Learning to drive manual
#52
08-22-2012 | 06:54 AM
Neutral
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Rhode Island
My troubles with my MINI's "clutch" were due to the electronic throttle delay as well as when I got it, we were having one of the hottest July's ever, which meant I was running my A/C frequently...which is a HUGE power drain. I never stalled it but I had quite a few rough starts at approximately 1k RPM. The car clearly did not like taking off that low in the rev range.
I learned to drive stick in a 92 Honda Accord. That car had an amazingly smooth transmission. I dare say smoother than the MINI.
My Dad tried to teach me and it really didn't go well. Every time I would miss-shift he would scream about grinding the gears and that I was ruining the transmission and I would get nervous and stall. My uncle saw the ineffectiveness of this and just took me out and kept talking about something totally unrelated and I had it in no time.
I dont know if this is good advice or not but I went wasn't applying enough gas when I started. I was afraid of peeling out or who knows what. I then started to use more gas and got the hang of the friction zone and started to feel more comfortable.
And remember, if the car is coming to a stop; clutch goes in!
WOW! Great story and thanks for sharing!
#53
08-22-2012 | 08:05 AM
#54
08-22-2012 | 06:47 PM
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore, MD
Well we went out for a couple of hours after work tonight (first time since Sunday). We drove around a college campus (UMBC), which was an ideal setting: real streets with next to no traffic. She did pretty well, but was on the verge of stalling at every stop. I'm convinced a lot of her difficulties are with that drive by wire throttle. I hate the way it feels, but am getting used to it. I kept asking her to feed in more throttle, and that thing is somewhat of an on/off switch.
All in all, she did pretty well.
Oh yeah, and I had the windows tinted today. 20% all around. Much improved IMHO.
All in all, she did pretty well.
Oh yeah, and I had the windows tinted today. 20% all around. Much improved IMHO.
#55
08-22-2012 | 06:49 PM
Well we went out for a couple of hours after work tonight (first time since Sunday). We drove around a college campus (UMBC), which was an ideal setting: real streets with next to no traffic. She did pretty well, but was on the verge of stalling at every stop. I'm convinced a lot of her difficulties are with that drive by wire throttle. I hate the way it feels, but am getting used to it. I kept asking her to feed in more throttle, and that thing is somewhat of an on/off switch.
All in all, she did pretty well.
Oh yeah, and I had the windows tinted today. 20% all around. Much improved IMHO.
All in all, she did pretty well.
Oh yeah, and I had the windows tinted today. 20% all around. Much improved IMHO.
#56
08-22-2012 | 08:02 PM
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 586
Likes: 1
From: California
I guarantee that I have everybody beat.
My MA taught me how to drive manual in about an hour the day I bought my MINI. After signing the papers and handing over $34k cash, I hesitantly started my new car in the dealership parking lot to head home. It stalled twice before I got it going. The dealership was about 2hr from home in LA, luckily it was almost all freeway. I left at 6pm, perfect rush hour traffic and had to take the 5 all the way home.
I had no issues until the Los Feliz exit ramp off the 5 into Glendale. There I stalled for 6, yes six, light cycles. Now, it is rush hour so the green light stays green for quite a while to let the many, many people exit the freeway.
I ended up sitting there for just over 20 minutes trying to get my car going. It was mostly nerves at this point messing me up. I was listening to 104.3 on the radio and maybe 15 minutes into this whole ordeal, the traffic report comes on the radio. Among the many backups and accidents reported, I s*** you not, they started talking about a stalled vehicle blocking the Los Feliz exit and the backup went two exits back.
After sitting at that off ramp for, what seemed like hours, I got through the next light but the second light I sat at for 3 light cycles.
So yeah, my inexperience driving a stick made the radio.
Even in LA people typically don't get roadrage over stalling your vehicle. I found that if I stall I just give the people a quick wave through the back window or smile as they pass and they usually smile back. It always helps to laugh at yourself and will totally calm your nerves making it that much easier to actually get moving.
I very, very, very slowly improved my driving. I think it took around 5 months to get good at driving and making the shifts smooth. Like others have said, sport mode definitely helps get going, even more so if you are on a hill. I often went out at night when there weren't many people out driving so I could practice without being worried about blocking traffic or getting T-boned by a semi.
My MA taught me how to drive manual in about an hour the day I bought my MINI. After signing the papers and handing over $34k cash, I hesitantly started my new car in the dealership parking lot to head home. It stalled twice before I got it going. The dealership was about 2hr from home in LA, luckily it was almost all freeway. I left at 6pm, perfect rush hour traffic and had to take the 5 all the way home.
I had no issues until the Los Feliz exit ramp off the 5 into Glendale. There I stalled for 6, yes six, light cycles. Now, it is rush hour so the green light stays green for quite a while to let the many, many people exit the freeway.
I ended up sitting there for just over 20 minutes trying to get my car going. It was mostly nerves at this point messing me up. I was listening to 104.3 on the radio and maybe 15 minutes into this whole ordeal, the traffic report comes on the radio. Among the many backups and accidents reported, I s*** you not, they started talking about a stalled vehicle blocking the Los Feliz exit and the backup went two exits back.
After sitting at that off ramp for, what seemed like hours, I got through the next light but the second light I sat at for 3 light cycles.
So yeah, my inexperience driving a stick made the radio.
Even in LA people typically don't get roadrage over stalling your vehicle. I found that if I stall I just give the people a quick wave through the back window or smile as they pass and they usually smile back. It always helps to laugh at yourself and will totally calm your nerves making it that much easier to actually get moving.
I very, very, very slowly improved my driving. I think it took around 5 months to get good at driving and making the shifts smooth. Like others have said, sport mode definitely helps get going, even more so if you are on a hill. I often went out at night when there weren't many people out driving so I could practice without being worried about blocking traffic or getting T-boned by a semi.
#57
08-22-2012 | 08:34 PM
Absolutely. Luckily my friend who drove me to the dealership was immediately behind me and was cushioning me from some of the anger. The honking actually died down, probably just moving down the line after the people up front realized I wasn't going anywhere soon. lol
submitaweasel made a good point. Giving just a small rev, maybe 1300K, just before starting to let out the clutch definitely helps me get going quicker.
Another weird thing that helped me improve my starts was learing how to peel out.
I used to let the clutch out part way with the gas then hold it steady while I applied more gas until the car started moving. The way I was doing it was definitely putting unnecessary wear on the clutch. I learned how to peel out with a manual transmission by watching youtube videos. Actually trying to peel out helped me learn what I needed to do to let out the clutch and apply gas in the perfect rhythm for a quick start with minimal wear.
submitaweasel made a good point. Giving just a small rev, maybe 1300K, just before starting to let out the clutch definitely helps me get going quicker.
Another weird thing that helped me improve my starts was learing how to peel out.
I used to let the clutch out part way with the gas then hold it steady while I applied more gas until the car started moving. The way I was doing it was definitely putting unnecessary wear on the clutch. I learned how to peel out with a manual transmission by watching youtube videos. Actually trying to peel out helped me learn what I needed to do to let out the clutch and apply gas in the perfect rhythm for a quick start with minimal wear.
#58
08-23-2012 | 05:16 AM
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore,MD
Hey guys! A little update. My fiancé took my out last night to practice with the Mini. He took me to an open college campus where it has stop signs, and an open parking lot. Needless to say, I'm very proud of myself. I've come a long way since sunday where I didn't know half of what I was doing. We even found out some things I need to work on. The one thing I need to work most on is starting from a complete Stop. It was frustrating but I eventually got the hang of it. Marc taught me how to balance the clutch and the gas pedal. Took me a while but I am making progress! I should be ready within a week or so to be alone.
#59
08-23-2012 | 06:04 AM
#60
08-23-2012 | 08:30 AM
#61
08-23-2012 | 09:00 AM
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Occoquan, VA
I learned how to drive stick in my former MINI. I bought it, literally signed and paid for having no idea how to drive it. After I signed the papers I tried in the dealer parking lot and failed. My mom drove it home for me.
I pretty much learned how to drive it in 2 days. My mom taught me how to listen and feel the car to know when to shift. So that night all by myself I drove around our neighborhood. Then I drove it around town a bit. Stalling on a super tough hill but figuring it out. The next day I practiced in an empty parking lot.
For me having no one in the car was better. Less stressful.
She'll get the hang of it even after 7 years I would still occasionally stall but all in all I feel like I got the hang of it. Also I never got into downshifting. Neutral was my bff.
When I traded the car in with almost 130k on it I was still on the original clutch so I must have been doing something right.
I pretty much learned how to drive it in 2 days. My mom taught me how to listen and feel the car to know when to shift. So that night all by myself I drove around our neighborhood. Then I drove it around town a bit. Stalling on a super tough hill but figuring it out. The next day I practiced in an empty parking lot.
For me having no one in the car was better. Less stressful.
She'll get the hang of it even after 7 years I would still occasionally stall but all in all I feel like I got the hang of it. Also I never got into downshifting. Neutral was my bff.
When I traded the car in with almost 130k on it I was still on the original clutch so I must have been doing something right.
#62
08-23-2012 | 04:04 PM
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
submita: Your statement that automatic trans cost more to make is WRONG. Price an after market TCI auto and a TRECmac6 speed maual and you will see thousands of diferance. The cut gears in a manual trans just more to produce that the cluthes and fricton plates in an auto. I still prefer a manual but in the traffic down here the wife would just notgo for it
#63
08-23-2012 | 04:16 PM
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 6
From: Jack Coffee Hays County, Republic of Texas
I got yet another loaner from my MINI dealer today (I'm beginning to think that production reject parts are recycled/used for warranty claims). After having a "Justa" hardtop (which I really liked) and a S Cabriolet (fun, but too many sight-line issues) as loaners, my SA cheerfully told me this time I drew a Clubman S from the loaner pool. He apologized that it was an auto, and said they don't have manual loaners anymore. I replied that was understandable, as manuals are unpopular now.
His response was that it had more to do with people claiming they could drive a manual, but being unable to do so. He then told me about all the burned-out clutches they were experiencing on their low mileage loaners (including one that grenaded on a JCW Coupe).
I have to admit that I've not really minded the autos in my loaners... especially driving in the city with the worst traffic problems in Texas.
His response was that it had more to do with people claiming they could drive a manual, but being unable to do so. He then told me about all the burned-out clutches they were experiencing on their low mileage loaners (including one that grenaded on a JCW Coupe).
I have to admit that I've not really minded the autos in my loaners... especially driving in the city with the worst traffic problems in Texas.
#64
08-23-2012 | 05:19 PM
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 459
Likes: 3
From: Toronto, ON
submita: Your statement that automatic trans cost more to make is WRONG. Price an after market TCI auto and a TRECmac6 speed maual and you will see thousands of diferance. The cut gears in a manual trans just more to produce that the cluthes and fricton plates in an auto. I still prefer a manual but in the traffic down here the wife would just notgo for it
#65
08-23-2012 | 07:52 PM
#66
08-23-2012 | 08:33 PM
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 651
Likes: 8
From: Chicago
Here are two practical suggestions:
1) Get the car rolling straight before making any turns. This is easy to do just be leaving a little of extra room in front of you. This is a good safety practice in any event.
2) Practice taking-off from a dead stop merely by slowly releasing the clutch without adding any gas. With a light touch the car will not stall or buck. Try this in a parking lot first. It does work.
All she needs is more "seat time" and her issues will disappear. Manuals are hugely more fun to drive than automatics once you get past the early learning stages.
1) Get the car rolling straight before making any turns. This is easy to do just be leaving a little of extra room in front of you. This is a good safety practice in any event.
2) Practice taking-off from a dead stop merely by slowly releasing the clutch without adding any gas. With a light touch the car will not stall or buck. Try this in a parking lot first. It does work.
All she needs is more "seat time" and her issues will disappear. Manuals are hugely more fun to drive than automatics once you get past the early learning stages.
#68
08-24-2012 | 02:29 AM
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore,MD
Here are two practical suggestions:
1) Get the car rolling straight before making any turns. This is easy to do just be leaving a little of extra room in front of you. This is a good safety practice in any event.
2) Practice taking-off from a dead stop merely by slowly releasing the clutch without adding any gas. With a light touch the car will not stall or buck. Try this in a parking lot first. It does work.
All she needs is more "seat time" and her issues will disappear. Manuals are hugely more fun to drive than automatics once you get past the early learning stages.
1) Get the car rolling straight before making any turns. This is easy to do just be leaving a little of extra room in front of you. This is a good safety practice in any event.
2) Practice taking-off from a dead stop merely by slowly releasing the clutch without adding any gas. With a light touch the car will not stall or buck. Try this in a parking lot first. It does work.
All she needs is more "seat time" and her issues will disappear. Manuals are hugely more fun to drive than automatics once you get past the early learning stages.
Great suggestions! Thanks for the advice. If I remember correctly we actually did practice #2, or something like it. I slowly released the clutch and found the tension point. My problem is that I'm a woosy when it comes to giving it gas! It's as if I'm afraid it's going to start off to fast and lose control. I need to get over that. I usually have a left foot in my automatic, and am used to not be the one holding up traffic, lol. I'll just remember my finance yelling GAS! GAS! GAS!. That always seems to get me going
#69
08-24-2012 | 11:56 AM
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore, MD
Great suggestions! Thanks for the advice. If I remember correctly we actually did practice #2, or something like it. I slowly released the clutch and found the tension point. My problem is that I'm a woosy when it comes to giving it gas! It's as if I'm afraid it's going to start off to fast and lose control. I need to get over that. I usually have a left foot in my automatic, and am used to not be the one holding up traffic, lol. I'll just remember my finance yelling GAS! GAS! GAS!. That always seems to get me going
Me yell? Never
#70
08-30-2012 | 02:59 PM
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore,MD
Hey guys! Just an update. I am now driving my Mini Clubman on my own! It only took me 5 sessions before I drove it alone. I've been driving it now to and from work everyday since Monday. I did stall it once today pulling onto the parking pad, and once yesterday coming off a yielded exit. I still get nervous when stopping at a stop sign, or red light just because I don't want to stall and hold up traffic. But, I'd rather stall and hold up traffic rather than doing something that would hurt the car more. The only way to get used to the car, and be better with a stick is to keep driving it, and work on your problem spots as you go. I am confident that I will master it soon! Hopefully, before the snow! Yikes.
#71
08-30-2012 | 03:02 PM
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 6
From: Jack Coffee Hays County, Republic of Texas
Brava! Brava!
Hey guys! Just an update. I am now driving my Mini Clubman on my own! It only took me 5 sessions before I drove it alone. I've been driving it now to and from work everyday since Monday. I did stall it once today pulling onto the parking pad, and once yesterday coming off a yielded exit. I still get nervous when stopping at a stop sign, or red light just because I don't want to stall and hold up traffic. But, I'd rather stall and hold up traffic rather than doing something that would hurt the car more. The only way to get used to the car, and be better with a stick is to keep driving it, and work on your problem spots as you go. I am confident that I will master it soon! Hopefully, before the snow! Yikes.
#72
08-30-2012 | 03:06 PM
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,326
Likes: 6
From: PA
#75
08-30-2012 | 03:17 PM
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore,MD
You're on your way now ! Within a few weeks, it will become so natural to you, there will be times you are shifting and not even realizing you're doing it.
Wish me luck. I start next week teaching my 17-year old how to drive. And how to drive a stick. Should be interesting.
Wish me luck. I start next week teaching my 17-year old how to drive. And how to drive a stick. Should be interesting.
You know, just in case.