Note:
- Engage reverse gear only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop, having previously held the gear lever for at least 3 seconds in the neutral position.
- In cold weather, gear shifting may be difficult until the oil in the gearbox housing warms up, which is normal and does not adversely affect the operation of the gearbox.
- If it is difficult to engage 1st gear or reverse when the vehicle is at a complete stop (position «R»), place the shift lever in neutral and release the clutch pedal. Depress the clutch pedal again and set the lever to the position «1» or «R».
- Do not keep your hand on the gear lever while the vehicle is moving. This can lead to premature wear of the shift forks.
Attention: When shifting from 5th to 4th gear, make sure that you do not accidentally shift into 2nd gear when shifting the lever sideways. Such a sudden downshift will cause an unacceptable jump in engine speed, in which the tachometer needle will go into the red zone. This over-revving of the engine can cause engine damage.
Clutch pedal action
When shifting gears, fully depress the clutch pedal and release it slowly. Press the clutch pedal again only after it has fully returned to its original position. Do not keep your foot on the clutch pedal while driving. This will cause accelerated clutch wear. Do not use clutch slip to hold the vehicle on a slope, which will also cause accelerated wear. Apply the parking brake to hold the vehicle. Avoid frequent and sharp pressing of the clutch pedal.
Driving speeds recommended for gear changes
Gear shift | Recommended driving speed, km/h |
I—II | 20 |
II—III | 40 |
III—IV | 55 |
IV—V | 75 |
For optimum fuel economy and driving performance, it is recommended that you shift gears at the above speeds.
Correct driving techniques
Never shift into neutral while driving down a slope. This is extremely dangerous. Descent only when in gear.
When driving downhill, do not maintain the desired speed by constantly braking. This will cause the brakes to overheat and reduce their effectiveness. On a long downhill, use engine braking by slowing down and shifting into one of the lower gears to maintain the desired speed.
Decrease your speed before shifting into lower gears to prevent a dangerous increase in engine speed.
For better vehicle control, slow down when driving in strong crosswinds.
Engage reverse gear only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Otherwise, the transmission may be damaged. To engage reverse gear, fully depress the clutch pedal, place the shift lever in neutral, wait at least three seconds, and place the lever in reverse.
Exercise extreme caution when driving on slippery ground, especially when braking, accelerating and shifting gears. Rapid changes in speed on slippery surfaces can cause the drive wheels to lose traction and the vehicle to spin out of control.
Warning:
- Reduce speed before turns. Avoid sudden turns of the steering wheel, especially when changing lanes or in sharp turns. Always fasten your seat belts. In the event of an accident, the likelihood of death with unfastened seat belts is greatly increased
- If you lose control of your vehicle at high speeds, the risk of the vehicle rolling over is greatly increased.
- Loss of control often occurs when two or more wheels come off hard pavement onto soft ground and the driver turns the steering wheel hard to bring the vehicle back onto the road.
- If the vehicle has left the roadway, do not make sudden steering movements and reduce speed before returning the vehicle to the lane.
- Never exceed the speed limit indicated on road signs.
- Do not press the accelerator pedal sharply when pulling away. In conditions of poor grip of the tires on the ground covered with mud or snow, this will cause the drive wheels to slip and, as a result, serious damage to the gearbox. In such cases, use other methods, in particular towing.