Petrol Usage

[kwicky]

Is there much to be gained from driving in 5th gear rather than 4th on non- motorways?

[Panic Button]

Yes

[Buenchico]

You should always select the highest gear appropriate to the speed you're driving at. Gear ratios vary across models but you can use 5th gear in most cars well below motorway speeds. (My old diesel CItroen BX would run happily in 5th gear at 35mph. Most cars can use 5th gear at 50mph or lower).

Chris

[nightmare]

It is truly frightening to think there are people out there who think 5th gear is only used for motorway driving. Their fuel bills must be huge......

most cars ( diesels certainly) will be OK in fifth gear down to speeds of 35mph on level ground

[kwicky]

I tend to change down when either the revs go down or the engine starts to labour. As someone who once did a lot of miles I did not find using 4th gear on 'A' roads affected my mpg too much. I just wondered if any official tests had been done?