When it comes to car transmissions, there are two main types. There is an automatic transmission or a manual transmission. The transmission, which is sometimes called a gearbox, is what channels the power created by the engine to make the wheels turn.
The Manual Transmission
Also known as a stick shift or a standard transmission, the manual requires the driver to literally change the gears. The “stick” is usually mounted on the center console, and it is directly connected to the transmission.
In order for the driver to be able to change the transmission gears, he or she must release the clutch pedal. Once the desired gear has been selected, the clutch is engaged once again. The clutch disc is released and engaged using the third pedal that is found next to the brake in a standard transmission vehicle. Learning how to drive a manual car comes with a bit of a learning curve, but it is not too difficult once you understand the mechanics.
The Automatic Transmission
Unlike driving manual, the automatic transmission requires less work on the part of the driver. The automatic transmission changes the gears on its own, without input from the driver. Automatic transmissions used to be a luxury upgrade, but now it is much rarer to find a driver that knows how to drive a stick shift car.
The automatic transmission used hydraulic or electronic monitors which track the position of the throttle, the speed of travel, and the engine’s RPMs to establish when the gears need to be changed. When driving a manual, the operator has three pedals, but when driving automatic, there are only two.
There are pros and cons to both types of engines, and the majority of the time, the choice comes down to personal preference. However, if you are interested in learning how to drive a manual car, these tips are for you.
9 Steps on How to Drive a Stick Shift Car [For Beginners]
Even if your car has an automatic transmission, learning how to drive a stick shift car is important because it means you will be able to drive any type of vehicle. You will never be stuck in an emergency situation just because the only available vehicle is a manual.
The Pedals
In a car with a manual transmission, there will be three pedals. The first pedal on your left is the clutch, and it is what you will use to change gears. The middle pedal is the brake, and the rightmost pedal is the accelerator. When you press the clutch pedal, you are disengaging the assembly and your car is basically in neutral.
The Gear Shifter
The gear shifter is likely in the center console of your car and is in a vertical position. Some sports cars may have a gear shift in the paddle position next to the steering wheel, however. Take a look at the arrangement of the gears, different car manufacturers may put the gears in slightly different places. The reverse is most often the one that moves as it is sometimes before first gear and sometimes after the last gear.
Starting the Car
Now that you are familiar with the clutch pedal and the layout of your gears, you can start the engine. To do so, you will need to press the clutch pedal all the way to the floor with your left foot, put the gear shifter in a neutral position by taking it out of gear, and press the brake pedal with your right foot. Once the car has started, you can release the emergency brake.
First Gear
When learning how to drive a stick shift car, first gear is always the hardest step. Once you get the car moving, it is easier to change gears, but starting in first can be a bit tricky. With the clutch still pressed to the floor, you will put the gear shift in the first position, as shown on the handle.
Release the Brake
Once the gear shifter is securely in first, you will want to start easing your foot off of the brake pedal. Do this at a slow and steady pace and avoid removing your foot suddenly. When you first start learning to drive a stick shift, it is a good idea to begin on flat ground. This ensures that your car will not start rolling once you release the brake pedal.
Clutch and Accelerator
Now that you have removed your right foot from the brake pedal, you can begin putting the car in motion. This next step is the hardest to learn, and it will be slightly different in each manual car that you drive. You will need to simultaneously release the clutch while pressing on the accelerator. It should be done delicately, to avoid burning out the clutch. Each car will have a particular spot in the release of the clutch pedal where it “catches” or engages. Remember first gear is only designed for very slow speeds, so you do not want to slam on the accelerator and rev the engine too high.
The Stall
When you are first learning to drive a manual vehicle, it is likely that you will stall the engine more than once. This happens when you are not giving it enough gas or throttle. When it happens, you will need to put your right foot back on the brake, push the clutch to the floor, and restart the engine. Don’t let a stall discourage you, even the most experienced stick shift driver will stall the car on occasion.
Change Gears
Once you get the car moving in first gear, you won’t be able to gain too much speed before the car is ready to move up to second gear. Remember each car will be geared slightly differently, but a good rule of thumb for changing gears is that first gear is for speeds up to 10 mph, second gear is for speeds up to 15 mph, third gear is for speeds up to 35 mph, fourth gear is for speeds up to 55 mph, fifth gear is for speeds up to 65 mph, and sixth gear is for speeds above 65 mph.
Upshifting and Downshifting
Anytime you move into a gear that is higher than the one you are currently in it is called upshifting. Likewise, anytime you move into a gear that is lower than the one you are in currently you are downshifting. While paying attention to your speed can help you choose when to upshift or downshift, it will eventually become the sound of the engine that clues you in as to what gear you should be driving. The engine makes very specific sounds when it needs to be in a different gear, and it will soon become second nature to recognize those sounds and shift gears. You may even begin to do it subconsciously!
Parking and Hill Starts
There are few things to remember when driving a manual transmission. The first important thing to know is that there is no “park” gear like there is in an automatic vehicle. You will need to engage the parking brake or emergency brake to ensure that the car doesn’t roll. Also, you want to leave the car in gear instead of the neutral position.
The second important factor to remember is that starting a car on a hill will be more difficult than starting on flat ground. When you initially take your foot off of the brake pedal, the car will begin to roll down the hill unless your vehicle is equipped with a hill start mechanism that momentarily prevents it. You also need to keep in mind that you will need more acceleration to start on a hill than you would on flat ground to get the engine to engage.
Many drivers never want to go back to an automatic once they learn how to drive a stick shift car. Driving stick can give you more control over the vehicle, give you better gas mileage, and it is often thought to be more fun. Whether you have an automatic or a manual, you will always need to have the vehicle properly insured. Freedom National may not be able to help you decide between the two transmission styles, but we can insure whichever one you happen to choose.
