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What are the recommended speeds for changing gears on a manual transmission?

Model: Volvo V40 MK 2 - Years: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Part: Transmission

Video tutorial

The video introduces us to a controversial topic: what are the recommended speeds for changing gears with a manual transmission. The video features a Volvo V40 in Race mode, which is certainly not indicative of the norm.

A general table for medium power engines, for driving smoothly and efficiently; for petrol engines: 1st-2nd gear (15/25 km/h); 2nd-3rd gear (30/40 km/h); 3rd-4th gear (40/60 km/h); 4th-5th gear (60/80 km/h); 5th-6th gear (80+ km/h). For turbo diesel engines: 1st-2nd gear (10/20 km/h); 2nd-3rd gear (25/35 km/h); 3rd-4th gear (40/50 km/h); 4th-5th gear (55/70 km/h); 5th-6th gear (70+ km/h). Ideal RPM: petrol 2,000/2,500, unless for sports cars where it goes up to 3,000/4,000 RPM. For diesel 1,500/2,000 RPM (maximum torque already at low speeds).


Posted on 9 July 2025 by ScegliAuto


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