Bad Driving Habits (M/T)

[Rone]

I've had this car for almost two weeks now. It's the first M/T I've owned. I learned to drive a stick a few years ago from a good friend so I'm sure there are some things I still need to know.

Surprisingly, I've only stalled a hand full of times while getting used to it. What are some bad habits that you should try to avoid or break when driving a stick? I tried searching but didn't have any luck. Hopefully me and others on the forum can learn and have our cars last a little longer, lol.

[Masa]

One habit I don't do myself but I see my other friends do is put the car in neutral and coast at a somewhat good clip like ~20mph especially when they are going downhill. Better to just leave it in gear and not touch the gas.

[tonybui]

Originally Posted by Masa

One habit I don't do myself but I see my other friends do is put the car in neutral and coast at a somewhat good clip like ~20mph especially when they are going downhill. Better to just leave it in gear and not touch the gas.

Please xcuse my low knowledge on this but why is this a bad habit?

[11Thumper]

Originally Posted by tonybui

Please xcuse my low knowledge on this but why is this a bad habit?

I believe lack of lubrication to the internal transmission components. It's also illegal in some states to coast in neutral.

[Masa]

Originally Posted by tonybui

Please xcuse my low knowledge on this but why is this a bad habit?

Well the way I was taught - if you are going at a speed like that it's always safer to be in gear so you are ready to move and react if something should arise.

Also, coasting at speed in neutral - oil starvation + waste of gas. Leaving it in gear while coasting wastes no gas and your car is read to move if needed.

Neutral has throttle body on idle speed = fuel being used
In gear while coasting = throttle body shut so no gas being wasted on idle

[Bleek]

Originally Posted by Masa

Well the way I was taught - if you are going at a speed like that it's always safer to be in gear so you are ready to move and react if something should arise.

Also, coasting at speed in neutral - oil starvation + waste of gas. Leaving it in gear while coasting wastes no gas and your car is read to move if needed.

Neutral has throttle body on idle speed = fuel being used
In gear while coasting = throttle body shut so no gas being wasted on idle

In no way, shape or form is putting the car in neutral wasting gas. Infact, if you're cruising at a "higher speed" (IE 80mph) and go into neutral, the car reads you're getting a higher MPG simply because the engine is not cranking/producing RPM's.

[kenchan]

Originally Posted by Bleek

In no way, shape or form is putting the car in neutral wasting gas. Infact, if you're cruising at a "higher speed" (IE 80mph) and go into neutral, the car reads you're getting a higher MPG simply because the engine is not cranking/producing RPM's.

coasting in neutral fuel is sent to the engine to keep it running.

coasting in gear while the engine is mechanically turned by the drivetrain, fuel is cut.

therefore you save fuel if you DONT put into neutral while coasting...

[Masa]

Originally Posted by Bleek

In no way, shape or form is putting the car in neutral wasting gas. Infact, if you're cruising at a "higher speed" (IE 80mph) and go into neutral, the car reads you're getting a higher MPG simply because the engine is not cranking/producing RPM's.

Like others have said - it's pretty common knowledge.

Car in neutral at ANY speed = throttle body is default to idling to keep engine running. Idling uses fuel regardless if your car is stopped or coasting since it makes the engine stay at a certain rpm.

Car coasting at speed in gear means the throttle body is actually shut off at this point if you are coasting and have your foot off the gas. Coasting in gear wastes no gas since the throttle body is completely shut.

You can actually test this out yourself in the 370z if you put our little computer thing to the real time mpg bar. Coast in idle then coast in gear - Coasting in gear will yield a higher mpg than coasting in neutral.

[jayl]

Originally Posted by Masa

Also, coasting at speed in neutral - oil starvation + waste of gas. Leaving it in gear while coasting wastes no gas and your car is read to move if needed.

Neutral has throttle body on idle speed = fuel being used
In gear while coasting = throttle body shut so no gas being wasted on idle

Thanks Ron. I used to do this till I read your post... I was under the impression it would be the other way around! but i do recall seeing this when I was kid with the difference that the ignition would be turned off when the car was coasting in neutral... and then without the crank just pop the clutch to start it back up...

[The BlueMax]

Originally Posted by tonybui

Please xcuse my low knowledge on this but why is this a bad habit?

Its not

[kenchan]

Oil starvation maybe?

[Rone]

Cool. What about while waiting at a red light, feathering the clutch; you know the light is about to turn green so you let out the clutch almost to the friction point in preparation for the green light.

[kenchan]

Keep it in neutral until you know the light will change. Holding down clutch wears the throwout bearing.

[VaGntlmn]

IMO the only really bad habit with a m/t is to ride the clutch. Don't do it. It may be harder on your neck, but it's better for the clutch (and your wallet). The only exception to this may be while on a hill and you're worried you're going to roll back into the person behind you.

Re: coasting downhill in neutral
I only do it when I'm approching a red light or a corner where I know I'm going to be braking.
I'm not sure I agree with the wasting gas thing, but it's no biggee.

[Armonster]

Originally Posted by kenchan

Keep it in neutral until you know the light will change. Holding down clutch wears the throwout bearing.

file this one under "taking it too far"