What is the most effective method of acceleration in a truck?
Show the correct answer
Correct answer
B. By changing gears in such a way that the RPM's of the engines are not lower than the value at which the green area on the speedometer starts.
Explanation
In the photo you can see the gear lever in the cab of a lorry, with the gear diagram and the range selector switch. You accelerate most effectively by changing gear so that the engine speed does not drop below the start of the green area on the rev counter - the answer is B.
The Road Traffic Act prohibits a driver from using a vehicle in a way that causes nuisance through excessive exhaust emissions or excessive noise. The green area on the rev counter shows the range in which the lorry's engine has the highest torque with the lowest fuel consumption. You change gear so that after you engage the higher gear the engine speed stays in this area - then the vehicle accelerates efficiently and economically. Revving the engine to the maximum in every gear (answer A) wastes fuel and wears out the engine faster, and driving in the red area (answer C) risks damaging the engine. In an empty or lightly loaded lorry you may also skip some gears if the engine speed allows it.
Legal basis: Art. 60 para. 2 point 2 of the Road Traffic Act (Prawo o ruchu drogowym)