YACT: Do you use the handbrake while driving a manual?

[Mallow]

I have never done this manuver and probably will never.

 

[maziwanka]

Originally posted by: biffbacon
i have never in my entire life used the handbrake while driving except to lock up my tires and be cool like those guys in the movies

i agree with biffbacon. hahahahahaha

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: Woodchuck2000

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
Let's say you're at a stoplight on an incline with a car close behind, do you use the handbrake for a small amount of time just while you start moving so you don't roll back?

I have found that is easier than quickly moving my foot over and handling the clutch quickly so the car doesn't go back to far.

Absolutely, yes. It saves wear-and-tear on the clutch and makes it really easy to move off without rolling back. If you're taught in the UK, that's how you're told to do it.

You're taugh to do it in north america as well, but most people quickly grow out of it. My dad for some reason never did, and still to this day does it, though I'm sure he doesn't need to. He sees it as good driving technique. I see it as superfluous. If you're a real clutch master you'll have minimal rollback on all but the steepest of hills. The only time I'll use it on a hill is not to prevent rollback, but if I'm on a very steep one and I don't want to burn 1/4 inch of clutch as I start.

 

[dman]

In FL, not a lot of hills, so no real need. Even on the onramp or man-made stuff I've found it's not necessary. I mean, once you let off the brake it's not like you go shooting backwards. You have a second before you'll move any significant distance, someone would literally have to be inches from your ass for it to even be an issue, and if they were, well, they'd have a hard time proving it's my fault.

Anyway, I'm proficient enough that I don't move backwards at all when I get started. I even tried the handbrake method and to be honest it's easier to do it the normal way for me.

 

[Lonyo]

Originally posted by: fisher
i put a big steel bumper on the back of my car and when idiots pull up real close i just roll back a bit and smash their cars up. i believe the police call it "following too closely" and i'm guessing after running into me (ha!) they don't do it again.

and no, using the emergency brake is a n00b driving technique.

I use it, 'cause I'm a n00b (3 months of driving).