Which technician correctly mentions that high gear ratios permit higher speeds at lower engine speeds?

High gear ratios are specifically designed to allow a vehicle to achieve higher speeds while maintaining lower engine revolutions per minute (RPM). When a vehicle is in a higher gear, such as fourth or fifth gear in a manual transmission, the engine does not have to work as hard or spin as fast to maintain speed. This is due to the mechanical advantage provided by the gearing system, which reduces the engine's output rotational speed compared to the wheel speed.

Technician B’s statement correctly reflects this principle, highlighting that with higher gear ratios, the engine runs more efficiently and quietly at higher velocities, which can enhance fuel economy and reduce engine wear over time.

In contrast, a lower gear ratio would require the engine to operate at higher RPMs to achieve similar speeds, leading to increased fuel consumption and potential strain on the engine over prolonged use. This fundamental understanding of gear ratios is essential for automotive technicians and contributes to effective vehicle operation and maintenance.