Changing up gears in a manual vehicle
Vehicle manufacturers specify a suitable range of speeds for each gear – this will vary considerably between vehicles and the reference to maximum speeds suggested below should only be used as a guide – consult your vehicle handbook for details.
Using the guide above to change up gears in a manual vehicle:
1. Increase the speed of the vehicle until it is travelling at a speed appropriate to the next higher gear.
2. Push the clutch pedal down and fully release the accelerator pedal at the same time (you should not change gears with your foot on the accelerator)
3. Move the gear lever to the next higher gear, making sure the clutch pedal is fully pressed down.
4. Gently release the clutch pedal up to the friction point and at the same time press the accelerator to give a little power to 'balance' engine and road speeds.
5. Continue releasing the clutch pedal until it is fully released.
6. Repeat changing up gears until desired gear is reached.
Changing down gears in a manual vehicle
1. Decrease the speed of the vehicle until it is travelling at a speed appropriate to the required lower gear.
2. Push the clutch pedal down and fully release the accelerator pedal. 3. Move the gear lever to the required lower gear.
4. Gently release the clutch pedal up to the friction point and at the same time press the accelerator pedal to apply sufficient power to 'balance' engine and road speeds.
5. Continue releasing the clutch pedal until it is fully released.
6. Repeat changing down gears until the lowest desired gear/speed is reached.
Vehicle manufacturers specify a suitable range of speeds for each gear – this will vary considerably between vehicles and the reference to maximum speeds suggested below should only be used as a guide – consult your vehicle handbook for details.
1. Increase the speed of the vehicle until it is travelling at a speed appropriate to the next higher gear.
2. Push the clutch pedal down and fully release the accelerator pedal at the same time (you should not change gears with your foot on the accelerator)
3. Move the gear lever to the next higher gear, making sure the clutch pedal is fully pressed down.
4. Gently release the clutch pedal up to the friction point and at the same time press the accelerator to give a little power to 'balance' engine and road speeds.
5. Continue releasing the clutch pedal until it is fully released.
6. Repeat changing up gears until desired gear is reached.
Changing down gears in a manual vehicle
1. Decrease the speed of the vehicle until it is travelling at a speed appropriate to the required lower gear.
2. Push the clutch pedal down and fully release the accelerator pedal. 3. Move the gear lever to the required lower gear.
4. Gently release the clutch pedal up to the friction point and at the same time press the accelerator pedal to apply sufficient power to 'balance' engine and road speeds.
5. Continue releasing the clutch pedal until it is fully released.
6. Repeat changing down gears until the lowest desired gear/speed is reached.
