When I learned how to drive it was a stick shift, and then drove that car for about 10 years. About 15 years after that I just picked up a new Jeep that is manual so I am back in the saddle. I do have a manual DMC but in full dis-closer, I have not driven that car yet since it is currently "under construction".
This is not a how to drive a manual but more about some of the finer points to that.
1. Down shifting to stop.
I have heard of, and been in cars with, folks want to down shift through the gears to come to a stop. Is this correct? I have always just put it in neutral and coast to a stop.
2. Driving at low RPM
When I was reading through the booklet that came with the car it spoke of shifting at "these" speeds. What I find myself doing is shifting before the factory recommendations. What I do is shift by the sound and feel of the car. My concern is that I drive my car at a very low RPM. My question here is if there is any potential for long term engine/trans issues driving the car at a relatively low RPM? For reference this car seems to idle approx 600 and I often drive approx 1000-1500 +/-.
3. Riding the clutch
What is the definition of this exactly?
4. Better fuel economy
Rumor has it that a manual car is more fuel efficient than an auto. Is this true? Why?
The car I have has a digital MPG monitor in the dash so I watch this all the time.
I spend most all of my time driving in the grueling city traffic so I get very very low MPG. The only time It gets better is if I am able to get it in 5th gear and cruse for a while. Is there any tricks to better MPG or is it really just a matter of being in a higher gear?
5. Starting in 2nd gear
I have a Jeep Wrangler and first gear is all torque. I have done some experiments and can start the car from 2nd gear with little issues. 2nd gear feels like a regular cars 1st gear. I do not do this regularly because I am not sure if this is bad for the vehicle. Is there any engine/trans issues with starting a car in 2nd?
6. Push start (popping the clutch)
I have not done this for decades but I do remember if the battery died you can get your friends to push the car. Put the car in first gear and hold the clutch down. Once the car is at a certain speed release the clutch and the car will start. What is going on to make that happen? Does forcing the engine to move create spark? How?
7.Clutch questions
A. I find myself resting my foot on the clutch pedal when driving or waiting. It is approx less than 5% pressed. Really it is just resting enough to press the play between fully out and where pressure begins. I am sure is is not good but is it bad?
Is that also a form of riding the clutch?
B. If I sit at stop light and have the clutch held down the whole time is there long term issues by doing that?
C. Sometimes I notice that I do not press the clutch all of the way down when shifting gears. Basically I will press it enough to get it out and in gear. Is it necessary to press it all the way down?
D. What makes a clutch wear out? Is there a number like approx 100,000 presses of a clutch life cycle or is it a matter of how it is used?
Is there any other tips or tricks to driving a manual that we should consider?
Yes this is a long post but hopefully this will lead to a good discussion and help us all drive our cars better and make them last longer.