What are the consequences of staying in a lower gear?

gillywibble · 19 Sep 2008 at 21:27

I'm thinking specifically of when you're in an overtaking mood and keep in third (diesel!) for some time waiting for clear traffic. What if any affect can this have on the engine, gearbox or both?

JRS · 19 Sep 2008 at 21:29

Not much effect on the 'box. Engine....well, you're revving more but if you've got oil in there and sufficient pressure then it shouldn't be a problem. And obviously you're using a bit more fuel. That should be about it. How long d'you mean by "some time"?

gillywibble · 19 Sep 2008 at 21:32

JRS said:
That should be about it. How long d'you mean by "some time"?

I'm speaking generally, but you can imagine winding country roads where you could be in the same gear for say 'a few minutes'.

JRS · 19 Sep 2008 at 21:36

Yeah, in the Seicento. But the gears are very short and it's only got ~40 horsies to play with

Berger · 19 Sep 2008 at 21:45

None at all.....

Tom|Nbk · 19 Sep 2008 at 21:59

gillywibble · 19 Sep 2008 at 22:03

Tom|Nbk said:
:|

Is that mockery?

Not being an expert in these matters, I think it's a valid question.

Akira · 19 Sep 2008 at 22:06

Just stay out of the red bit at the end of the swingy dial and you'll be fine. (The dial that works like a volume meter, not a blur effect)

Fropome · 19 Sep 2008 at 22:32

if you're not hitting the 'red bit' you're not doing it properly

Jamous · 19 Sep 2008 at 22:47

Yeah no probs doing this, I know what you mean, I've done it. You may use a touch more fuel, but you'll be causing less wear on the clutch as you would normally punch down a gear and nail it to pass.

Pug · 19 Sep 2008 at 23:01

you dont want to pulling revds on a TDI, you want to be riding the boost sort of 2-3.5k (depending on the engine) above 3.5k most diesel engines are past peak power, and you may get more noise but not more acceleration...

danza · 19 Sep 2008 at 23:24

I find the consequence of being in a lower gear to be an unsubtle surge of power from 5,800rpm.

L0rdMike · 19 Sep 2008 at 23:26

What sort of revs and how long we talking about?

bigchez · 20 Sep 2008 at 01:09

danza said:
I find the consequence of being in a lower gear to be an unsubtle surge of power from 5,800rpm.

Uncanny that, I seem to find the same thing around 3500 revs.

Crowze · 20 Sep 2008 at 08:53

If you're doing that for a few minutes then you're not planning ahead properly, change down only when you have identified a potential opportunity to overtake.

Howard · 20 Sep 2008 at 08:56

The consequences are more fuel being used. That's about it

fonzee · 20 Sep 2008 at 10:27

bigchez said:
Uncanny that, I seem to find the same thing around 3500 revs.