Right RPM for gear shift

Friends, I have read that ideal RPM for gear shifting is 2000-2500. Somehow I face jerks while shifting at that RPM for my new Indica Xeta GLG. I usually have to shift at higher RPMs (3000+). The car is barely 1 month old. Any suggestions? Regards, Anurag

Well, that depends from car to car. A better indicator for correct gear shifting is the speed of the car - and this is given in the car's manual (and is more or less the same for all cars - at least those having the same number of gears).

As a thumb rule these are the approx. speeds at which to change gears (biased towards FE)

0-10kmph ... 1st gear

10-20kmph ... 2nd

20-30kmph ... 3rd

30-40kmph ... 4th

40+ ... 5th

S = k.I^2, where S is the amount of stupidity a species possesses, I is the intelligence the species has and k is the universal constant of stupidity.

A little different ratio in my opinion - shift to 4th at 35/40 & to 5th at 50 (can drive till 45 in 5th).

As the car is new, please do not exceed a speed of 70 kms or so - till 1st 1000kms (running-in period). Drive steadily & safely.

Honesty is not a Spare Wheel that you pull out when in trouble. It's a Steering Wheel that keeps you on the right path throughout the life's journey.

Petrol cars usually run at higher rpm then diesel cars. You have a petrol car so a little higher rpm should be sufficient to avoid knocking.

Welcome to CarWale Amit.

Petrol or Diesel both would be fine (no knocking) at the speed-gear ratios discussed in this thread. The gear changes at higher speeds would, however, be required if pick-up/acceleration is higher (petrol/diesel).

Honesty is not a Spare Wheel that you pull out when in trouble. It's a Steering Wheel that keeps you on the right path throughout the life's journey.

Hi Anurag, here's a formula you can use to arrive at a range of RPM between which to shift, based on good fuel efficiency, good emission performance and overall good for the vehicle - Shift between RPM1 and RPM2 such that

RPM1 = 182800 / (piston stroke in mm); RPM2 = 228600 / (piston stroke in mm).

RPM1 and RPM2 would always be related by a ratio of 4:5.

For your Indica V2 Xeta GLG (stroke = 79.5 mm) these values come out to be RPM1 = 2300 and RPM2 = 2875.

While accelerating don't be hesitant, use throttle freely, but not overly. When cruising, use the highest gear where your car engine is comfortable, not stalling/starved of petrol, and just about maintains the speed required. Shift down to accelerate, to avoid getting into issues with traffic.

Above all, Enjoy your Indica Xeta, and be safe!

PS: more discussion on the formula can be found here if needed.