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How many gears does an 18-wheeler have?

Do 18-wheelers have more gears than a normal car since they’re so big and have so many wheels? I’m fascinated by big trucks but this idea just occurred to me.

Liz Jenson · Updated on Jun 9, 2022

Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.

Great question— you’re spot on! A standard

will have 10 gears, but some larger trucks might have 13, 15, or even 18 gears in total. For reference, most cars have five to six gears, so 18-wheelers definitely have more gears than regular cars.

The reason that 18-wheelers have so many gears is that they have to haul such heavy loads, which can make controlling the vehicle much more difficult. This is especially true on inclines, where gravity can pull the heavy cargo downwards. Additional gears can help 18-wheelers to slow down on declines and make it to the top of inclines.

While you’re learning more about 18-wheelers, take an extra minute to learn how to save on your

policy. The

app can show you quotes for the coverage you need from multiple insurers, making it easy to choose the best rates. Download the app for more details.

MORE:

The 10 cheapest trucks to insure

View full answer

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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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