Dos and Don'ts of driving a stick?

[Venthos]

The Challenger will be the 2nd car I ever own, the first one with a manual transmission. I am and will be practicing using a different car until my '09 finally shows up at my door step in some months (not going to "learn" on the Challenger). But, I figure now is the time to train myself to execute proper habits as opposed to developing bad habits through simply not being aware and then trying to change them later on down the road. My buddy who is letting me drive around with his manual tranny car is obviously of great help, but I'm going to assume there's a few schools of thought on what's best for the transmission and would just like to hear some open discussion.

I've read some things here and there, and I suppose nothing is going to teach you more than just getting in manual transmission car and driving it. However, any quick tips of the Dos and Don'ts of driving a stick? What are some of the things that you've noticed other drivers doing that make you sigh and want to slam your head on the dashboard? I'd rather hear some quick tips then become "that guy"

[Go Goody]

Use the clutch! J/K

Ventos, why don't you go to a driving school to learn the nuances of manual tranny's. Are there any road courses / racetracks near you?

Down here the BMW club has 1 day events for about $500....their car and instructor included.

Also check Skip Barber....they race Miatas but it looks like a hoot!

[Venthos]

I was going to look into that, yea. Not sure if there's an area nearby. I'll check it out tomorrow.

[3H4ME]

Originally Posted by Venthos

I was going to look into that, yea. Not sure if there's an area nearby. I'll check it out tomorrow.

I'm sure that Go Goody , and the rest are really trying to give good advice, but I'd just like to say that going and paying someone to teach you is a waste. The only thing you need is experience, and the more the merrier. I know that for the novice, the track pack. no roll back system, is a valuable asset,(For the hills) but you'll find that without a lot of experience, you'd catch on quick, and that it's (roll back) ,not really needed. IMO.
You are already doing the smartest thing, by not burning out the clutch on your new Challenger, while learning clutch control. Hopefully your not burning up your friends clutch. But there are also rental //standards available if clutch slippage is an issue while you're learning.
Good idea , to post and ask.

[CharlieS]

Well, don't do this:

YouTube - Kids Crash dads 07 Brand new Mustang

[cjcuda]

That is hilarious!! I'm thinking this must have been an automatic, because the car would most likely have lurched and died if he dropped the clutch after starting it. It seemed like a nice gentle acceleration - through the back of the garage!

[Daddy Kool]

I know I'll be springing for a driver's ed. course for my wife and 18 year old son in a manual car before they use my future SRT. Who am I kidding, they're never gonna drive my baby! LOL

[thesteve]

1. Don't rest your foot on the clutch, always use the dead pedal. You may be depressing it a bit without intending to and you may lower the life expectancy of your clutch.

2. Down shifting has its uses, but I, for one, don't really use it when coming up to a light unless I can gradually coast down with no one behind me.

3. At first, you're gonna have to stare at the tach to get the shifts right, but soon you will be able to do it by just feeling the car.

4. At a light, put it in neutral, don't keep your foot on the clutch.

5. At first, your going to panic when you have to start up at a light or what not, stay calm, and do not panic. If you stall, just relax and crank it back up.

6. When you park, put it in 1st gear.

[The Bulldog #57]

Originally Posted by cjcuda

That is hilarious!! I'm thinking this must have been an automatic, because the car would most likely have lurched and died if he dropped the clutch after starting it. It seemed like a nice gentle acceleration - through the back of the garage!

It is a stick because at about 30 seconds in the kid says that he can drive stick so he can drive him around. He could have had his foot on the clutch and and when he started it pulled it off as he put the gas down to rev it.

[Hemi 007]

That video was to much, and i think(thesteve ) pretty well answered all the do's and dont's.