What is one way to determine when to shift gears?

To determine when to shift gears, monitoring the increase of engine RPMs is a key factor. When the RPMs rise significantly, it indicates that the engine is reaching higher levels of power and is likely close to its optimum performance range. Shifting gears at this point helps maintain engine efficiency, ensures smoother acceleration, and prevents over-revving, which can lead to engine damage.

Recognizing the sound of the transmission, the decrease in RPMs, or the presence of other vehicles can provide additional context for shifting, but they are not direct indicators of when to shift as the RPM readings are. For example, a decrease in RPMs usually signals that the engine is beginning to stall or is not in the correct power band, while the presence of other vehicles may be a consideration for safe driving, but it does not directly influence the timing of gear shifts. Overall, the increase in engine RPMs is a clear and actionable cue for determining the right moment to shift.