5-10 mph ok in 2nd?

[FR-S Matt]

Originally Posted by BlaineWasHere

In traffic I leave it in 2nd at those speeds.

+1 First gear is a pain in the ass in traffic. Gets too jerky, and sometimes the speed gets high enough to where you need it in second unless you enjoy 4-5k revs. I suppose it also depends on how comfortable you are with your car and your clutch. I'm personally still learning the clutch coming from a Camaro. This clutch is about half as long and hits the floor with little foot press. Still love it though!

[FR-S Matt]

After paying more attention into this issue, first gear for 5-10 is necessary. Only about 2-2.2k rpm at 10 mph. 2nd gear is kind of sluggish but doable. Consider it situational. At that speed you're almost to a stop. It certainly won't hurt the car, but you can use your judgement and feel when it's bogged versus when it's normal.

This is the whole reason why I love my manuals in sports cars. Full control over the car.

[Laika]

My mental cut off for first gear is 6mph on a level road. Anything higher I go second.

At the same time, I'm one of those people who use first gear like a creeper gear. From a dig I'll stay in 1st up to 2k and that's it.

[WolfsFang]

I never go less then 8mph in 2nd, anything slower i drop it down to first.

[8ight6ix]

i found myself in these kind of situations a lot. I think the key to not bog in 2nd gear when going 5-10mph is to keep a steady foot and press the gas pedal REALLY lightly, i would say no more than 20% throttle and wait for the speed to go back up.

[Subie]

I'll slip the clutch in second up to about 7-8 MPH if I have to. Second gear is fine down to about 4-5 MPH; below that, I'll use first gear.

[#87]

If you accelerate in second before ~12 the engine will lug, the sound and vibration will make it obvious. Just stay in 1st

[enjoi23]

If you feel that it's hard to put the car in first gear when downshifting sometimes, that's because you have to be almost to a complete stop or a complete stop. That to me means that first gear in general should be for almost stopping or stopping. When downshifting because I'm coming to traffic, I use second. When in traffic, I stay in second. If my car stalls, I go to first,but it rarely does. I would say downshift to first when you reach 5 or 6mph

[ThePoet]

Originally Posted by dori.

pretty sure there's no synchro on 1st so that explains why it's hard to shift back into it

I can't tell if you're being serious or not lol but if you are, I am very nearly positive that first gear has a synchro :p Cars haven't not had first gear synchros since the early 40's... I could be wrong though, I guess.

[ipothas]

Same. Idk what causes that. In my RSX 2nd gear was my best friend. I could always switch into 2nd to roll a turn, etc etc, usually anywhere from 5mph-30 without bogging down the engine. You should never shift back into first gear unless you're BARELY moving or at a full stop.

[jmaryt]

Originally Posted by Texas FR-S

If I'm facing your situation, I try to be very delicate and smooth while downshifting into 1st... However, before I do so, I make sure my engine speed slows / matches with the speed of the car itself. I try my level best to get as close to 5 miles (if not lesser) as possible by braking a tad more if needed, then I blip the gas for a smoother transition to 1st.

As others have mentioned, you don't HAVE to downshift into 1st if 2nd is already adequate.

Remember to downshift only if you need to build up speed, don't downshift to slow your car down... That's what the brakes are for. (Just felt like adding this extra point since it can become a common mistake - I picked this knowledge up from the book called 'ULTIMATE SPEED SECRETS by Ross Bentley... Highly recommend reading it!)

downshifting to slow the car down is a common practice utilizing the "compression" of the engine as a brake to LESSEN wear on the brakes over a period of time.

[Dispect]

i dont drive a manual but im going to learn very soon. anyone know what the optimal speed is required for each gear? i know 1st gear is alwasy the best for stationary accelerations.

[Texas BRZ]

Originally Posted by jmaryt

downshifting to slow the car down is a common practice utilizing the "compression" of the engine as a brake to LESSEN wear on the brakes over a period of time.

That is a common misunderstanding.

From what I have learned, the engine is meant to increase your speed, not decrease it. If you think about it, this makes even more sense.

The compression braking effect (from the engine) which you speak of is upsetting the balance and control you have of the car (also more wear and tear on the engine). Brake pads are cheaper to replace compared to the replacement of an engine (over time, of course). Granted, you may get away with your method within everyday driving, yet it is definitely not the correct habit to form.

This is from the knowledge I have gained through all the teachings which come from the countless instructors of mine (High-Performance Drivers Education events / classes), and also from the book I mentioned of previously, Ultimate Speed Secrets by Ross Bentley.

I used to have the same habit, but then I was corrected eventually.

[ipothas]

Originally Posted by Dispect

i dont drive a manual but im going to learn very soon. anyone know what the optimal speed is required for each gear? i know 1st gear is alwasy the best for stationary accelerations.

There is no 'optimal' speed for each gear because optimal is subjective. Optimal for power? For speed? Generally keeping shifts under 3k RPM will get you the best fuel economy.

Edit: Now that I think about it, I believe the manual that comes with your vehicle lists preferred speeds/shifting points for each gear.

I'm sure you could find a treasure trove of info on this with a google search.

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