Monday, December 23, 2013


How to Drive Manual

Edited by Ben Rubenstein, Krystle, Sondra C, Nick and 94 others
Have you ever wanted to learn at least the basics of how to drive a manual transmission? Luckily, the basic concepts of starting to move a manual transmission car and shifting through the gears is a process anyone can learn. This guide will help you out so that when you do get in a manual car, you won't look too bad....

Edit Steps

  1. 1
    Try to get on level ground. Put your seatbelt on once you get in. While learning, it's better to roll down the windows. This helps to better hear the engine sound and adjust the gear changes accordingly.
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  2. 2
    Identify the pedals. In a manual car, there are three.
    • The one on the far left is the clutch , the middle one is the brake, and then the gas/accelerator is on the far right (CBA). This layout is the same for both left hand drive and right hand drive vehicles.
  3. 3
    Learn what the clutch does:
    • The clutch disengages the spinning engine from the spinning wheels and allows you to switch gears without grinding the teeth of each separate gear.
    • Before you switch gears (moving up or down), the clutch must be depressed.
  4. 4
    Adjust the seat position forward enough to allow you to press the clutch pedal (the left pedal, next to the brake pedal) fully to the floor with your left foot.
  5. 5
    Press the clutch pedal and hold it to the floor. This would also be a good time to take note of how the travel of the clutch pedal differs from that of the brake and gas, and it is a good idea to get used to slowly and steadily releasing the clutch pedal.
  6. 6
    Move the gear shift knob to neutral. This is the middle position that feels free when moved from side to side. The vehicle is considered out of gear when:
    • the gear shift is in the neutral position, or
    • the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
  7. 7
    Start the engine with the key, making sure to keep the clutch pedal held to the floor.
  8. 8
    Once the engine is started, you can remove your foot from the clutch pedal (as long as it is in neutral).
  9. 9
    Press the clutch to the floor again and move the gear shift knob to first gear. It should be the upper left position, and there should be some kind of visual layout of the gear pattern on top of the gear shift knob.
  10. 10
    Slowly lift your foot up from the clutch pedal until you hear the engine speed begin to drop, then push it back in. Repeat this several times until you can instantly recognize the sound. This is the friction point.
  11. 11
    In order to get moving, lift your foot up from the clutch pedal until the RPMs (revs) drop slightly and apply light pressure to the accelerator (GAS). Balance the light downward pressure on the accelerator with slowly releasing pressure on the clutch pedal. You will probably have to do this several times to find the right combination of pressure up and down. Another way of doing it is to release the clutch until the moment during which the engine revs down a little and then applying pressure on the accelerator (TO FIND THE BITING POINT). At this point the car will start to move. It is best to have the engine rev just enough to prevent stalling as the clutch pedal is let up. This process may be a little difficult at first because you are new to the 3 pedals in manual. Always be ready to pull the hand brake to stop in emergency till you have learned.
    • If you release the clutch too quickly the car will stall. If the engine sounds like it is going to stall, then hold the clutch where it is or even push it further in slightly. Excessive engine speed while the clutch is between fully up and fully depressed will wear out the clutch parts prematurely resulting in slippage or smoking of the clutch parts at the transmission.
  12. 12
    When driving, when your RPM reaches about 2500 to 3000, it is time to shift into second gear. Remember though that it depends fully on the car you are driving what RPM the tachometer will reach before you must change gear. Your engine will begin to race and speed up, and you must learn to recognize this noise. Apply pressure downward on the clutch pedal and guide the gear shift knob straight down from 1st gear into the bottom left position.
    • Some cars have a "Shift Light" or indications on the speedometer that will tell you when you need to shift so you don't rev the engine too fast.
  13. 13
    Push down on the gas very slightly and slowly release the clutch pedal.
  14. 14
    Once in gear and on the gas you should completely remove your foot from the clutch pedal. Resting your foot on the clutch pedal is a bad habit, and applies pressure to the clutch mechanism — the increased pressure could allow the clutch to wear prematurely.
  15. 15
    When you have to stop, release right foot off accelerator to the brake pedal and press down as much as required and as you slow to about 10 mph you will feel the car about to start shaking and vibrating. Press the clutch pedal fully down and move the gear shift to neutral to prevent stalling.
  16. 16
    Once you have mastered it, driving a manual is fun. You now can rev the engine in any gear for a sportier feel or for a greener pace choose to shift gears at lower rpms.
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Edit Tips

  • Learn to recognize the sounds of your engine; you should eventually be able to tell when to change gears without relying on the tachometer.
  • Make sure you push the clutch all the way in before shifting to the next gear.
  • If your car seems like it is going to stall, or the engine is sputtering, then push in the clutch again, wait for the engine to return to idle, and repeat the steps to starting off.
  • If you are having difficulty starting the car from a stop, make sure that you are slowly letting off the clutch. Pause at the friction point (the part where the engine starts to move the car) and continue slowly pulling the clutch out.
  • You may want to apply first gear when the car is parked, in addition to the parking brake.
  • During sub freezing temperatures, it is not advisable to leave a car for a long time with a handbrake (parking brake) pulled on. Moisture will freeze, making the release of the parking brake iffy.
  • If you know ahead of time that you will be parking on a sharp incline, carry a brick or rock in your car to be placed behind your wheel (carefully). It is not a bad idea to do this all the time; parking brakes, like all parts of the car, become worn with age and may not be able to keep your vehicle in place if a hill is too steep.
  • Two other descriptions mean the same thing as "manual transmission"--"stick shift" and "standard."
  • If there is no gear position posted on the shifter, make sure to ask someone who is familiar with the vehicle how the gears are arranged. The last thing you want is to back into something (or someone) when you think you've shifted into first gear.
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Edit Warnings

  • Keep an eye on the tachometer until you are comfortable with a manual. A manual transmission requires much more responsibility than an automatic. Over rev the engine, and severe damage to the engine may result.
  • It is strongly recommended to stop completely before going from reverse to another gear. However it is possible on most manual transmissions to shift into first or possibly second when the car is moving backwards at a slow speed, but this is not recommended as this can cause excessive wear on the clutch.
  • When you stalled the engine many times and try to start it back again, give the starter and the battery a break of 5 to 10 minutes to avoid overheating and damage to the starter and discharging the battery completely.
  • Try to watch if you are on a hill or a steep area. You can roll back and hit the person or object behind you if you are not holding in the brake and clutch.
  • Stop completely before shifting into reverse no matter which direction the car is rolling. Shifting into reverse while the car is in motion will damage most manual transmissions.

Article Info

Categories: Driving Basics
Recent edits by: Chris, Dr Johnson, Rock20000
In other languages:
Español: Cómo manejar manual, Português: Como Dirigir um Carro Manual, Français: Comment conduire une voiture manuelle, Deutsch: Mit Handschaltung fahren, Русский: ездить с механической коробкой передач, Italiano: Come Guidare un'Auto con Cambio Manuale
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Edited by Nadon, Sondra C, KnowItSome, Flickety and 61 others
Driving is one of the most useful skills in the world. But before you begin to drive, remember that driving is a privilege, not a right, and that you should learn how to be a responsible driver before you put your keys in the ignition. All of the rules and regulations of driving can feel overwhelming, but if you take them one step at a time, you'll be a pro on the road in no time. Read on to find out how to drive.

EditPart 1 of 5: Getting Started

  1. 1
    Learn the driving rules for your location. Before you get a permit, it's important to be aware of the rules of driving and the basic safety precautions you should take as a responsible driver. It's much more advisable to learn the rules before you get behind the wheel so you don't wing it and make mistakes as you go along. Here's how:
    • Read the driver's handbook provided by the DMV or your local department that regulates driving and automobiles. If you do not learn the rules, you won't be able to get your permit.
    • Some basic rules and common sense safety precautions that everyone should know include: stopping for pedestrians, obeying traffic signs, staying within the speed limit, and wearing your seatbelt.
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  2. 2
    Get your permit. Your permit will allow you to drive with adult supervision and a curfew. Learn your state's laws to see what age you need to be to apply for a permit (typically between the ages of 14 and 18) and what you need to do to get it. [1] Here are some general guidelines:
    • If you're a minor, you'll need the signature of your parent or guardian.
    • You'll have to pass a written test about driving rules and regulation.
    • Some jurisdictions will require a certain number of hours of “behind-the-wheel” driver’s education in order to get your license.
    • If you are still in school, most will have classes in driver's education.
  3. 3
    Practice driving. Once you have your permit, you need to hone your driving skills. Before you take your car on the highway, you need to practice getting comfortable behind the wheel. Take it one day at a time and be patient. Nobody's a perfect driver at first. Here are some tips:
    • Practice with an adult that you trust. Drive with a responsible driver over the age of 21 who can guide you and give you advice without getting frustrated.
    • Practice in an isolated and safe location, such as an empty parking lot on the weekends. This will help you understand the way your car accelerates, how your brakes work, and how to generally maneuver your car. Each car is different and it's important to get a feel for what makes your car unique.

EditPart 2 of 5: Preparing to Drive Safely

  1. 1
    Make the proper adjustments. Before you start driving, it's important to adjust your mirrors and seat so that you are ready for the road. Doing this before you drive instead of while you're driving will ensure that you're being safe and focused. Here's what to do:
    • Check your rearview and side mirrors and make any necessary adjustments. Make sure you have a good view of the cars on either side and behind you. Do not adjust your mirrors while driving---this can be far too distracting.
  2. 2
    Make sure you and your car are ready to go. Before you put your hands on the wheel, it's important that your body and car are ready to venture out onto the roads. Here's what you should do:
    • Fasten your seatbelt. Depending on where you live, there is most likely a law that requires you wear a seatbelt. Not only will you get cited for breaking this rule, but your chances of injury and fatality during a collision also increase exponentially.
    • Check your dashboard. Make sure your car is ready to drive and that there are no alarming lights that signal that your car needs to be taken to the shop.
    • Adjust your seat, making sure you can comfortably reach the pedals and see the road.
  3. 3
    Minimize distractions. To be safe, you should minimize any distractions before you put your foot to the pedal. Eliminate any obstacles that will keep you from focusing on the road. Here are some tips:
    • Put away your cell phone. Don't get behind the wheel if you're in the middle of an intense texting session with your best friend. Finish the conversation by saying you're going to drive and will talk later. You can even turn off your phone if you're prone to distractions.
    • Turn down your music. Put on something soothing and relaxing to get you focused.
    • If you need to brush your hair or put on makeup, do not do this while driving--get everything you need to do done before you put the keys in the ignition.

EditPart 3 of 5: Driving an Automatic Car

  1. 1
    Start your car. To start your car, you have to follow a few easy steps in the right order. Here's what you do:
    • Release your emergency brake.
    • Put your foot on the brake.
    • Put your key in the engine and turn it. You should hear it turning on.
  2. 2
    Place your car into gear. Since you are learning on an automatic, this will either be (D) Drive or (R) Reverse, depending on how you are parked.
    • If you're driving forward, you should put your car in Drive.
    • If you're driving backward, in order to back out of a driveway or a parking spot, your car should be in Reverse.
    • If reversing, first check your rearview mirror and then place your hand on the passenger seat as you turn your head to the right to look behind you.
  3. 3
    Take your foot off the brake and feel the car move. Congratulations--you are driving a car!
    • Slowly apply your foot to the gas to accelerate.
  4. 4
    Accelerate your car. You should accelerate your car to reach the speed limit in your neighborhood. If you're on the highway, you should be aware of the speed limit but go with the flow of traffic.
    • If all the cars around you are going much slower than the speed limit due to traffic, drive accordingly to avoid crashing into them.
    • If all of the cars around you are driving much faster than the speed limit, you don't have to break the law, but you can accelerate a bit so you don't slow the flow down too much.
    • Remember that driving too slow can be just as dangerous as driving too fast.
    • Accelerate your car calmly. Don't push your foot too hard on the gas or you may go much faster than you intended. Know that each car has its own acceleration rate.
  5. 5
    Steer your car properly. Proper steering techniques will make your driving experience smoother and will help you avoid collisions. Steering your car the right way can help you turn and position in your car in the most convenient way. Here are some tips for good steering:
    • Make sure to have both hands on the wheel.
    • Place your hands at either 8 or 4 o’clock, or slightly higher at 9 and 3 o’clock, depending on your preference. At this position, you can safely maneuver the wheel and are prevented from making any sharp turns.
    • When making a turn, pull down on the side of the wheel you wish to turn towards and push up with opposite hand. This is called “pull-push” steering.
    • To make sharper turns at lower speeds, use hand-over-hand turning. To do this, perform a push-pull turn but bring your pull hand over your push hand in order to continue moving the wheel in the desired direction.[2]
  6. 6
    Understand your brakes. You should know how long it takes for your car to reach a full and complete stop when traveling at various speeds.
    • Always drive at least a car length behind the car in front of you. If you have to make a fast stop, you do not want to crash into the front car.
    • When traveling at a faster speed, you will need even more than one car length in order to come safely to a stop, so understand and observe the two-second rule, which states that you should be at least two seconds behind any car directly in front of you to keep a safe following distance. Take weather and road conditions into account.
    • Try not to stop suddenly unless it’s an emergency. Sudden stops can lead to vehicles behind you plowing into your rear.
  7. 7
    Signal appropriately. Remember that the person in the car behind you cannot read your mind. They don't know which direction you are going to move unless you signal.You should signal in the following situations[3]:
    • As you approach the last 100 feet before your turning point (left or right turn).
    • Before you change lanes, be sure that you signal at least 5 seconds prior.
    • Before pulling into or out from a curbside parking spot.
    • When changing directions.
  8. 8
    Use your lights. Your car lights can help you see more clearly and avoid danger. You should use them when it's dark, raining, or foggy.
    • A general rule of thumb is if you have to ask yourself, "Should my lights be on right now?" then the answer is always yes.
    • Check the other cars on the road. If most of them turn their lights on, flick yours on too.
    • Remember that some cars have lights that automatically turn on and off under certain conditions. If you don't have one of these types of cars, make sure to turn your lights off when you park your car, or you may drain your battery.
  9. 9
    Use your wipers. Learn how your windshield wipers work before the first drop of rain falls. You can adjust them to move back and forth at different speeds depending on how hard the rain is falling.
    • You can also use your wipers to squirt fluid on your windshield to wipe off any dirt or stains.
    • Do not drive if your wipers are broken. Driving in a storm without wipers is incredibly dangerous.
  10. 10
    Change lanes like a pro. Follow the rules for properly and safely changing lanes. A useful mnemonic device to follow is S.M.O.G.[4]
    • S: SIGNAL to let the cars around you know that where you intend to change lanes.
    • M: Check your MIRROR to see that it is clear.
    • O: Check OVER-THE-SHOULDER to again make sure that it is safe to proceed.
    • G: GO.
  11. 11
    Park your car correctly. After you've reached your destination, you'll need to turn off your engine and park your car safely. Here's how to finish driving:
    • Find a good parking spot, and stop your car by putting your foot on the brake.
    • Shift gears into "Park."
    • Turn off your engine.
    • Pull up your parking brake.
    • If your lights are on, turn them off.
    • Lock your car to prevent theft.
    • Get out of the car and make sure it fits in its spot.

EditPart 4 of 5: Learning on a Manual Car

  1. 1
    Remember that many basic rules of driving apply to both automatic and manual cars. Though the differences between the cars will be discussed, there are many basic rules that still apply to both types of cars. They are:
    • The steps you should take to prepare for driving, such as adjusting your mirrors and avoiding distractions.
    • The rules of signaling appropriately.
    • The rules of changing lanes.
    • Using your lights and wipers when needed.
    • The placement of your hands on the wheel.
  2. 2
    Learn the controls. Most people will agree that the manual car is trickier to drive than the automatic because of the extra steps that need to be taken to drive successfully. However, many people also say that driving a manual car can be more fun and rewarding, because you'll be more involved in the driving process. If you have a manual car, you should recognize and use two extra controls. They are:
    • The clutch: The clutch controls the connection between the engine and transmission. Pushing on the clutch pedal disengages the clutch and disconnects the engine from the transmission. Releasing will engage the clutch and connect them. When disengaging the clutch you effectively place the car in neutral regardless of whether it is in gear or not. Engaging the clutch will place the car into whichever gear is currently selected.
    • The shifter: Shifting gears is done by moving a stick called either the gear stick, shift stick, gearshift, gear lever, gear selector, or shifter. Gear numbers and shift patterns will vary by model but the “default” position is “N” neutral, followed by gears that range from 1 to 5 or 1 to 6, and then “R” reverse.
  3. 3
    Start the car. Starting your manual car is a bit trickier than starting an automatic car. It will also take more practice. When you're starting out, make sure you're in an isolated location to prevent any mishaps. Here's how to do it:
    • Begin by stepping on the clutch. Most manual cars will not start unless the clutch is disengaged.
    • Once you have started the car, place your foot on the brake and release the emergency brake.
    • If moving forward, place the car into 1st gear. If reversing, place the car into reverse ("R").
    • As you slowly release the clutch, slowly apply pressure onto the gas pedal.
    • You will hear the engine revving up and then feel and hear the clutch “catch.” If the car moves forward without the engine stalling, then great work! You have successfully started the car and are traveling in 1st gear.
  4. 4
    Switch your gears to match your speed. Shift gears just as you would from Neutral to 1st gear in order to move into the higher gears. Before you start switching gears, remember these points:
    • You must shift gears in this order. Disengage the clutch by pressing on the clutch pedal. Shift gears using the shifter. Re-engage the clutch by slowly taking pressure off the clutch pedal while stepping on the gas.
    • Think of the clutch pedal and gas pedal as being proportionate to the other in pressure. They should act in concert together in the same way that a seesaw behaves. When one goes up, the other goes down.
    • Gradually applying gas while engaging the clutch will make shifting gears smoother. It will take time, but once you master the feeling of the clutch and gas, it will become second nature.
  5. 5
    Move into higher gears for higher speed. Each car will have its own speed range for each gear. Some will tell you to only switch gears after reaching a certain RPM.
    • Listen to your car and switch when you think the engine needs to make the change.
  6. 6
    Brake appropriately. Press on the clutch pedal and move into Neutral when braking. Moving the car into Neutral will ensure that the engine is no longer moving the transmission and prevents you from stalling as you decelerate with the brake.
    • You can potentially save gas and improve the life of your brakes by downshifting to decelerate. This takes practice however, so begin by just using your brakes.
  7. 7
    Park your car. Once you've found the right place to park your car, it's important to follow a few key rules to park your manual car properly. Here's what you should do:
    • Leave your car in gear, not Neutral. It'll typically be in either reverse or first gear. If you leave it in Neutral, it won't stay put.
    • Take your keys out of the ignition.

EditPart 5 of 5: Getting Your License

  1. 1
    Take the appropriate steps to receive a license. Once you've gotten your permit, have mastered either the automatic or manual car, and have driven on the road for the requisite amount of time (six months in some states), then you are ready to get your driver's license! The driver's license will allow you to drive alone, at any hour, and with more than one other person in the car. To get the license, there are a few things you may have to do, depending on your state:
    • Pass a written test.
    • Pass a short driving test, which will test you on basic driving skills which include how to parallel park and make K-turns.
    • Pass a vision test.
    • Check out your state's DMV requirements to see exactly how old you have to be and what you have to do to get a license.
  2. 2
    Remember that driving is a responsibility. Once you've done everything you need to do to get your license, you should remember to be a cautious, safe, or responsible driver. If you don't drive by the rules, your driving privileges will be revoked and you may get in trouble with the law. Here are some things to keep in mind once you're a licensed driver:
    • Always put safety first. Safety should be your priority over fun. Don't do anything that compromises your safety like cram seven people in your car, drive without a seatbelt, or be a generally distracted driver.
    • Your driving skills could always be improved. Make notes of things you want to work on, from making smooth turns to signaling ahead of time, and work to address your driving flaws.
    • Keep your passengers safe. Make sure your passengers are behaving appropriately before you start the car. If they are hanging out of windows, not wearing seatbelts, or not respecting the roads, don't start the car.
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Edit Tips

  • Watch others while they drive and ask questions. While there is no substitute for firsthand practice, this can be a good opportunity to review rules and techniques.
  • When other drivers behind you are speeding aggressively or driving erratically and you can do so, let them pass.
  • When you approach a yellow light, stop if you can do so safely. If you're about to sail through it, stopping abruptly will be more dangerous than driving ahead.
  • Anticipate the behavior of others that you see ahead of you, people exiting a car on the driver's side, bicyclists, children playing in the street or nearby, and be prepared to stop.
  • When backing out of a parking space in a parking lot or driveway, look out for small children and animals, particularly children and pets behind you who may not be visible from the driver's viewpoint, and children riding tricycles or skateboards. When backing out of a parking space or before making a turn at an intersection, look both ways for pedestrians.
  • When the driver's view is obstructed by a larger vehicle, a truck or van near an intersection or parked near a corner, proceed with care before making a left turn or when crossing an intersection.
  • When driving through an intersection, never assume that a car travelling on the cross street will stop. Stop signs may be obscured by trees or other factors, or the driver may not be paying attention. Proceed with caution and be prepared to stop.
  • Watch out for bicyclists on your right side (USA), particularly when making a right turn or when moving toward the curb. If possible, make room for bicyclists on narrow streets.
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Edit Warnings

  • Do not operate a vehicle while under the influence of any substance.
  • Do not operate a vehicle if you are feeling tired. Pull over and take a nap if you must.
  • Do not talk on the phone (although it may be acceptable for you if you have a wireless headpiece) or send text messages while you're driving. It is absolutely dangerous and can have lethal consequences.

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Edit Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.dmvusa.com/index.php?pageid=5
  2. ↑ http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/signaling.htm#steering
  3. ↑ http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/signaling.htm#signals
  4. ↑ http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/signaling.htm#signals

Article Info

Featured Article
Categories: Featured Articles | Driving Basics
Recent edits by: Mark Potter, Colecrane, Arnold McMunn
In other languages:
Português: Como Dirigir, Español: Cómo manejar, Deutsch: Auto fahren, Français: Comment conduire
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Edited by Rob S, Sondra C, Versageek, Jonathan E. and 19 others
Part of safe driving is letting the other drivers around you predict what you will do. Using your turn signals is not difficult, and it's generally required by law whenever you make a turn or change lanes. Providing a signal to turn to other drivers, both in front of you and behind you, is to communicate to them, your intentions to change lane or directions. Communications is an effective tool to help prevent most accidents from happening.
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Edit Steps

  1. 1
    Locate the lever on the left side of the steering column. (This lever will be on the right in any car designed for driving on the left side of the road. Note that vehicles imported from a location where driving is on the opposite side of the road and where they have had their driving position moved to the normal position, the lever may be positioned on the opposite side!)
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  2. 2
    To signal a left turn, push the lever down (or up if the lever is to the right of your steering column).
    • You may be able to flick the lever with your fingers without removing your entire hand from the steering wheel. But don't turn the wheel in the process. It's best to keep your other hand on it, too.
  3. 3
    To signal a right turn, push the lever up (or down if the lever is to the right of your steering column).
  4. 4
    Once you have moved the lever up or down, an arrow light will begin blinking on the dashboard.
  5. 5
    The signal will automatically turn off after you have made the turn, in most cases, but you must turn the wheel past a certain point. If it doesn't automatically turn off, move the lever back to its central, neutral position.
    • Many turn signal levers activate the signal in two positions for each direction. You can either push the lever far enough that it clicks, and it will stay on, or you can hold the lever just short of the click position and it will spring back. The springing back position is useful for changing lanes, since you may not turn the steering wheel far enough for the turn signal to turn off automatically.
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Edit Tips

  • You should also use your turn signals when you are changing lanes, to alert other drivers appropriately. and keep them in use until you have completely made the lane changes. This includes when entering a traffic lane from a parking area, such as being parallel parked in a parking area.
  • Use a turn signal every time. It's as easy as flipping a lever to to be courteous to other drivers and to pedestrians who might otherwise be where you're turning. If you don't see any, it might be because they're not there, but it might be that you don't see them and your turn signal needs to alert them to you and prevent an accident. Though you should always drive carefully, it's much better to be two problems away from an accident (not noticing someone in your way and them not noticing you signaling) than one (not noticing and crashing into them). Make signaling a habit, so you'll be less likely to forget it under stress.
  • Turn on the signal before braking to let other drivers know why you are slowing.
  • Use your turn signal a few seconds ahead of the turn you want to make. Approximately 100 feet ahead in a city; further on a highway.
  • The best way to remember which way to move the turn signal is to move in the same direction that you are turning your steering wheel. If you leave your hand on the steering wheel and turn left, you will ultimately push downward on the turn signal, thereby signaling left.
  • Remember: your turn signal is to warn drivers that you don't see (i.e. blind spot) what you are going to do.
  • Signal, then look and turn. You'll give others more time to notice. Someone may even make way for you.
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Edit Warnings

  • Be careful if you want to turn where there are two turnings near each other on the same side of the road. Start signaling when you are at approximately the midpoint of the turning before if you are turning into the farthest one.
  • When signaling, make sure at least one hand is on the wheel at all times. Also look where you are going and do not turn unless it is safe to do so.
  • Some cars don't have levers on the left side. If when you push the lever on the left side, your windscreen wipers come on, then try the right lever.

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Article Info

Categories: Driving Basics
Recent edits by: Jeff, Fluffysheep, AwesomeAnnie
In other languages:
Español: Cómo usar las direccionales, Português: Como Utilizar as Setas de Direção, Italiano: Come Usare gli Indicatori di Direzione in Auto
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Edited by Martyn P, Teresa, Leona, Mop and Bucket and 3 others
So you bought a car with an auto-stick (manually-controllable automatic transmission) function, and you're wondering how to use it. Well, pay attention.

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Edit Steps

  1. 1
    Get into your car and adjust mirrors and seats.
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  2. 2
    Start the car and find a nice long empty stretch of road for trying this out.
  3. 3
    Put the car into first gear (or the sport/auto-stick gear).
  4. 4
    Step on the gas and reach desired RPM (~3500 or so for general use; higher, toward but not past the red line for high performance in appropriate conditions, not when learning) before shifting.
  5. 5
    Shift up either hitting the shifter to the right, or hitting it up (depends on the vehicle).
  6. 6
    Shift down when you are decelerating and get to low RPM, ~1500 or so, by tapping the shifter in the other direction. (An auto stick transmission normally does not need to be put in neutral, just first, when stopped.)
  7. 7
    Many cars will shift on their own rather than go to a too-high RPM and break something or go to a too-low RPM and stall, but unless you have confirmed that yours will, watch (and when you're accustomed, listen for) the RPM and shift accordingly.
  8. 8
    When you are comfortable with the system, you could race with it in an appropriate time and place. One user has suggested as a racing technique "Stand on the brake and floor the accelerator until you reach ~ 5000 RPM. Release brake!" which might be similar to "dropping the clutch" in a manual car. Such techniques are very hard on the car.
  9. 9
    An auto shift transmission is nice for driving in mountains because it is so easy to downshift for engine braking.
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Edit Tips

  • most of the time you're going to want to shift at 3000 RPM to avoid stress on the cars transmission
  • since transmission shifts are more noticeable you can usually just listen to the car and when it reaches the peak RPM you'll be able to hear, that's the best time to shift.
  • Don't be afraid to ask somebody about how to use this feature on your car.
  • No two cars drive the same, each car has it's own optimal RPM get a feel for it before you start stomping the gas.
  • for an ideal shift you're going to want 4000 RPM or even higher if you're racing
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Edit Warnings

  • Failure to shift on time could cause major damage to your cars transmission so be careful
  • always keep in mind that sometimes you will exceed the speed limit posted on the road so keep in mind that there may be police/children,pets,or weather conditions always be careful when operating a motor vehicle
  • your car will be traveling at high speeds so take all precautions when using this function

Article Info

Categories: Driving Techniques
Recent edits by: Starkirby64, Tipsy, Mop and Bucket
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