How to Drive a 5 Speed Stick Shift

driving a 5 speed stick shift

A five-speed stick shift is a manual transmission, which means the automobile driver must manually shift gears at the appropriate time, which is determined by the level of the engine's revolution per minute (RPM) rate. This manual transmission actually has six gears--five that move the car forward, and one (reverse) that moves it backward. Typically, manual transmissions require use of a driver-operated clutch, which is controlled by a foot pedal located to the left of the brake pedal. New or inexperienced drivers often have difficulty mastering the gear-changing process, especially with regard to smoothly engaging the clutch via the foot pedal. For this reason, newcomers should practice shifting gears when the car is stationary, with the engine turned off.

Instructions

Driving a 5 Speed Stick Shift

1. Practice changing gears before attempting to drive a car with a five-speed transmission on the road. Put on the parking brake while the car engine is off. Switch from gear to gear by moving the stick shift to its various preset gear positions, while stepping on the clutch pedal.

2. Place the car in neutral prior to cranking the engine. Neutral is typically in the center of the five speed gear console. Hold the clutch pedal all the way down when starting the car. After placing the transmission into 1st gear, gradually release your foot pressure on the clutch pedal. Around mid-point in this process, the engine will begin to engage the transmission and propel the car forward--gently and smoothly if you shift the gears properly, but more like a bucking bronco if you "pop" the clutch instead by releasing your foot pressure too rapidly. This will also kill the engine.

3. Gently place your foot on the clutch and apply pressure while shifting into first gear. Always begin moving the car from first gear. Use the same method to shift into all four subsequent forward gears, one at a time, while moving forward and picking up speed. When you want to shift the car into reverse gear, however, you first must stop the car. After doing so, depress the clutch and move the shifter into the reverse gear position, gradually letting up on the clutch until the car starts moving backward.

4. As you gain speed, you will notice the engine RPM's increasing (by checking the dashboard engine tachmoter), and you will hear the engine sound change to a higher pitch. Shift to the following gear when the RPM level reaches approximately 3000 RPM's. Do not skip gears while gaining speed. If you let off the clutch too fast, the car will lurch forward (or backward if you are in reverse) and the engine will stall.

5. One thing you can do with a five-speed manual transmission that owners of automatic transmission cars cannot do, is to use the car's engine as a brake to slow it down. This technique is known as downshifting. To downshift, hit the brakes first to slow, but not stop, the car, as you approach a stop sign, traffic light, or, perhaps, a sharp curve in the road. Next, depress the clutch pedal and shift the engine into the next-lowest gear; for example, if you are driving in 5th gear, downshift to 4th gear.
   As the lower gear engages, the sound of the engine will change to a higher pitch, and you will be ready to downshift to the next lowest gear, which will further slow the car. Never downshift into 1st gear, as this will strain the clutch and slow the engine too abruptly. Once you reach roughly ten miles per hour, shift the transmission into neutral and use the foot brake to bring the car to a complete stop.

Tips & Warnings

• The upside of downshifting is that it saves on brakes. It also gives the driver more control over the vehicle, by making the tires grip the road sharply at the moment the lower gear is engaged.

• The downside of downshifting is it will wear out your clutch sooner than if you used the brakes alone to stop your vehicle.

• Downshift to the next-lowest gear when approaching an inclined hill that requires more power. Once you reach level ground and you pick up enough speed, shift to the next highest gear.

• Shift into 1st gear or reverse only when the car is stopped.

References

• Driving Stick