On 2014-06-28 4:58 PM, Jeßus wrote:

>> I'm with you! I like to shift when I feel like it.
>
> Me too. I often start off in 2nd gear on our hilly roads around here.
> (depends on vehicle's gearing, engine torque, etc.). Too many people
> will always take off in 1st by default, when it isn't really
> appropriate.
>


Actually, it is appropriate to start off in low gear in a car,
especially in hilly areas. Car engines develop their horsepower as a
function of the RPM. Engaging the clutch in a higher gear and at low RPM
is hard on the clutch and the engine. Since engines are designed to
deliver their power and certain engine speeds, they are more efficient
when operating in those ranges. Diesel engines tend to deliver more
power at low RPM than their gas powered counterparts.