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What is the best RPM to shift at?
My car always feels like it wants to shift around 2 on the dial. But the Internet says that 3 RPMs is better. What is the best RPM to shift?
Bonnie Stinson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
In general, it’s best to shift up around 3,000 RPMs (3 on your tachometer) and down at 1,000 RPMs (1).
Low RPMs are best for efficiency, but every vehicle is different. If you shift any lower than 1.5, you’re likely to stall out.
What’s far more important is to get to know your vehicle and listen for the appropriate time to shift. If your vehicle feels like it wants to shift earlier, do it!
Shifting is all about maintaining control and not overtaxing your transmission. The right time to shift will depend partially on traffic conditions, speed, your driving habits, and other elements on top of RPMs.
There are some benefits to short shifting, or shifting early, but this is mostly a technique used by racing drivers to sacrifice acceleration now for potential gain later. Short shifting can improve fuel efficiency somewhat, too. It’s equally important to avoid shifting too late. Lugging is when you’re in a high gear and accelerating with too low of an RPM.
Our best recommendation is to experiment with your car. See how it sounds and feels to shift up at 3,000 RPMs.
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MORE: How to drive stick or manual cars
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