Is my M/T technique ok?

Pharmacist · 10-22-2009, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt

I drove my last manual for 40,000 miles and engine-braked 99.9% of the time and never needed to replace the clutch. Hell, I even taught my GF how to drive manual, and she burnt it up a little!

"Engine-braking" or down-shifting is a perfectly acceptable method of braking, and the way I look at it...it's better. It puts me in the position to accelerate out (if the light turns green) or avoid disaster (someone coming behind me not braking).

One group says you'll need to replace the brakes every year, the other group will say you'll replace the clutch every year. I think both groups are over-exaggerating a bit.

No no I wasn't talking about that. I was referring to his stated habit of holding the car stationary up a slope by revving the engine and slipping the clutch instead of holding it with his brakes. Here is his quote:

Quote:

There have been many times where I just hold the gas and clutch just right to keep the rpms about 1k and not move while on a hill waiting for the cars in front of me to move. Anything to fight the monotony

Matt · 10-22-2009, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pharmacist

No no I wasn't talking about that. I was referring to his stated habit of holding the car stationary up a slope by revving the engine and slipping the clutch instead of holding it with his brakes.

Oh yikes! My bad. Holding your position by riding the clutch is horrible. I have a bad habit on a hill to let myself roll back and forth a few inches to let everyone know I'm driving a stick, but using that full-time to keep you on a hill....yikes!