Stick Shift Driving

NYC Driving Lessons

Stick Shift Driving Lesson: Down Shifting

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Key Points

    • If the gas is too responsive, it’s time to up shift
    • If the gas is hardly responding, it’s time to down shift
    • Downshift if the RPM drops below 2000 while driving or slowing down
    • Take your time. There is usually a lot of time to downshift
    • Come off the clutch much slower when down shifting



Introduction to Down Shifting

Down shifting is a little different than shifting up in gear. Downshifting is useful with sudden slow downs and speed ups in day to day traffic. The main difference between down shifting and up shifting is the engine power.

Down shifting goes from low engine power to higher engine power, meaning more response from the engine. More response means the car is going to react more abruptly. The best way to avoid the abrupt reaction is to smooth the transition into the lower gear. Come off the clutch slower and softer than an up shift. That will solve that problem and make down shifting better.

When to Down Shift

If you’re slowing down for any reason, it’s a good idea to consider down shifting. If traffic ahead is slowing down, you’re coming up to a sharp turn, or you’re approaching an exit from the highway, it’s a good idea to consider down shifting.

It’s a good idea to experiment with different gears at different speeds. The more experimenting you do, the better and quicker you can grasp the concept of down shifting.

 

 

Stick Shift Driving in Extreme Weather

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Driving stick shift in heavy snow, rain or wind can be dangerous if not done correctly. If driven  correctly, a manual transmission car can be more effective than an automatic car in extreme weather.

 

Down Shifting

Downshifting can be very helpful in slick conditions. For example; if the road is snowy and you find yourself going down a hill, downshifting gently and progressively is an easier way to slow the car down than stepping on the brakes. Stepping on the brakes can possibly cause the wheels to lock and for you to lose control.

Granted, if you downshift too abruptly, you can also cause the wheels to lose traction and control. The trick is to be comfortable with the clutch and the gear box.

 

Pulling Off

Pulling off in severe weather is generally easier in stick shift vehicles because you can control the acceleration to a higher degree in a manual car. Just letting off the clutch slightly until the car begins to react can help you crawl out of snow and ice more effectively than releasing the brake in an automatic car.


While there are advantages to driving stick shift in extreme conditions, there is still a bigger learning curve than automatic driving. Being proficient in stick shift driving is the first step before being able to handle extreme conditions more effectively.

The advantage is definitely there. It’s up to you to learn what it takes!

Stick Shift Driving Lesson: Engine Braking

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Engine Braking



Engine Braking is an out dated tactic for the most part. Now that most cars have power brakes, applying the clutch and simply braking is simple and effective enough to come to a stop from any speed.

Engine braking does have a purpose though, When slowing down drastically, but not completely stopping, it can help. This is where driving a stick shift car has it’s advantage. The lower the gear you are in, the more responsive the car is when you step on the gas. When we slow down to make a turn and downshift, it is a much better alternative to stepping on the brakes and then downshifting when we complete the turn. Engine braking is an advanced tool, but one you will naturally start doing when you get better. Why? Because it’s much smoother.


Sometimes, engine braking becomes practical in extreme weather situations. If the road is icy, slamming the brakes might make the car slide. Clutching down a gear while releasing the clutch slowly might be just what you need instead of the very sensitive brakes. Even though power brakes and new technology have made engine braking a thing of the past, it can be used effectively and comfortably. Play around with engine braking a little and see how it feels.

Top Five Reasons to Own a Manual Stick Shift Car

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Gas Mileage

This is the one everyone wants to hear. This is the first of the top five reasons to own a stick shift car. It is definitely true that when a manual car is driven properly, it can save some gas. Automatic transmission vehicles these day are built better than they were before, so the difference in gas mileage isn’t that drastic anymore. Be careful though. Over revving and aggressive driving can actually end up making you waste more gas!

 

Maintenance

Lets face it. Automatic transmissions are more complex and newer technology. To rebuild an automatic transmission that’s due for maintenance can cost up to $2,000.00. A new clutch on the other hand will cost anywhere from $600.00 to $1,200.00. Manual cars also need their brakes changed less on average. A good clutch with efficient driving can last more than 10 years!

Performance

It’s popular knowledge that manual transmission vehicles have better overall control than automatic cars. This is due because the driver has the options to downshift, shift early, shift late, rev match, etc. With all these options at the drivers disposal, most drivers incorporate their unique personalities into their cars options for maximum control.

 

Accessibility

About 95% of the world drives stick shift. Knowing how to drive manual can save a lot of money and headaches when traveling. Think about it, why would the rest of the world prefer manual? Hint: It isn’t because they’re lacking in technology.

It’s Fun

Driving stick shift is fun. Driving automatic can be repetitious and boring, but in a manual car, a whole world of opportunities  opens up. I’m not talking about racing or being reckless. Having new options open up to you, options that can maximize performance of the car leaves you developing your own driving style!