Standard transmission

endorphin_junkie

endorphin_junkie

Cathlete
I got a new (well new to me) car today and it has a standard transmission which I'm happy about (better mileage, fun to drive...). I haven't driven a standard day to day since 1989 and I have a question. When you are coming to a stop do you gear down or do you put it in neutral and just used the brakes? Is there an advantage of one over the other, I'm thinking one is more wear and tear on the clutch, the other more so on the brake. Any input is much appreciated:)

Take Care
Laurie:)
 
I love my Nisson Sentra! I always put it in neutral when I am at a stand still. It definately saves wear and tear on the clutch. Plus I like not having both feet engaged when I am stopped.

Cheryl
 
Brakes are cheaper and easier to replace than a worn clutch.

If the road is clear, no debris ice etc, I down shift to 1st gear and leave the clutch out using the brakes to stop the car.

If traction is a potential problem I use the engine to help brake the car, downshifting and engaging the clutch.

A clutch gets worn as it is let out or let in, while you're driving or holding it out there is no wear. The plates only wear on initial contact or disengaement.
 
My father told me the same thing that Dave just said - brakes are easier to replace than a clutch. Sometimes I will downshift (especially if it's a steep grade, but I usually shift into neutral and use my brakes. Have fun with your standard - I'm never going back to automatic! :)
 
My DH said the same thing as Dave. Believe it or not we just had this discussion with in the past week or so.

I was taught how to down shift when I learned how to drive a stick so I assumed I should always do it. Apparently not though....
 
Thanks everyone! I prefer going into neutral to stop but it's good to know that once the snow starts flying or I'm on a grade I can use the engine power to my advantage......zoom zoom....:7

Take Care
Laurie
 
Yep, brakes are the ticket. I just ordered a 2008 Mustang GT - it'll be here in October. And of course it's manual transmission (why they bother with an automatic, I'll never know). Enjoy your new wheels!

And have a great weekend.

Mo
 
Laurie, congratulations on your new car! I admire your pioneer spirit. If I ever come on the forums with a post about getting a new car with a standard transmission, that would be your cue to stay far far away from SW Ohio ;) :7
 
I don't have a standard now, but, when I did, I used the brakes.

DH has a Jeep with a standard transmission. And there's a weird advantage to it. It seems to be a theft-detterent! Seems that some of the car-thieves in our area have never been taught to drive a standard (or are just too young to have learned!). We always suspected it, but they even had an article in the paper where some 14-year old tried to steal a standard SUV, stalled out about half a block away from where he "stole" it. When he couldn't figure out what to do, he got out and ran!!! And was caught.
 
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