It has always been hard to get this car into first gear, and now the clutch seems to be slipping.

这辆车一直很难换到第一档，现在离合器也好像要打滑了。

youdao

The car stuttered along in first gear.

汽车挂了一挡，突突地缓缓前进。

《牛津词典》

First gear concentration is acuteness.

一档集中剧烈。

youdao

Niko Kranjcar clipped in a second but the hosts barely got out of first gear.

BBC: Tottenham 2-0 Portsmouth

It was a clinical if uninspiring win for the in-form Londoners, who rarely looked like getting out of first gear.

BBC: Chelsea strikers Nicholas Anelka and Didier Drogba

The introductory First Gear, half-day class and the Second Gear, full-day course are the basic safety programs, intended for the everyday driver to improve their winter skills, and both maximize hands-on driving time.

FORBES: Make Winter Driving Fun And Safe: The Bridgestone Winter Driving School