Learning how to drive a manual car may seem intimidating but there are many benefits to do so. A stick shift is a unique way to drive a car, and it can make even the most boring car more fun and exciting. It also allows you to be more connected to your car by allowing you to shift the gears on your own. While three-pedal cars are becoming less common, they are still widely available. If you are feeling brave, you might find yourself in “The Amazing Race”, where you will have to learn how to drive a stick.
Learning to drive a manual car
Compared to automatic vehicles, manual cars have a more precise gearbox. Manual drivers are more focused on road conditions, speed, grade, and other factors. Practicing on paved roads with a manual transmission can help you become a better driver. Manual vehicles are more difficult to drive than automatic ones. You should avoid distractions while driving, such as talking on the phone, watching a video, or using an app.
6 easy steps to drive a manual car
1. Shifting between gears
If you’re a new driver, learning to shift between gears when driving a manual car can seem like an intimidating process. In the beginning, you need to get the hang of the clutch and learn how to disengage it. You’ll also need to get used to the stalling that comes with manual transmission initiation. Once the car is moving, however, it’s surprisingly easy to shift gears.
2. Parking a manual vehicle
When learning how to park a manual car, remember that there is no “Park” gear. To keep your car from rolling, you must place it in gear. Hilly parking lots pose a challenge because your car may roll back and put other cars at risk. Release the parking brake before you start the hilly parking process. Then, hold the brake pedal down. If you have a five-speed transmission, this step is easy, but you may have to adjust your speed to compensate for the slope.
3. Reversing a manual vehicle
A good tip for reversing a manual car is to always engage the clutch fully. It can be difficult to drive uphill and not roll back. Also, it can be hazardous to park on a slope. A manual car doesn’t have a “parking” gear. You never know what might happen so make sure you fully engage the clutch before you reverse.
4. Upshifting
In a manual car, upshifting is the act of shifting from one lower gear to another while the car’s in motion. Accelerating is a good time to do this as it increases speed and fuel economy. Downshifting is the opposite. It involves changing from a higher to a lower gear, such as going from fifth to fourth or second to first.
5. Parking in reverse
Knowing how to park a manual car in reverse can help you park it safely. You can do this by shifting your car into reverse gear. To reverse between cars, first gear can be used to move away. If you park between two cars, however, you should use the reverse gear. You can park a manual car in reverse in several ways.
6. Keeping your foot on the clutch
Some people have trouble with keeping their foot on the clutch when driving a manual car. The problem with riding the clutch is that you add unnecessary stress to your clutch system. This happens when your foot does not release from the clutch pedal after changing gear. It is possible to roll backwards as well. This will wear down your clutch parts and cause you to roll backward. Avoid riding the clutch at all costs!
Mistakes to avoid
One of the biggest challenges for a new driver of a manual car is mastering the clutch pedal. It is not a foot rest and some drivers tend to rest their feet on it while driving. This causes the clutch to slip and causes premature wear to its parts. To avoid rolling backwards, many people make the error of keeping their foot on a pedal that is not in use. There are simple ways to overcome this problem.