How to drive stick

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:drivestick
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How to drive stick

Introduction

Many people believe that it is impossible to drive a manual transmission car. But with the right teacher and knowledge of the basics you can be shifting like a pro!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need

  • A manual transmission car
  • A driver who knows how to drive stick
  • Patience

Steps

1

Step One

Observe the experienced driver, listen to when he shifts and the movement of his feet.
2

Step Two

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Go to a deserted parking lot and get in the driver's seat. Place your left foot on the clutch and your right foot on the brakes.
3

Step Three

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Push both feet in, and put the car in 1st gear. Take your foot off the breaks and slowly press the accellerator as you ease off the clutch. When in doubt press the accellerator down rather than taking your foot off, this will reduce your chances of stalling.
4

Step Four

Once the car starts to move take your foot completely off the clutch. Once the RPMs get to around 3,000 shift to 2nd. You do this by taking your foot off the accellerator, then pushing in the clutch, then shifting to second, and easing your foot off the clutch at the same time you press the accellerator. Repeat this with all gears.
5

Step Five

To slow down the vehicle, downshift- which is the same as shifting just going to a lower gear. This slows down the car without having to use the breaks. To stop the vehicle press the clutch with your left foot and the brakes with your right foot. Once stopped you can put the car in neutral so you don't have to hold down the clutch the whole time.

Overall Tips & Warnings

  • When in doubt put your feet on the clutch and the brakes. This is the way to stop safely without stalling.
  • When you feel you are ready practice starting on a hill, which will take more accelleration so you don't roll into a car behind you
  • Do not try and learn by yourself
  • Sometimes it takes multiple times for an individual to learn, do not become stressed or upset, just come back to it later.
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