allows the clutch plates to come together gently. . Repeat the above procedure when selecting the higher gears. Remembering to change your grip on the gear lever, so your palm and knuckles are facing the steering wheel. Never rush a gear change!

About Block Gear Changes

Some drivers have a habit of always changing through the gears one-by-one (1,2,3,4,5 -
5,4,3,2,1). This habit has stuck with some older drivers from when they originally learned to drive many years ago. Today, in a normal car and for everyday on-road driving, it is not generally good practice to use the gears in this way. We can change down the gears in blocks ( 5th to 2nd or 4th to 2nd. etc). Over the years, motor car design and engineering has improved. Compared with cars of even ten years ago, modern cars are lighter, more powerful and more aerodynamic.

These changes mean that the driving method that was essential in older cars is no longer needed in modern driving. It is not necessary to change gears in sequence. For example, if you are driving along at 50 mph in 5th gear and you want to turn left into a side road, you may be able to do so without having to stop.

As you approach the junction, you need to reduce your speed ( using your brake) until you are going slowly enough to take the junction safely.When you have slowed down to a safe speed using the brakes, you have to select a gear that will drive the car comfortably at that speed. In most cars the best gear for the job will be 2nd. So, move the gear lever directly to the second gear position skipping the other gears.

The benefits of this style of driving include better fuel economy, less overall wear and tear, less driver fatigue on long journeys and more steering control in emergencies.To practice changing up through the gears on the road, first find a fairly straight, wide road where there is little or no other traffic. Move off in first gear and change into 2nd gear as soon as you can. Accelerate to about 15-20 mph, then change into 3rd gear. Accelerate in 3rd to 25-30 mph and then change into 4th. You will only need to practise using the 5th gear when you are competent using the first 4 gears.

To Practise - change down through the gears. When you have built up your speed to 30 mph and you are in 4th gear, check the mirror to make sure it is safe. Brake gently to slow the car down to about 20 mph. Release the brake and change into 3rd gear. Check the mirror again and, if safe, reapply the brake gently and slow down to about 10 mph. Release the brake and change into 2nd gear. Check the mirror, if safe, build up your speed, changing up the gears, until you reach 30 mph again. Keep practising until you feel confident.

Steven