Does shifting at low RPMs really hurt the engine?

[navanodd]

I'd suggest trying driving at a higher RPM to see if things improve for you.

I also have an auto and drive just about exclusively in manual mode. Even when accelerating gently, I am always at least 2000RPM before I will upshift. Once I'm at the speed I want and on a flat road, I can typically then shift up to the highest available gear. Even if the incline is very slight, I need to be a gear lower (IE, 4th gear at 55km/h).

For example, accelerating up to 50-60km/h I would accelerate through 1st, 2nd, 3rd (by 3rd gear I'm at the speed I want). Depending on the road incline, I would then cruise in 4th or 5th.

How far are you driving? Does your engine get up to temperature? I find this engine/transmission very inefficient at low temperatures (especially if it is below freezing outsite).

[ermax]

Originally Posted by leevanf

yeah i am super gentle with the accelerator and would also do the same 2nd gear you do thank you for the answer! yes 15l/100km translates to 15.6 mpg

I get 15.6mpg in my Chevy Suburban which I am actually really impressed with. The Suburban is driven by my wife who is a stay at home mom so it doesn't do the daily stop and go crap.