tagasivahetus

Tagasivahetus, in Estonian, translates to "gear change" or "shifting gears." It refers to the process of altering the gear ratio in a transmission system. This is a fundamental operation in vehicles with manual transmissions, allowing the driver to select different gears to match the engine's speed and the vehicle's speed, optimizing performance and fuel efficiency. In automatic transmissions, this process is handled by the vehicle's computer and hydraulic systems, though the underlying principle of changing gear ratios remains the same.

The primary purpose of tagasivahetus is to provide the engine with an appropriate range of revolutions per minute (RPM) for various driving conditions. Lower gears offer more torque for starting from a standstill or climbing steep inclines, while higher gears allow for greater speed with lower engine RPM, which is more fuel-efficient on highways. The driver typically initiates a manual tagasivahetus by disengaging the clutch, moving the gear lever to the desired position, and then re-engaging the clutch. The specific mechanism and feel of tagasivahetus can vary significantly between different types of vehicles and transmission designs.