• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Starting in second gear. When and why?

P

psteng19

Diamond Member
I've heard it talked about but I don't see when and why one would do it.

In second gear, even moving at 10 mph will lug my puny 1.6 pretty bad going up a slight incline, so I don't want to know how it will be starting from a standstill.
Sounds like it would be pretty bad on an engine.
 
Just let off the clutch real slow.

EDIT: Lots of times if I'm stuck in slow moving traffic I'll just keep it in second gear.
 
I do it when I'm hurting for traction on Ice or Snow. Less torque makes it easier to get going.

Maybe you live in a part of the country with no snow/ice, but trust me its a lifesaver sometimes. Thats the only time its useful IMO though.
 
on slippery roads (ice/snow) it is a good idea, less torque = less chance of wheelspin.

sometimes in slow moving traffic first is too jerky, so i'll stick it in 2nd so I don't have to keep shifting.

It depends on your ratios if you'll be able to do that though...
 
Originally posted by: AMDZen
I do it when I'm hurting for traction on Ice or Snow. Less torque makes it easier to get going.

Maybe you live in a part of the country with no snow/ice, but trust me its a lifesaver sometimes. Thats the only time its useful IMO though.
Click to expand...

bah, I live in michigan

too bad you cant do it with automatic transmission
 
Yeah, it helps with traction in snow/ice and is sometimes more convenient in slower traffic. But you do need a motor bigger than a postage stamp to do it.
 
Ahhh... I see.
I haven't had the opportunity to do it since my engine is pretty low on torque and I don't drive in the snow too often.

 
Originally posted by: AMDZen
I do it when I'm hurting for traction on Ice or Snow. Less torque makes it easier to get going.

Maybe you live in a part of the country with no snow/ice, but trust me its a lifesaver sometimes. Thats the only time its useful IMO though.
Click to expand...

Yep

<-- lives in Pittsburgh, PA
 
Originally posted by: NutBucket
My friend managed to start my car in 3rd once. That's no easy feat in an Accord.
Click to expand...

I'm sure the Accord didn't appreciate it either.

2.4L + ~3000 lbs + starting in 3rd = 🙁
 
I usually start off in second when I didn't shift all the way down when stopping at a light. For some reason, I just forget to finish shifting to first.
 
Originally posted by: miniMUNCH
Originally posted by: AMDZen
I do it when I'm hurting for traction on Ice or Snow. Less torque makes it easier to get going.

Maybe you live in a part of the country with no snow/ice, but trust me its a lifesaver sometimes. Thats the only time its useful IMO though.
Click to expand...

Yep

<-- lives in Pittsburgh, PA
Click to expand...

pittsburgh? whereabouts?
<<at cmu
 
Originally posted by: psteng19
Originally posted by: NutBucket
My friend managed to start my car in 3rd once. That's no easy feat in an Accord.
Click to expand...

I'm sure the Accord didn't appreciate it either.

2.4L + ~3000 lbs + starting in 3rd = 🙁
Click to expand...

Nah, this is my '91. 2800 lbs & a 2.2L (stock engine so only about 130 ft-lbs).
 
Originally posted by: Cheezeit
Originally posted by: AMDZen
I do it when I'm hurting for traction on Ice or Snow. Less torque makes it easier to get going.

Maybe you live in a part of the country with no snow/ice, but trust me its a lifesaver sometimes. Thats the only time its useful IMO though.
Click to expand...

bah, I live in michigan

too bad you cant do it with automatic transmission
Click to expand...

you can, the shifter should have gear numbers after drive, mine just has a 2, but i've seen some with 3, 2, 1 or low
 
My WRX doesn't let me shift into first unless i'm traveling at less than 3 mph (approximately). This can be bad if you're slowing down for traffic and you're under 10 mph, and traffic starts moving again. Since I'm usually already in 2nd gear in this scenario, I can either A) Double Clutch into 1st or B) Just keep it in 2nd and sometimes bog the engine. I usually choose the latter of the two becauase I'm not good at double clutching.
 
Originally posted by: NutBucket
My friend managed to start my car in 3rd once. That's no easy feat in an Accord.
Click to expand...

I stalled out and almost got yesterday by accidantlly having the car in third when i thought it was in first while i was pulling out onto a road. The guy behind me pulled right up so i could back up either
 
Originally posted by: scorpmatt
Originally posted by: Cheezeit
Originally posted by: AMDZen
I do it when I'm hurting for traction on Ice or Snow. Less torque makes it easier to get going.

Maybe you live in a part of the country with no snow/ice, but trust me its a lifesaver sometimes. Thats the only time its useful IMO though.
Click to expand...

bah, I live in michigan

too bad you cant do it with automatic transmission
Click to expand...

you can, the shifter should have gear numbers after drive, mine just has a 2, but i've seen some with 3, 2, 1 or low
Click to expand...

I was under the impression that '2' in an automatic means second gear is as high as it goes.
Sorta like D3 (overdrive off) in a Honda. The overdrive gear (4th) is off.
 
Originally posted by: PaulNEPats
My WRX doesn't let me shift into first unless i'm traveling at less than 3 mph (approximately). This can be bad if you're slowing down for traffic and you're under 10 mph, and traffic starts moving again. Since I'm usually already in 2nd gear in this scenario, I can either A) Double Clutch into 1st or B) Just keep it in 2nd and sometimes bog the engine. I usually choose the latter of the two becauase I'm not good at double clutching.
Click to expand...

It's not just your car. Happens in mine's as well.
I just double clutch.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top