2007 Toyota Matrix Owners Manual - Page 133

Recommended shifting speeds The transmission is fully synchronized and upshifting or downshifting is easy. For the best compromise between fuel economy and vehicle performance, you should upshift or downshift at the following speeds: 1 2 3 4 to to to to Gear 2 or 2 3 or 3 4 or 4 5 or 5 to to to to 1 2 3 4 km/h 24 40 64 72 (mph) (15) (25) (40) (45) Maximum allowable speeds To get on a highway or to pass slower traffic, maximum acceleration may be necessary. Make sure you observe the following maximum allowable speeds in each gear: Gear 1 2 3 4 km/h 58 98 142 180 (mph) (36) (61) (88) (112) Good driving practice D If it is difficult to shift into reverse, put the transmission in neutral, release the clutch pedal momentarily, and then try again. D When towing a trailer, in order to maintain engine braking efficiency, do not use fifth gear. CAUTION Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. Abrupt shifting could cause the vehicle to skid or spin. NOTICE Do not downshift if you are going faster than the maximum allowable speed for the next lower gear. Downshift to the appropriate gear if acceleration is needed when you are cruising below the above downshifting speeds. Upshifting too soon or downshifting too late will cause lugging and, possibly, pinging. Regularly revving the engine to maximum speed in each gear will cause excessive engine wear and high fuel consumption. NOTICE z Do not use any gears other than first gear when starting off and moving forward. Doing so may damage the clutch. z Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped before shifting into reverse. 121