Hi

I was wondering when you are driving let's say 4th gear going 40mph with you right foot pushing on gas... and you want to up shift to 5th gear... can I press down the clutch while my right foot is still pushing the gas pedal? Or am I supposed to let go of the gas pedal before pressing down on the clutch to change gear from 4th to 5th.

 

Yes, let go of the gas pedal when you shift, then slam that foot back down and get motoring!

 

Okay so going from 1st to 2nd gear... i kno that you have to let go of the clutch slowly as you push down the gas in order to have a smooth transition... but when i'm at a higher gear say going from 4th to 5th, you are saying I can just let go of the clutch very fast and slam on the gas?

so clutching/gasing is different for 4th to 5th than 1st to 2nd?

 

Well, from any lower gear to any higher gear, you can operate the clutch independent of the gas. You do not have to "let go of the clutch slowly as you push down the gas" to keep it smooth.

At any rate, clutching/gassing procedure can vary greatly depending on your current gear, speed, and current driving style/mood.

A good thing to do is to ride with someone who is experienced and watch how they do it. Just remember not to ride the clutch at all - the pedal should only be depressed for a maximum of 15 seconds. Also, let the car wind down in whatever gear you're in up to a stop light, then go to neutral. This way, it won't use any gas while decelerating.

 

Sir, I recommend this site.

www.standardshift.com

Tell em' Pinky sent you, and have fun.

 

 

I'd much rather downshift!

 

Not technically true. Most modern ECUs will cut fuel to the engine while coasting, plus if you need to evade, you then have to shift back.

 

Going to neutral to stop is a easier way to do it, and should be done when your a beginner. When you get better, you can practice heel toe downshifting to a stop. It's pretty easy if you practice. I learned how to drive manual, left foot braking, heal toe downshifting, double clutch (although no necessary) all in one year. A lot of youtube videos helped a lot also.

This video helped a lot with my upshifting...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Upt0cxOUHE

please view all his other videos. their all VERY helpful.

 

I like this guy too, plus, you can relate to what he's driving.

http://www.youtube.com/user/s0ggyrice

 

As do I, but it is not always necessary. In heavy traffic, for instance.

Well, in neutral, the engine uses some gas to keep it running.

If you hold the clutch in while at a light, you are putting excessive wear on the throwout bearing, not to mention the crank shaft bearings.

 

That guy is actually in the forums.

 

Well yeah, shift to neutral at a light. But if you are coming to a light, just coast in gear, and when you come to a stop, clutch in and throw it in neutral.