Re: Curves and manual transmissions

[Bob LaMontagne <rlamont@POSTOFFICE.PROVIDENCE.EDU>]

Most people go into a curve using way too high a gear. They end up with
ridiculously low RPM, well below the optimum torque range of the engine.
By downshifting, the torque output increases and one has maximum control
over adjusting the speed of the vehicle. To properly negotiate a curve
one should be accelerating - never use the brakes or an uncontrollable
slide may be initiated. It's hard to accelerate if you are not in the
proper part of the torque curve of the engine/transmission. Try it
sometime - it's a real rush to enter a highway at 80-90 mph! Third gear
will easily get you to 80.

Bob at PC
(Love my Honda)

"Gonzalez-Espada, Wilson" wrote:
> Hello all:
>
> Yesterday, a student of mine commented the following: He argues that when his car takes a horizontal curve with a certain speed and a lower gear (manual transmission) the car "handles better the road" compared with taking the same curve at the same speed but on a higher gear. Any explanations for this? I know that "handling of the road" is not a scientific observation but he argues that he has asked other people and they have experienced the same.
>
> Wilson J. Gonzalez-Espada, Ph.D.
> Asst Professor of Physical Science/Science Education
> School of Physical and Life Sciences
> Arkansas Tech University
> 1701 N. Boulder Ave. (McEver Hall)
> Russellville, AR  72801
> (479) 968-0293
> (479) 964-0837 fax
>
> ________________________________________________________________
> Sent via the WebMail system at mail.atu.edu