About this app
Although manual gearboxes are commonplace, automatic gearboxes are increasingly popular –and the art of driving a stick shift (as the Americans would say) might be in danger of dying out.
Before you start
Typically, manual cars will have three pedals: clutch, brake and accelerator (in that order, left to right).
The brake and accelerator pedals are pretty simple - press the brake to slow down (the firmer you press it, the quicker you’ll lose speed), while using the accelerator increases the engine’s revs and causes you to speed up (the firmer you press it, the quicker you will speed up).
The clutch pedal is the one that makes driving a manual car more difficult than an auto.
Without going into too much detail, the clutch is essentially two metal plates that connect the engine to the drive wheels.
So by pressing down on the clutch pedal, you’re disconnecting the engine from the wheels.
Getting in the car and put on your seatbelt
Put the key in the ignition and turn all the way until the engine starts
Put the clutch pedal down (this the pedal on the left)
Move the gear stick into first gear
Use your right foot to press down on the accelerator gently to increase the engine’s revs very slightly
Slowly lift the clutch pedal using your left foot until it starts to vibrate gently
This vibration is known as the car’s “bite point” - this is where the clutch plates start to come together.
Remove the handbrake and the car should start to move slowly
Increase the revs while slowly raising your foot off the clutch unit you are moving forward with only the use of the accelerator pedal
Remember - if you’re too quick lifting your foot off the clutch, or don’t give it enough revs, the car will stall: that’s where the engine cuts out and the red lights glow on the dashboard.
If you stall apply the brakes, turn the engine off, return the gear stick to neutral and begin the process again.
How to avoid damaging the clutch
Over time, you’ll get used to a car’s clutch and have a good understanding of where its bite point is, as well as how many revs you need to give it to move off.
It sounds complicated but you’ll develop a natural feel for it with practice.
If you’re not careful, though, it can be easy to wear the clutch out prematurely – and that’s likely to cost at least £300, rising well into four figures for some cars. Follow these tips and your clutch should easily last for well over 100,000 miles:
Don’t use the clutch to hold the car on hills or creep forward at junction
If you’re waiting at a junction, in traffic or at a roundabout, it’s tempting to hold the car at the clutch’s bite point, allowing you a quick getaway when you can move. But this can cause unnecessary wear, especially if you do it often.
Stop, put the handbrake on, and only use the clutch when you’re ready to pull away.
Don’t hold the clutch down when you’re stopped
Again, it’s tempting to leave your car in gear and keep your foot on the clutch when you’re stopped in traffic.
This puts a lot of pressure on the clutch release bearing, however, which could wear out quickly if you do it regularly.
Keep the revs to a minimum
To avoid stalling, especially during hilly manoeuvres, many drivers are too heavy with the accelerator.
This can cause unnecessary wear on the clutch plates.
You need a minimum amount of revs to get the car to move – and if you’re gentle enough, most cars can move without using the accelerator at all.
How many gears do manual cars have?
Years ago, was normal for manual cars to have just four gears.
In theory, this would make them easier to drive than the cars of today, but back then you’d also have to learn old-fashioned techniques such as double declutching as they didn’t have synchromesh gearboxes.
Gearboxes were also much vaguer than today, making it more difficult to find gears.
Today, most cars have at least five gears, although six gears are becoming increasingly common.
ring motorway cruising, helping reduce fuel consumption.
