Going from an automatic to using gears?

chickmug

I am doing this in a few days and will be the first time in 13 years. Is it like learning to ride a bike? You never forget???

iolanthe07

chickmug wrote: »

I am doing this in a few days and will be the first time in 13 years. Is it like learning to ride a bike? You never forget???

Yes. I never have any problem switching between manual and auto. It does come naturally.

Hintza

You will probably stall it a few times until you get the feel of the clutch, then you should be OK. So try and start somewhere with out an audience...:)

Herr_Schmitt

And when you hear the engine screaming its guts out - change gear!!

vikingaero

Herr_Schmitt wrote: »

And when you hear the engine screaming its guts out - change gear!!

:rotfl:

I have a Canadian friend who lives in the UK and has only ever driven autos. He went on a Company junket to Donington Park for a trackday and spent the whole time driving a manual car around in 2nd gear.

All my cars are autos but I can drive manuals. I do occasionally have numpty moments - like approaching the Dartford Tolls and forgetting to dip the clutch.:D

chickmug

Herr_Schmitt wrote: »

And when you hear the engine screaming its guts out - change gear!!

Good tip but what if I am deaf.
Still I may feel the vibration.:j

goldspanners

chickmug wrote: »

Good tip but what if I am deaf.
Still I may feel the vibration.:j

or just look at the rev counter.

hewhoisnotintheknow

if you cant work it out, you should retire from driving

chickmug

hewhoisnotintheknow wrote: »

if you cant work it out, you should retire from driving

Euro Lottery win may pay for a chauffer but until then my new bus pass may get used more:j

big_gay_kirk

silly question.. but did you pass your test in an auto?? if so, check with the DVLA to see if you're actually allowed to drive a manual.....

Mark_Hewitt

The OP did say it was the first time in 13 years.

I find the biggest different between auto and manual is not the gear stick, it's not balancing the clutch, but it's the thought process you have to do through in reading the road and the traffic ahead and working out what gear selection will suit you best. When you have been driving for several years you don't notice this thought process going on. I only became aware of it when driving an auto for the first time and had to change the way I was thinking as much as the way I actually drove the car.