What's the most efficient way to use the gears in a manual transmission car?
I've been trying to use the highest gear possible that keeps the car moving without stalling (i.e. lowest possible r.p.m.), and am using about 8.4 l (unleaded) fuel per 100 km (about 33.6 m.p.g., if I've done the conversion right).
I would like to know if there is an optimal r.p.m. value where the fuel burns most efficiently (i.e. minimising unburnt fuel emissions) while still maximising fuel efficiency (minimum fuel used against maximum distance travelled)?
If so, is there an easy way to find it, or should I just carry on doing what I've been doing?
Answers:
Drive in as high a gear as you can, but use gears for breaking (minimal breaking) breaks burn fuel!
And although not strictly legal- coat when approaching traffic lighte etc- but keep your foot over the break just in case!
Read your tachometer and your clutch.
Just listen to your engine, it will tell you when is the right time to press the clutch and change the speed. Your fuel consumption (8,4 per 100km) is OK for that type of engine. I travel to work 30km each day with Golf 1,6 for more than 18 months already. And you don't need always to keep the gear highest possible - engine gets lazy. Relax ;)
You need to keep the engine working at it's most efficient speed. This is the speed that it makes the most Torque. Do not labour the engine in higher gears to keep the revs down as not only will the engine be at a less efficient speed it will cause wear and tear to the engine and transmission. The most efficient speed of most engines is usually in the middle or therabouts of the rev band. Maybe between 3-4000 rpm on a petrol and 1500-2500 on a Diesel.
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