There’s no doubt that learning to drive a manual car can be tricky at first.
Not only do new drivers have to gain experience and learn the rules of the road, they also have to master a manual transmission and be able to change gear smoothly, coordinating the gear stick with the clutch.
While there are no two ways about the fact that experience is key to learning how to drive a manual transmission car, there are a number of ways to help the learning process. Read on to find out more.
Once you are in the car and have fastened your seatbelt, switch on the ignition. Push the clutch pedal (on the far left) with your left foot and move the gear stick into first gear.
Use your right foot to press down on the accelerator pedal (on the far right) to gently increase the engine’s revs. Slowly lift your left foot off the clutch pedal until you feel the car vibrate slightly, this is known as the “biting point”, which tells you that the car’s clutch plates are starting to come together.
Release the handbrake and the car will start to move off slowly.
Smooth gear changes are the ultimate goal when learning how to drive a manual car. Focus on gently guiding the gear stick to where you want it rather than pushing it into the new gear.
It is also important to take your time when doing this, rather than rushing. Allow the gear stick to pass through neutral for a couple of seconds before putting it into gear. This will help avoid the jolt.
Much of the difficulty in changing gear lies in working out exactly when to do so. Think ahead a little to plan exactly which gear you’re going to change into to make sure there’s less chance of you missing it.
Mastering clutch control will help you change gear smoothly and this is something that you will eventually get a feel for. It may sound silly, but if you’re struggling with this, it may be something to do with your choice of footwear. If you can’t feel the clutch properly through heavy soles, consider changing into a pair of lighter-soled shoes when driving.
There are a number of things you should not get into the habit of doing in a manual car.
Do not rest your hand on the gear stick when you are not changing gear as you may well be unintentionally putting pressure on the gearbox’s internal parts, speeding up wear and tear. For safety reasons, you should also keep both hands on the steering wheel as much as possible.
Do not leave your car in gear at a red light. It’s much better for your gearbox, not to mention your leg muscles, if you put your car in neutral and apply the handbrake.
Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal when driving. This can cause friction in the clutch plates, reducing fuel efficiency and causing the clutch to wear out prematurely.
Finally, do not use your clutch to hold your car on a hill. Again, apply your handbrake until it is time to move off or use the hill-hold assistance function if your car benefits from this technology.
There’s no doubt that learning to drive a manual car is a useful skill to acquire and one that can take your driving to the next level.
You may enjoy getting to grips with the manual transmissions of different cars. If you like the challenge of having a new car regularly, leasing could be for you. Most leases last from 24 to 60 months, allowing you to change vehicles regularly without the hassle of selling the old one on or the financial hit of depreciation. Take a look at the range of options currently available at Leasys for private individuals and contact us today.
If you run a business that depends on a fleet of vehicles, Leasys also offer tailormade leasing contracts for a range of different car types, including manual, automatic, petrol, hybrid and electric cars. Speak to one of our advisors to help your business get out of first gear.
