In a manual transmission truck, each gear serves a specific purpose:
First Gear (1): Used for starting from a complete stop or moving at very low speeds. Provides maximum torque but limited speed.
Second Gear (2): Used for slightly higher speeds, typically after starting in first gear. More speed, less torque than first gear.
Third Gear (3): Used for moderate speeds, suitable for city driving or lower-speed highway travel.
Fourth Gear (4): Used for highway speeds. Balanced between speed and fuel efficiency.
Fifth Gear (5): Also known as overdrive, it's an additional gear for highway cruising. It lowers engine RPM to improve fuel efficiency.
Reverse (R): Engages the transmission in the opposite direction, allowing the vehicle to move backward.
In an automatic transmission truck, gears are handled automatically, and the transmission system selects the appropriate gear based on speed, load, and driver input. Additionally, some trucks may have additional modes like "Drive," "Tow/Haul," or "Manual" mode, allowing the driver to have more control over gear selection in certain situations.