What drivers used to know - downshifting before overtaking
It actually sounds completely trivial. The engine delivers its best power and highest torque in a certain speed range. If you want to accelerate powerfully, it is therefore best to shift the drive unit into that speed range. This normally means that you have to downshift, because you can also drive at low engine speeds, which are easier on the engine and more fuel-efficient.
Drivers used to learn this in driving school and in everyday life they quickly realized that their usually underpowered car only accelerated well after downshifting.
And today? Many people no longer change gear themselves and they rarely overtake. As a result, it's easy to lose the automatism of a precautionary downshift. You can often see this on the roads. Overtaking maneuvers become longer than necessary, at least if you are driving a car that is hungry for speed.
