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Learning to drive a stick shift isn't easy for most
people, but with time and practice it becomes second nature.
Step: 1. Look at the floorboard; you'll see three
pedals. From left to right, they are: clutch, brake, and accelerator.
Step: 2. Study the simple diagram on the top of
the gearshift, which will show you where the gears are. In most new cars, this
will look like a three-legged H. First, third and fifth gears are at the tops
of the legs; second, fourth and reverse gears are at the bottoms. The crossbar
of the H is neutral.
Step: 3. Make sure the parking brake is engaged
and the car is on a flat surface in an area where you have plenty of room.
Step: 4. Press down on the clutch pedal and then
move the gearshift into the neutral position.
Step: 5. Start the car.
Step: 6. Keeping the clutch pedal down, put the
car into first gear by moving the gearshift to the top-left position.
Step: 7. Apply the foot brake and release the
parking brake.
Step: 8. Release the foot brake when you're ready
to start moving.
Step: 9. Begin to release the clutch pedal
slowly; when you hear or feel the engine begin to slow down, slowly press down
on the accelerator pedal as you continue to release the clutch. The car will
start to move forward.
Step: 10. Accelerate until the car has reached
about 3,000 rpm, then take your foot off the accelerator, press down on the
clutch pedal, and pull the gearshift directly down through neutral to second
gear. Be sure to pull the gearshift down until it can't go any farther.
Step: 11. Release the clutch pedal gently,
simultaneously pressing down gently on the accelerator pedal.
Step: 12. Repeat the shifting process each time
you hit 3,000 rpm until you're driving at the appropriate speed. (Third gear is
up and to the right; fourth gear is all the way down from there; fifth gear is
up to neutral, right and then up again.)
Step: 13. Downshift by releasing the accelerator
pedal when you want to decrease your speed. Press down on the clutch and move
the gearshift through neutral into the next-lower gear (move down only one gear
at a time). Once you're in the lower gear, release the clutch slowly and brake
as you do so.
Step: 14. Stop the car by downshifting to second
gear and applying the brakes. Apply the clutch just before the car stops. Don't
downshift into first.
Steps: 15. Drive in reverse by following the same
steps you would for starting in first gear. The reverse gear engages more
quickly than first gear, however, so be sure to release the clutch slowly and
begin to press the accelerator pedal as soon as the car begins to move.
Tips:
When you park your car, leave it in gear and set the parking
brake. That way, it won't start rolling as soon as you put it in neutral to
start again.
You'll know you're in the right gear for your speed if the engine is running
smoothly. If it's coughing and sputtering, shift to a lower gear. If the engine
noise pitch is too high, shift to a higher gear.
Avoid coasting with the clutch all the way down (called "riding the clutch"),
as this will cause needless wear and tear on the clutch. When stopped at a
traffic light, put the gearshift into the neutral position and release the
clutch rather than sitting with the clutch engaged.
The best way to start out is to find a patient friend or relative who knows how
to drive a stick shift, and practice with him or her in a large, empty parking
lot where you can practice safely. |
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