Driving Tips for Manual Transmission Vehicle Owners

Truth be told, a manual transmission vehicle is more challenging to drive than an automatic one. Not only do you have to deal with shifting its gears depending on your speed, but you’ll also have to face various challenges while on the road. Still, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to master it. By following the tips listed below, you’ll be able to become a pro manual car driver in no time.

Stalling

This usually occurs when the engine suddenly shuts down due to the clutch pedal getting released too quickly or there is not enough pressure on the gas pedal. To restart the engine, first make sure you’re in the correct gear. A common mistake is trying to start while in Gear 3 instead on Gear 1.

Hanging Uphill

Moving uphill requires more power to avoid engine shut down or stalling. By firmly pressing the brake pedal before releasing the parking brake while the auto is engaged, the additional power would also helps the new or secondhand car avoid rolling backwards, keeping it steady while on the road. To move forward, apply enough pressure to the gas pedal by quickly moving your right foot to the accelerator from the brake pedal. Then immediately and simultaneously release the clutch pedal to a little bit past the working level. Make sure not to press the gas pedal too hard so as not to have the car sprint out of control.

Hanging Downhill

Moving downhill requires just as much power and technique as moving uphill to avoid stalling or engine shutdown. In other words, you also need to firmly press the brake pedal before releasing the parking brake while the car is engaged if you want to keep your ride steady and avoid having it rolling forward. And in case you need to move backwards, just apply enough pressure to the gas pedal by quickly moving your right foot to the accelerator from the brake pedal. Then quickly and simultaneously release the clutch pedal to a little bit past the working level. As with moving uphill, make sure not to press the gas pedal too hard; otherwise your auto might sprint out of control.

Wrapping Up

Owning a new or pre-owned car that has manual transmission system can be challenging. By constantly learning how to drive it, however, you’ll soon be able to get the hang of it. So keep learning, and in case you don’t know where to start, try the tips we’ve listed above.