I know 'manual' cars are very much becoming a thing of the past but we do still have a couple around and I personally, am yet to come to grips with certain aspects of 'em.

Post difficulties you encounter while driving yours and hopefully some expert(s) will come along and give a hand!

Personally my challenges:

When I start-up and get into gear one, the car 'dies' most times once I start releasing the clutch and depressing the accelerator. . . .

I am fairly comfortable switching between gears one and two; just don't know when to switch to three and beyond. . . .

I'm not into the technicalities of cars so I will just comment from a lay man driver point of view.

About your engine dying when in Gear 1 and about to move: Every manual transmission vehicle has this point of equilibrium (dunno the technical name) between the accelerator and the clutch. You have to master that. Your acceleration should meet your releasing the clutch at that point of equilibrium for a smooth take off. Once take off is initiated, don't just take your feet off the cluth immediately. You just need to master that point of equilibrium for your car. Best place to get used to it is in an open field. After knowing that point then enter lagos roads. . . the traffic jams are enough on-the-road exercises to work with.


About when to change gears
Look at the RPM when accelerating, you shouldn't let it get close to red. Changing gears should come instinctively. . . you should know when you have accelerated and max'd that gear. Most times I force an Auto to move a gear higher by reducing the RPM for a second or so. In a manual vehicle you should also listen to the engine and change just before it starts sounding stressed. When coming downwards with gears I personally think its safe to drop in a downward sequence. From 6 to 5 to 4 to 3 and so on. Not from 6 to 4 or 3.

Just my 2 kobo. . . heck I wish I knew cars like I knew codes

Auto transmission is originally made for handicaps ie those that lost one leg and or one arm. I feel borred each time I drive autos. I only decided to get an additional car with auto because my wife prefers the easy way.

If U want to get a real driving experience and the enthusiasm that come with it, get yourself a car that comes with manual transmission.

well said,siena , very well said

Siena:

RuuDie, I'm sorry to be blunt. I think your best bet is either to stick to automatics, or take PROFESSIONAL driving lessons with manual. Driving is something that needs to be learnt, and mastered properly, before you hit the road. Safety is paramount, both for driver, and other road users.

Whilst you may pick up the basics in terms of driving a manual by asking questions online, it's no substitute for the real thing - being properly tutored, in real-world situations. Please, look for a driving school in your area, and take proper driving lessons.

Bluntness appreciated and points very well noted but I don't think you should under-estimate what your or any other contributor's two kobo's worth could go a long way in doing to drivers, be it learners or pros.
And yes, the basics is what I seek and yes again, I don't reckon it can ever take the place of the real thing but it does help in a way.

Dual Core: I'm not into the technicalities of cars so I will just comment from a lay man driver point of view.

About your engine dying when in Gear 1 and about to move: Every manual transmission vehicle has this point of equilibrium (dunno the technical name) between the accelerator and the clutch. You have to master that. Your acceleration should meet your releasing the clutch at that point of equilibrium for a smooth take off. Once take off is initiated, don't just take your feet off the cluth immediately. You just need to master that point of equilibrium for your car. Best place to get used to it is in an open field. After knowing that point then enter lagos roads. . . the traffic jams are enough on-the-road exercises to work with.


About when to change gears
Look at the RPM when accelerating, you shouldn't let it get close to red. Changing gears should come instinctively. . . you should know when you have accelerated and max'd that gear. Most times I force an Auto to move a gear higher by reducing the RPM for a second or so. In a manual vehicle you should also listen to the engine and change just before it starts sounding stressed. When coming downwards with gears I personally think its safe to drop in a downward sequence. From 6 to 5 to 4 to 3 and so on. Not from 6 to 4 or 3.

Just my 2 kobo. . . heck I wish I knew cars like I knew codes

I usually switch gears at roughly 25 rpm, so the engine sound remains uniform

RuuDie:
Post difficulties you encounter while driving yours and hopefully some expert(s) will come along and give a hand!

1. When should one change from a higher gear to a lower one?

2. What gear is recommended for climbing a hill?