Should i set off in second gear or first?
Posted by Dear-Tangerine-462@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 18 comments
I have a 2007 seat ibiza 1.2L and i have found that setting off in first takes more revs then setting off in second does. I have only tried this on majorly flat surfaces so far as I know 1st is best for uphill, but in terms of flat surfaces and maybe slight uphills would it be better to just set off in second for my car?
bridgehockey@reddit
Of course first gear takes more revs, that's how a gearbox works.
Starting in second can be ok, but it's putting more strain on your clutch surfaces.
trashcanbecky42@reddit
Pretty unrelated but i heard the ZF 8HP 8 speed automatic thats in a ton of modern cars will start in second most of the time only using first for launching and track mode
PageRoutine8552@reddit
Automatics have torque converters, with fluid coupling that can multiply torque, and make the engine and the transmission spin at different speeds. Whereas with a manual, the clutch needs to wear to achieve this.
trashcanbecky42@reddit
Yes, even with 8 speeds in a manual youd still probably want to start in 1st. Just thought it was interesting that an OEM car manufacturer is designing a gearbox to start in second gear
Gubbtratt1@reddit
Depends on what the ratios are. In my 8 speed tractor I start in 5th or 6th, and in 4x4s with a low range you'll never consider taking off in low 1st and then changing into high. Heavier vehicles might also have a crawl gear that is only used for precise maneuvers or taking off uphill.
TonyRubak@reddit
The pdk in panameras, which is really a manual transmission, starts in second unless you force it into first.
NothingLift@reddit
This is true, but first gear is ridiculously low
HotmailsInYourArea@reddit
The 80s 4 speed automatic Benz transmissions would start in second too - “for smoothness” - if you floored it from a stop it would fairly seamlessly shift into first though
TheWhogg@reddit
My ZF6 does in my 750i. It’s very annoying (although less annoying than an E clutch error). But my partner’s 520d always starts in 1st despite the 8 speed.
mikewilson2020@reddit
I only started in 2nd if I'm on a downhill
sim-o@reddit
You're slipping your clutch a lot by pulling away in second. You'll burn it out in no time at all. Pull away in 1st and change up to 2nd earlier.
jibaro1953@reddit
First gear will put less wear on your clutch and engine.
First gear is designed to get the vehicle rolling enough to shift into second. Translation: shift out of first as soon as possible.
If you're in stop and go traffic, it's a total pain in the ass
jailfortrump@reddit
First gear. Second is harder on the clutch.
TheWhogg@reddit
I start in 2nd downhill when I lift off the brake for a rolling start. Never at other times.
VW-MB-AMC@reddit
We always start off in first gear. The main job for first gear is to get the car moving. Starting off in second gear puts unnecessary strain on the drivetrain.
FoggyWan_Kenobi@reddit
I have an old A3 1.8T without ESP, so on wet or mud I usually set on 2nd to avoid front wheels throwin mud on car sides:)
experimentalengine@reddit
What does your owner’s manual say? Does it tell you to start in second and if so, why?
I’m not familiar with your car in particular but unless it has an extremely low gear ratio in first (which is uncommon and often called a “granny gear”), you’d typically take off in first. It doesn’t make sense that it would “take more revs” to start in first; should be the opposite. You’ll definitely have to slip the clutch more to take off in second.
Once the clutch is engaged, you’ll get to higher revs more quickly in first compared to second, maybe that’s what you mean?
captain_sta11@reddit
1st gear. Setting off in first shouldn’t take more revs. By starting in second, you’re most likely putting more wear on your clutch.