GDawgA4

while in traffic at times, I'll be in 2nd gear and i'm just putting along and the RPM's will be down to about 1100-1200. Is this lugging the engine? Should I downshift into first?

If I do get to 1000 RPM's, I usually clutch it, drop into neutral and let the speed die down a little (5-10MPH) then go into first gently?

ahh, the learning experience of a n00b @ manual =P

thanks guys

AudiFolks!

You'll know if you're lugging it..... You should be ok at those rpms in 2nd.

Shaun

As long as you're not trying to accelerate hard, you should be fine.

A4wheelin

wtf is lugging? Bogging down?

Shaun

Yep

A4wheelin

Obviously you have very little forward movement when lugging, but it is "bad" for engine?

ex-quattro PETE

In 2nd gear, that's fine.

Shaun

My understanding is that when you attempt to accelerate hard in too low of a gear, it's bad for the engine. Basically, the engine is trying to accelerate, but it doesn't have enough power at that point in the rpm range, so it creates additional stress on the internal components (rings/pistons/etc). Perhaps somebody has a more detailed explanation...

GDawgA4

i think as long as you don't stomp on the gas pedal to try and get the car moving is fine...gently accelerate should be good because when I do it, the car doesn't shake or anything like that, just a lil slower acceleration.

Shaun

Precisely!