i need to learn MANUAL TRANSMISSION!!! quick ques

[Queso]

It's dead easy but takes a bit of getting used to. Firstly get in and waggle the gear stick. If there's lots of play in it, the car is in neutral and you don't need to push the clutch down to start the engine.

All the control is done with your left foot on the clutch pedal. For first gear, push down the clutch, put the car into first by moving the gear stick to the left then up, then slowly lift the clutch until you feel the engine raise the car slightly. You shouldn't need to push, pull or force the gearstick. Just guide it into position. At this point disengage the handbrake and bring the clutch the rest of the way up slowly. When moving into second, push down on the clutch, move the gearstick to the lower left position, and slowly come up on the clutch again. And so on. The layout of the gears can vary between manufacturers, but you'll always find the positions written on the top of the gearstick or just next to it.

Just remember that a manual car gearbox isn't sequential, so you can bypass third and go straight from fourth to second or fifth to third whilst slowing down for a corner or junction, and practise what speeds you need to change up and down gears on. A rough guide for an average car is that first is only used for starting off, then second takes you up to 20-25mph, then third between that and 35-40mph, then fourth up to around 50-55 before you go into fifth. Obviously though that changes depending on the engine size of your vehicle.

Lastly, reverse. Always look at the gear diagram to see where this is before you set off. You'll normally have to pull the top of the gearlever or hold a button in in some way to allow the gearstick into reverse, and the position is normally in some strange out of the way place. If you don't feel you've engaged reverse, just keep the clutch in, guide the gearstick back to neutral and try again.

Oh yeah, and don't forget to come off the gas when you push the clutch in. Otherwise you rev the hell out of the engine in an uncool way

 

[pseudobrit]

Slightly off subject, one advantage of a manual is being able to turn over the engine if your battery is dead. I've had do to this. Get it rolling in first with the clutch in (friends and/or hills are good for this) and then pop the clutch quickly and turn the ignition. Back in business.

Some cars (mine, for instance) will incur damage if you do this.

 

[annk]

You'll be fine, you just need a parking lot (like someone else suggested) to start out in.

Don't worry too much about memorizing lots of "do this do that" instructions, come back to this thread after you've tried it, and it will all make much more sense.

I learned on an automatic, then my family got a manual and I had to learn that. First, my mom tried to teach me. But she was way too nervous. Then I asked my dad to ride along, but he's so laid back he never said anything. Finally, I had my younger brother (who had learned on the manual) help me. A couple turns round the block with him, and I was okay (he's a great teacher).

Let us know how it goes!

 

[SpookTheHamster]

When you stop, put the gear in neutral and off your clutch.

Very important. The clutch release bearing in most cars is only lubricated when the clutch pedal is not pressed. My recent trip to Europe ended prematurely when the release bearing exploded and destroyed the clutch/gearbox in our car. Thankfully, our car club flew us home, but the car had to be scrapped (it wasn't worth shipping it back from Switzerland)

I would rather be on the phone and checking email to be ultra-productive while driving instead of focusing on changing gears.

Never use a phone, or any handheld device, while driving. Not in a manual, not in an auto.

A rough guide for an average car is that first is only used for starting off, then second takes you up to 20-25mph, then third between that and 35-40mph, then fourth up to around 50-55 before you go into fifth.

This is entirely dependant on situation. I'll cruise around a 30 limit in 4th, but then when accelerating to 70 on a motorway from a roundabout I quite often stay in 3rd until I reach 60 then shift straight to 5th. For cruising, try to keep the car between 2-3,000rpm. Going up a hill, stay in a lower gear, and shift down when going down a hill to keep yourself from speeding up too much. When overtaking, shift down and hold gearchanges for as long as possible, but don't rev too high (our car redlines at 7,000, but I won't take it past 5). I won't get into things like heel-toeing, but look it up when you get used to manuals, your downshifts will get much smoother.

You'll learn to love manual cars, you just feel so much more involved than in an auto, and engine braking is a godsend on mountain roads.

 

[yg17]

the car is in neutral and you don't need to push the clutch down to start the engine.

I think it's been said before, but some cars require the clutch to be in regardless of gear.

 

[Sun Baked]

I think it's been said before, but some cars require the clutch to be in regardless of gear.

The lockout switches required due to lawsuits from stupid americans.

There was a story I cannot find, where a local dealer sent a Porsche next door to the carwash for the customer's free carwash with service.

The guy doing the carpets reached up and started the car while it was still in first gear, and it took off and slammed into a brick wall at speed.

At least he didn't reach in through the window like the typical stupid american and go with the car into the wall.

 

[MalcolmJID]

Very important. The clutch release bearing in most cars is only lubricated when the clutch pedal is not pressed.

Can you explain this to my tired mind? I love having a manual car. I think all people should learn on a manual car, then just get an automatic if they do.

When people learn in an aunto' (in the UK at least), they can then only drive an auto. I wish people would learn in a manual.

When you get your head (and feet) round whats going on with the clutch/shifting etc, youll never think about it again. It comes naturally. I don't like automatics. I prefer manual.





Also, with shifting points, I tend to change quite early;

I get out of 1st as soon as I can, then when I get into second, I usually find the revs get to around 1500rpm. People say avoid low revs as this "labours" the engine, but 1500rpm is OK, plus its in second gear, it should hardly struggle.

I get into third at around 15/20mph, then into fourth at around 25/30mph. This keeps the revs at around 2000rpm, which gives me a better fuel consumption figure, and I can also accelerate well. If I need quick acceleration, I'll drop it to 3rd.

I also agree with SpookTheHamster with the motorway joining, I hold on to third for quite a while, then usually just shift to 5th. I only have a small engine (1.25L), though its a 16v Ford Zetec engine, so its nippy when I put my foot down.



Don't worry too much about it buddy. In time you'll learn to start off moving with minimal revs, just above tickover, and give your clutch less wear and tear!

 

[SpookTheHamster]

The lockout switches required due to lawsuits from stupid americans.

There was a story I cannot find, where a local dealer sent a Porsche next door to the carwash for the customer's free carwash with service.

The guy doing the carpets reached up and started the car while it was still in first gear, and it took off and slammed into a brick wall at speed.

At least he didn't reach in through the window like the typical stupid american and go with the car into the wall.

I can see that happening on an auto, but 99% of the time a manual will stall if you turn it on in gear.

 

[balamw]

The lockout switches required due to lawsuits from stupid americans.

Blame the litigious Americans and their well compensated attorneys, not the stupid. Darwin usually takes care of them.

B

 

[MalcolmJID]

I can see that happening on an auto, but 99% of the time a manual will stall if you turn it on in gear.

Nah. You get a fair sharp burst of speed if you started in first. Truth is, the car wouldn't start, but if he didnt have quick reactions, he could have had the starter motor running for a coupla seconds. And thus kept goin slightly.


And I agree with pressing the clutch in to start the car...I do this just out habit now. I always check im in neutral first, but still depress the clutch to start.

Also, I think I need to re-oil my tranny, coz when I'm just sat there, and release the clutch in neutral, the revs drop around 100rpm. Theres a slight sound coming out too when I let the clutch out. Meh. I'll get that seen to tomorrow.

 

[Alag28]

You'll be fine, you just need a parking lot (like someone else suggested) to start out in.

Don't worry too much about memorizing lots of "do this do that" instructions, come back to this thread after you've tried it, and it will all make much more sense.

I learned on an automatic, then my family got a manual and I had to learn that. First, my mom tried to teach me. But she was way too nervous. Then I asked my dad to ride along, but he's so laid back he never said anything. Finally, I had my younger brother (who had learned on the manual) help me. A couple turns round the block with him, and I was okay (he's a great teacher).

Let us know how it goes!

ok guys i did my little lesson today wit my cousin and this is how today went...

i get in the seat...make sure the car is in N..then i pressed down on the clutch and turn on the car

i release the handbrake will still the clutch pressed down...quickly put it in 1st gear..and (GULP) i start getting a feel again the bitepoint where the car will start moving by releasing the clutch just a tad bit. i feel it then i give it gas but too much and the car start over revving..i laugh again like sigh not this again. i give it a shot to start driving...give off the cluth and give the car some gas..the car start moving but after a semi turbulent take off. my cousin tells me to do it again..i do it again and it goes well...he tells me to do it again but then the car turns off on me cuz i forgot the push the clutch down when im coming to a complete stop. i turn on the car again and i start again.

pressed down the clutch threw it in 1st gear and i let off the clutch easily most of the times i get really anxious to get my foot off the clutch and take it completely off when i think the car is stable on 1st gear. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR ME. i keep trying and trying and i have a fair amount of good and bad tries. in conclusion im still getting my left foot adjusted to the clutch and reminding myself to keep my foot on the clutch as im giving it gas then when its completely moving i can take it off and throw it in 2nd..O that reminds me..i somehow flawlessly throw it into 2nd without any mojor stall or turbulent shake..but it does sometimes give me a little shake but i think its normal.

so yea..i really hope i get the hang of it so i can start ripping it on the roads

 

[xsedrinam]

Originally Posted by Sun Baked
The lockout switches required due to lawsuits from stupid americans.

Blame the litigious Americans and their well compensated attorneys, not the stupid. Darwin usually takes care of them.

One of my favorite phrases to describe the driving where we live, "metalic Darwinism"

 

[YS2003]

Blame the litigious Americans and their well compensated attorneys, not the stupid. Darwin usually takes care of them.

B

But, in USA (and some others as well), there are some strong invisible hands which somehow help the stupid avert the ultimate outcome of the Darwinism. Usually, the person causes the accident survives while the other parties get slammed hard or face the fate of the Darwinism.

 

[FFTT]

Find a long gravel road and just practice all you want, stopping, starting up and down hills till it all feels natural.

The most common mistake is fully releasing the clutch too fast.
You also need to learn to downshift and use the motor to slow your decent down
a hill and through turns.

Nice thing about the boonies.
I pulled in to a nearby farm and up comes this Toyota 4x4, just driving normal, the truck pulls up and out hops an 8 year old boy totaly in control.

It's not that freeking hard, but it really helps you to learn when you reduce
the stress of other traffic.

My dad took me out to Skyline Drive.
By the time you finish 100 miles on a mountain, you pretty much have it figure out.

 

[DZ/015]

I learned to drive a manual at several car dealerships when I was younger. Just walked in and asked to test drive cars with a manual transmission. After a number of embarrassing mistakes, I learned.
Don't worry. You'll get the hang of it. Just do it with some one else's auto.

 

[benthewraith]

I learned very quickly. Say, inside a week.

Still, if I shift too fast every now and then, the gear will scratch....not badly, but still scratch, despite the fact that the clutch is all the way in....I should probably have that looked at. Generally, letting the RPMs drop to 2,000 works wonders, and goes in nicely.

On my car, clutch has to be in. Won't start without it. I tend to shift at about 3,000-4,000 RPMs. And I'll push it up to 6,000 if I'm getting on the freeway. I basically run at about 4,500 RPM at 80 mph. It can get up to 120...I know, I've taken it there.

Manuals are perhaps safer for the reason you have more control over your vehicle. Your break fails, you can slow down with the clutch.

 

[Alag28]

I learned to drive a manual at several car dealerships when I was younger. Just walked in and asked to test drive cars with a manual transmission. After a number of embarrassing mistakes, I learned.
Don't worry. You'll get the hang of it. Just do it with some one else's auto.

man i really really x2323 hope i get manual down packed..i want to start having fun

this is a priority on my list

 

[KingSleaze]

I used to drive a 5-speed manual chevy (now the auto for a company car and my personal car).

It may fun for a while. But, once you start commuting for work (or driving as part of the job necessity), it gets tiring. I don't go back to manual anymore. I would rather be on the phone and checking email to be ultra-productive while driving instead of focusing on changing gears.

I would rather you drink (alcoholic beverages) and drive . Distracted drivers (phone, email) are statistically more likely to be in an accident.

Manual transmissions get better gas mileage (on average) than the same vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission.

 

[annk]

ok guys i did my little lesson today wit my cousin and this is how today went...

i get in the seat...make sure the car is in N..then i pressed down on the clutch and turn on the car

...snip...

so yea..i really hope i get the hang of it so i can start ripping it on the roads

Congrats, you're on your way.

 

[evoluzione]

I don't go back to manual anymore. I would rather be on the phone and checking email to be ultra-productive while driving instead of focusing on changing gears.

i do hope you're joking...if you're not, get off the roads you ****ing retard.

I hate manual transmissions.

i hope you're joking too! you have a jeep logo for your avatar! manual all the way in one of those things baby i'd never have been able to make it out of a snow covered ditch my gf (at the time) drove us into without a manual 'box

Very important. The clutch release bearing in most cars is only lubricated when the clutch pedal is not pressed.

yes, please explain this more...i always have the car in 1st when waiting at lights etc, much safer if you need to get out of some idiots way if they don't see the red light, or whatever, maybe they're on their cellphone or something (has happened to me before, thank goodness i was looking in my rearview!)





anyway, to the OP...practice makes perfect my friend. i taught my wife to drive our VW with a manual 'box, she had doubts at first, but now she absolutely hates driving automatics...you have so much more control with a manual, and it's less boring too.

Just listen and feel for the engine, i told my wife that when pulling away in first, move your feet as if they were attached by string or something, lift your right foot the same amount as you depress your left foot, that seemed to work ok. oh, and yeah, learn to slow down by downshifting instead of using the brakes, less chance of you locking up the wheels in bad weather etc.

keep it up!

 

[MacBoobsPro]

Wow this thread is one scary read. Some of you people should not be on the road

 

[iGav]

My only advice to the original poster is that if you cannot drive a manual car correctly and indeed safely, get yourself a driving instructor that can teach you properly.

 

[Chundles]

My only advice to the original poster is that if you cannot drive a manual car correctly and indeed safely, get yourself a driving instructor that can teach you properly.

Amen to that. I also think everyone should learn to drive on a manual car.

The first thing my instructor said to me was "The largest organ in the human body is the skin - you have to learn to feel what the car is doing, it'll tell you what's going on and you can get on with driving it."

 

[Shaun.P]

Also, when breaking, coming to a stop, you must put the clutch down or the car will stall. I usually put the clutch down when I'm going slower than 10mph.

The higher the gear you are going into, the faster you can lift your foot off the clutch. i.e. if you are changing from 4th to 5th, you can lift your foot up almost straight away. If you done this going from 1st to 2nd,...then you would stall or the car would be very jerky.

 

[SpookTheHamster]

yes, please explain this more...i always have the car in 1st when waiting at lights etc, much safer if you need to get out of some idiots way if they don't see the red light, or whatever, maybe they're on their cellphone or something (has happened to me before, thank goodness i was looking in my rearview!)

As I said, when you have your foot on the clutch, the release bearing is not being lubricated. Sitting with it like that will wear the bearing faster and it will fail early. It's not going to be a quick failure. For example, if it would normally break at 80,000 miles, it might break between 30-50,000. But when the release bearing goes it can ruin your entire gearbox, which is an expensive repair. We had to be flown home and our car was scrapped in Switzerland, the repairs would have cost more than the car was worth. I resisted the urge to say "I told you so" to the clutch-riding driver.