How to Drive A Car With Manual Transmission Or Stick Shift
Stick shift or manual transmission can be intimidating and scary if you don't know how to drive a car with this type of gear. Learning and practicing a stick shift car will make you feel comfortable and confident and can make you a versatile driver. This article will teach you step by step on how to drive a stick shift or manual transmission.
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Instructions
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Get in the car and put your seat belt on. Roll down the windows to better hear the engine sound and adjust the gear shifts.
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2
Identify the pedals of a manual car, there are three types of pedals; the first one on the far left is the clutch , the middle one is the brake, and then the gas pedal is on the far right. The clutch is the most important pedal of all because it disconnects the spinning engine from the spinning wheels and allows you to switch gears without grinding the teeth of each separate gear for damage. Always remember that before you switch gears, the clutch must be depressed.
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Press the clutch pedal and hold it to the floor then shift the gear to neutral. This is the middle position that feels free when moved from side to side. The vehicle is not in gear when the gear shift is in the neutral position or the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
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Turn on the engine with the key, making sure to keep the clutch pedal down to the floor. You can press the clutch or put the gear in neutral or do both. Once the engine is started, you can remove your foot from the clutch pedal.
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Press the clutch to the floor again and move the gear shift to first gear in the upper left position then slowly lift your foot up from the clutch pedal until you hear the engine speed begin to drop, then push it back in. Repeat this several times until you can instantly recognize the sound. This is called the friction point.
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In order for the vehicle to move, lift your foot up from the clutch pedal until the RPMs revolutions drop slightly and apply light pressure to the accelerator. Balance the light downward pressure on the accelerator with slowly releasing pressure on the clutch pedal. Do this several times to find the right combination of pressure up and down. You can also do this by releasing the clutch until the moment during which the engine revs down a little and then applying pressure on the accelerator. At this point the car will start to move. It is best to have the engine rev just enough to prevent stalling as the clutch pedal is let up. Always be ready to pull the hand brake to stop in emergency till you have learned. Remember, releasing the clutch too quickly will let the car stall. If the engine sounds like it is going to stall, then hold the clutch where it is or even push it further in slightly. Too much engine speed while the clutch is between fully up and fully depressed will wear out the clutch parts prematurely resulting in slippage or smoking of the clutch parts at the transmission.
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During driving, when your RPM reaches about 4000, it is time to shift into second gear. Remember though that it depends fully on the car you are driving what RPM the tachometer will reach before you must shift. Your engine will begin to race and speed up, and you must learn to recognize this noise. Put pressure downward on the clutch pedal and guide the shift lever straight down from 1st gear into the bottom left position. Many cars have a "Shift Light" or indications on the speedometer that will tell you when you need to shift so you don't rev the engine too quick.
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8
Push down on the gas very slightly and slowly release the clutch pedal. Once in gear and on the gas you should completely remove your foot from the clutch pedal. Resting your foot on the pedal must be avoided because the increased pressure to the clutch will cause a premature wear.
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When stopping, release right foot off accelerator to the brake pedal and press down as much as required and as you slow to about 15mph you will feel the car about to start shaking and vibrating. Press the clutch pedal fully down and move the gear shift to neutral to prevent stalling.
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