Drivng in higher gears bad for your car?

(2012-02-01 15:20:13)

1. SunnyP81 Says: It obviously saves fuel, but is this bad for yor car? Im talking sort of 30mph at 5th gear etc...?

Its actually to settle a discussion, a friend of mine thinks its harmless n economical, i think it will harm your car sooner or later...

thanks

2. isu_trickster Says: Ask your buddy if it is easier to peddle a bike up a hill at a higher or lower gear going slow? Just as it is harder for your legs to peddle the bike, it is harder for the engine to go slower speeds at higher gears. The entire idea of the mutli-geared transmission is to have the engine run at desireable RPM for the speed you are traveling. Too high or too low RPMs will have a negative impact on the life of the engine. Use the appropriate gear for the speed.
- Good luck

3. Who Says: It dont "obviously" save fuel

It depend on the power/torque of the engine and the gear ratios

Driving a car in too high a gear may require more fuel to get the same power/torque than driving in a lower gear.
Result is - it can use MORE fuel

Also driving at low revs but high torque aint good for the engine or the bearings or the gearbox. (even if the engine dont appear to be labouring)

4. Alex Says: It will do no harm but depending on the car, it may be more economical to drive in 4th at 30mph.

In my 265bhp BMW 130i, 5th is the optimum gear at 30 but in a less powerful car, such as a 1.2 hatchback, you'd be better off in a lower gear because the engine doesn't have sufficient power at low rpm to maintain speed efficiently.

5. Timbo is here Says: If the engine is "labouring" or if you try to accelerate away and it boigs down it is not good for the engine. If it will cruise happily on a whiff of gas at 30 mph it will come to no harm at all.

6. Jimmy Says: At a steady speed on a flat road, no problem, but at the first sign of labouring, you MUST change down, as the clutch and the engine mounts will be stressed.

7. EvelynThe ModifiedDog. Says: Depends on the torque characteristics and gearing but not many cars are happy at 30mph in 5th gear, particularly Diesels. That's what kills DMFs and lands you a £1000 bill when they fail.

8. bandit_60 Says: it won,t hurt it ! that,s what 5th gear is there for. 5th gear is like overdrive in a automatic.

9. The original Peter G Says: If you are stressing the engine at less than 2000 revs you ought to change down. My trip computer shows much the same economy regardless of engine speed unless I get silly

10. jay Says: Should be fine, can't see a problem with driving in a higher gear you'll save fuel.