I bought a car with a manual transmission, I haven't driven a manny tranny in about 10 years. I'm trying to brush up, what is the best way to conserve the clutch? E.g., I read that braking instead of downshifting is good, and always shift between 2500 to 3000 rpm's. any other tips?
What are some common things some people do wrong when driving a car with manual transmission?
- Thread starter daveymark
- Start date
Don't prevent rollback on a hill by holding the clutch at the friction point. Use the parking brake.
Downshifting adds wear/tear on clutch, and uses more gas. Brake instead.
Usually I skip either first or second overall.
It's either 1, 3, 4, 5, or, 2, 3, 4, 5.
From a start where you need the extra torque, start with 1, then rev into about 5k, and shift into 3rd. This does save fuel as you don't need to waste any gas in second. (although the engine might work harder if it's not as powerful).
Missing 1st is also good for mileage, and most cars are able to start in 2nd without problems.
Just learn to 'feel' your engine.
Usually I skip either first or second overall.
It's either 1, 3, 4, 5, or, 2, 3, 4, 5.
From a start where you need the extra torque, start with 1, then rev into about 5k, and shift into 3rd. This does save fuel as you don't need to waste any gas in second. (although the engine might work harder if it's not as powerful).
Missing 1st is also good for mileage, and most cars are able to start in 2nd without problems.
Just learn to 'feel' your engine.
You are supposed to run it to the redline on EVERY shift. At least thats the way the ricer kids around here do it, and I figure if anyone knows cars its those cool cats.
True, but the majority of the kids around here think it's cool to downshift at an RPM high enough to cause the engine to choke and backfire. Whenever I hear 'downshift' I automatically visualize a WRX or something choking.
You're right however, if you do it correctly, it won't add much extra wear.
This guy has no clue how to drive a stick, ignoring him would be a great place to start.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is slipping the clutch to get the car moving from a stop. This is what causes 99% of the wear on the clutch. If you learn how to let the clutch out and then give it gas as you do very slowly there is no slipping and the clutch will last almost forever if you don't abuse it in other ways. I have sold cars with 150K+ miles on the original clutch.
Gamingphreek
Lifer
- Mar 31, 2003
- 11,679
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- 81
It annoys me when someone pushes the clutch in and it takes them 20mins to figure out that they are supposed to shift.
Also when starting, its kind of annoying, and shows lack of skill, when someone revs the engine and then lets the clutch out slowly. VRrrrrrrmmm.
-Kevin
Also when starting, its kind of annoying, and shows lack of skill, when someone revs the engine and then lets the clutch out slowly. VRrrrrrrmmm.
-Kevin
TheLonelyPhoenix
Diamond Member
- Feb 15, 2004
- 5,594
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Don't rest your foot on the clutch. Only put your foot on it when you're using it.
Aim for smooth shifts. If you shake the car, you're wearing your clutch.
Practice downshifting until you can do it as well as you upshift. Only downshift when necessary - use your brakes instead if you're coming to a complete stop.
That's about it.
Aim for smooth shifts. If you shake the car, you're wearing your clutch.
Practice downshifting until you can do it as well as you upshift. Only downshift when necessary - use your brakes instead if you're coming to a complete stop.
That's about it.
Can you explain that a little more? I think I slip the clutch, but I want to make sure. Are you saying let the clutch out first slowly, then give it gas? I let the clutch out slowly while giving it gas slowly at the same time.
I have trouble shifting smoothly between 1st and 2nd, and also between 2nd and third. What can I do to correct that?
You just described my manual transmission 'skills.' I've never actually owned a car with a stick, but I basically taught myself by taking new cars on test drives and acting like it's been a while since I drove stick when the salesguy looks at me funny. Totally molested a new Hyundai Tiburon, Dodge SRT4, Acura RSX Type S, Saturn ION Redline, and Audi TT Quattro in this manner, but took it nice and easy when a friend let me drive his 350 Z.
Overall, I tend to give it too much gas on starts and let the clutch out either too slowly or too fast. That damn left foot just isn't used to precision movement like the right foot is.
On a lighter note, not once have I ever ground any gears.
I usually rev between 1250-1500 RPMS to get the car moving. What method are you other guys using? No-gas method?
TheLonelyPhoenix
Diamond Member
- Feb 15, 2004
- 5,594
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You're probably letting off the clutch too soon and too fast. Let the revs drop down some, and press on the gas a bit as you release it. Eventually you'll feel out how to make a smooth transition.
Took me about 4000 miles in my car before I could do it. Every clutch is different, you just have to get used to yours.
Yes, I let the clutch out first just to the point of contact and then push the gas and immedialtely let off the clutch. There is no slipping. It is not real hard to master but most people do not even know how to do it or that it can be done. When one of my stepdaughters started driving she wanted to learn stick and I showed her this trick and she does not slip the clutch either and drives a stick better than 99% of the men I have seen.
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