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Driving a manual car can often be nerve-wracking if you have your family, friends, or other passengers with you. However, if you know how to drive, it can be one of the most satisfying skills to have. From basic driving to advanced driving techniques and road racing, there are so many things to explore when it comes to driving a manual car. In this article, we’ll read about how to drive a manual car.
Move the gear selector into your shift boot's center to place your vehicle in the neutral gear. Wriggle the stick shifter around and check whether it moves around freely to ensure that your vehicle is truly in the neutral position. If the stick shifter fails to move freely, check if the gear selector is appropriately in the middle or not.
Now that you have placed your car in its neutral gear, your left foot should press the clutch pedal to the car's floor. This feature is available in most modern-day vehicles to ensure fewer accidents. Push down the clutch fully to start your manual transmission car.
Crosscheck the above-mentioned two steps by verifying that the clutch is pressed down to the floor and that the stick shifter can move freely. Getting the help of a driving instructor can be useful to get initial safety checks in order.
To start your manual transmission car, locate the ignition. Usually, the ignition is located next to the steering column. However, it is essential to check your owner's manual as certain cars may have push-to-start features.
Turn on your car's ignition to the halfway position to enable all the sensors of the vehicle to take their readings.
Place your foot on the clutch pedal pressing it fully, keep the gear selector in its neutral position, and then turn the engine to start your vehicle.
Now to start moving forwards in your manual transmission car, you need to release the handbrake. It is recommended to read your owner's manual thoroughly to learn whether or not the car you are driving comes with an electronic handbrake as such cars will not have a handbrake.
It is important to disengage your handbrake as driving with the handbrake engaged can damage your vehicle from the heat generated and is dangerous as well.
When disengaging/releasing the handbrake, make sure that you are on a level surface. If not, you should cover the vehicle's brake pedal with your right foot while you are letting off the e-brake or handbrake.
Now that you got your vehicle started, you have to now drive your manual car through the lanes. The first step would be to calm your mind and body.
Make sure to put your seatbelt on and your seat to ensure that you are seated comfortably.
First, disengage the clutch fully and move the gear selector of your car into its first gear. Refer to your car's stick shift pattern positioned on the top end of the shifter. If you are unable to locate a shift pattern on your stick shift vehicle, there is no need to panic. Usually, in most vehicles, the first gear is found in the top left part of your gear selector.
Move your gear selector right and then upwards. However, in certain vehicles, this process may be a bit tricky but with practice, it will get better.
To start moving forward in your manual transmission car, you need to slowly lift your foot that was resting on the clutch pedal. The slower that you put off your foot from the clutch pedal, the lesser the likelihood your car will stall and the higher the probability you will start moving forwards. However, it is quite normal to stall for the first few attempts when you are just learning to drive a Rented car.
Don't be afraid or disheartened to slam on the car's brakes or stall out the motor at any time, as most modern-day cars are beginner friendly. Stalling out or dropping the clutch for the first few times won't damage your car in any way.
To drive uphill in a manual transmission car you will be generally required to shift to a lower gear, contrarily you will lose power. Just change down a few gears depending on your speed and then drive normally.
You may also notice that when driving uphill you may need to place your foot on the accelerator further down to attain a normal speed. However, please make sure to ease off the accelerator as well as an upgrade to a higher gear when you return to level ground.
To start your car on a hill road you can follow the above-mentioned instructions but we recommend engaging your car's handbrake rather than pressing down the footbrake. This will allow you to use one foot for the accelerator and the other one for the clutch to protect your vehicle from rolling backward.
Even in manual gearbox vehicles, many new cars now come with a hill hold assist. In certain cases, the car may require you to use brakes to climb up a steep hill. But if your vehicle doesn't come with the hill hold assist feature, you need to implement manual control. Moreover, keep in mind to never use the gas paddle or clutch to hold your vehicle uphill. Instead, utilize the brakes.
Learning to drive a manual car can be a very twisted process. Many people often fail at their first attempts at driving a manual car. Don't get discouraged,s eventually you will learn to drive. Stay persistent in your goals and soon you will earn the skills of driving a manual car. Driving a manual car can be great fun once you know how to use all the car accessories correctly. Happy Driving!
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