How To Drive A Manual Car – A Quick And Easy Guide With Pictures

Although manual gearboxes are common, automatic gearboxes are becoming more popular – and the art of driving a stick shift may be on its way out. If you want to learn how to drive a manual car, just follow our simple instructions.

How To Drive A Manual Car – Things You Should Know

Manual cars typically have three pedals: clutch, brake, and accelerator (in that order, from left to right).

The brake and accelerator pedals are straightforward: press the brake to slow down (the harder you press it, the faster you’ll lose speed), while pressing the accelerator raises the engine’s revs and causes you to accelerate (the harder you press it, the faster you’ll accelerate).

The clutch pedal is what makes driving a manual car more difficult than driving an automatic. Without getting too technical, the clutch is basically two metal plates that connect the engine to the drive wheels. By pressing the clutch pedal, you disconnect the engine from the wheels.

Steps On How To Drive A Manual Car

• Get in your car and fasten your seatbelt.
• Insert the ignition key and turn it all the way until the engine starts.
• Put your left foot down on the clutch pedal (this is the pedal on the left).
• Set the gearstick to first gear.
• Use your right foot to gently press down on the accelerator (right pedal) to slightly increase the engine’s revs.
• Lift the clutch pedal slowly with your left foot until it begins to vibrate gently.
• This vibration is known as the “bite point” of the car, and it occurs when the clutch plates begin to come together.
• When you let go of the handbrake, the car should begin to move slowly.
• Increase the revs while gradually removing your foot from the clutch unit

Remember, if you let go of the clutch too quickly or don’t give it enough revs, the car will stall: the engine will cut out and the red lights on the dashboard will illuminate. If you stall, apply the brakes, turn off the engine, reset the gear stick to neutral, and repeat the process.

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