third gear

Manual transmission setting

Third gear is the gear ratio in a manual transmission typically used for moderate speeds, between second and fourth.

Drivers shift into third gear as they accelerate past low-speed driving.

Figuratively, to get into third gear suggests reaching a steady working pace—past the initial startup but not yet at full speed.

mechanics

clutch

Mechanism linking engine to gearbox

gearboxEnclosed system of cogs
transmissionSending of information
synchromeshGear-matching transmission mechanism

shifter · stick shift · manual · lever · neutral · drivetrain · powertrain · differential · engagement · linkage

technique

upshift

Engage higher gear

downshiftChange to lower gear
shiftingChanging position or form
heel-toeSequential foot-strike pattern

double clutch · smooth transition · timing · feathering · blipping

performance

torque

Rotational force measurement

power bandElastic fitness loop
tachometerRotational speed indicator
revolutionsTurnovers of power

horsepower · acceleration · throttle · boost · turbo · cruising · momentum · propulsion · optimal range · fuel efficiency

Categories

manual transmissionclutch, gearbox, shift, shifter, stick shift
Drivetraingearbox, differential, transaxle, driveshaft, transfer case
threestrio, triad, triple, triplet, trinity
transmissionbroadcast, broadcasting, transmitter, relay, signal
gearscog, pinion, cogs, rack, mesh

Opposites

gear sequence position

third gearfirst gear

Lowest transmission ratio

low gear · sixth gear · fifth gear · high gear · top gear

direction of motion

third gearreverse

Turn to opposite

reverse gear · neutral · park · backing up

engagement state

third gearneutral

Not favoring any side

park · disengaged

Family

third, gear, thirds, gears, geared, gearing, three, thrice, tertiary

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G