Fifth Gear

[Jondel]

I have just bought a BMW Polo, and as I have never had a fifth Gear before, I am not sure what speed I should be in before i use it.
I know this must sound pathetic to all you hardened drivers out there, but i am not to proud to ask for help.

Many thanks

[tali122]

oh dear! you mean vw not bmw, 5th gear around 30mph in town

[Ethel]

Sensible advice here:

http://www.drivertrainingtoday.co.uk/learners/ changing_gear.html

[Jondel]

That's because I really wanted a BMW,
I can dream can't I , talil22

[Jondel]

Thanks for that Ethel, that was a great help.

[Coobeastie]

Nowt wrong with a polo.

[Toureman]

In 5th gear in town at 30mph you will be overloading the engine and have no accelaration at all!

Once on an open road change into 5th at 40mph don't go lower than that in 5th, if you want to overtake from that speed drop down to 3rd or 4th.

[Rock'n'Roll]

As with any gear,if you want to drive conservatively,then change up as soon as your engine will accept the higher gear without labouring. Won't take you long to get used to it.

[dayoff]

if car has rev counter when its in the mid range change up or down

[tali122]

-overloading the engine ?how much acceleration do you need in town?

[Jondel]

Thanks , your answeres were a great help, especially Ethels

[Northumbrian]

A bit late but here's a tip from my Mitsubishi handbook - use 5th gear as overdrive. That means 40+ on an open road. As for 5th in town traffic; don't think about it. You want a lower gear to accelerate and help with possible braking.