Recommended Shift Speeds; Downshifting - Dodge 2010 Caliber Owner's Manual

Use each gear in numerical order, do not skip a gear. Be
sure the transmission is in first gear, (not third), when
starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch
can result from starting in third gear.
For most city driving, you will find it easier to use only
the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, fifth gear is recommended.
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal,
and never try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch
pedal partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear
on the clutch.
Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
NOTE: During cold weather, until the transmission
lubricant is warm, you may experience slightly higher
shift efforts. This is normal and not harmful to the
transmission.

Recommended Shift Speeds

To use your manual transmission for optimal fuel
economy, it should be upshifted as listed in the following
table.
Manual Transmission Recommended Shift Speeds
Units in mph (km/h)
Accel-
Engine
1 to 2
eration
Size
Rate
Accel 14 (23) 23 (37)
All
Engines
Cruise 12 (19) 18 (29)

Downshifting

Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and
prolong engine life.
STARTING AND OPERATING 289
2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5
29 (47) 45 (72)
25 (40) 32 (52)
5