How to Work a Manual Transmission
A manual transmission requires the driver to shift gears in a vehicle to accommodate for speed and changes in direction and terrain. The gear shift lever for a manual transmission is either on the steering column or on the floor between the front seats. Cars and trucks come with a three-, four- or five-speed transmission. Many drivers prefer the control of choosing gears on the move with manual transmissions. Shifting an auto transmission requires extra driving skill, but it can be very helpful to make gear changes with a manual transmission on hills or slippery roads.
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Instructions
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How to Work a Manual Transmission
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1
Buckle your seat belt and see that all passengers do the same. A vehicle offers no protection for occupants not wearing a seat belt.
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Depress the clutch before starting the vehicle. The clutch must also be down anytime the brake pedal is used.
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3
Shift into "first" or "reverse" with the clutch down. Gently press the accelerator while slowly lifting off the clutch. The car will begin to move in the chosen direction.
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Use reverse for backing up the vehicle from a dead stop. Some stick-shift models require the shifter to be popped downward, or a grip tab to be pulled before making the shift to reverse. This safeguards against accidentally shifting into reverse while the vehicle is moving forward.
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Shift through the forward gears as you bring the vehicle up to speed. Reduce pressure on the accelerator as you step on the clutch to shift from "first" to "second" when the motor winds at a speed of 10 to 15 miles per hour. Slowly lift off the clutch as you resume acceleration.
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Shift into "third" gear between 20 and 25 miles per hour. Use the same gas-clutch coordination of letting off the gas while pressing the clutch, then returning acceleration while lifting off the clutch.
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Shift to higher gears to account for speed if the model has a four- or five-speed transmission. Shift to "fourth" gear between 30 and 35 miles per hour and "fifth" gear when you reach 40 or 45 miles per hour.
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Downshift for hills. Shift into a lower gear to gain power for climbing a hill. Also use "first" or "second" gear to keep from gaining too much speed on the way down a steep grade. This helps to avoid burning out the brakes.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice working a manual transmission. It takes time and experience to develop the coordination of shifting, using a clutch and matching it up with proper acceleration.
Some vehicles have a shift light to indicate the need for shifting up a gear. These will light at specific speeds with no consideration for engine demands while driving uphill.
Never shift into reverse while the vehicle is moving forward. The same applies to shifting into a forward gear while the vehicle is moving in reverse. Serious injuries and costly transmission damage can result.
