manual driving question
 

k im new with a manual, ive only been driving one for a week, and im wondering what are the things i shouldnt do, like is it ok to skip first and go to second at a stop?

Re: manual driving question
 

what kind of car are we talking about? if it doesn't have a lot of power you'll probably drive it a bit differently than if you were driving a powerhouse..

If you're completely stopped, I wouldn't suggest skipping first gear. I think it's okay to skip first gear in a TRUCK, if the truck bed is empty (First is a "granny gear".. for when you have a lot of weight)

If I'm making a turn, i push the clutch in, shift into a second, and let off the clutch when the car is straight enough.. this is in a 2001 Camaro SS.. I think I'd go into first if I was in a car with less power (but I can't remember offhand)

What gear to go in and such, i base on how fast I'm going.. You'll learn what gear NOT to put it in, after driving so often. If the car jerks, squeels, or any of that, you've got the wrong gear :)

every car is different, though.. but as long as you know the basics, you can adapt

Re: manual driving question
 

don't miss a gear ;)

you can start in 2nd without much problem. just do it with ease, so you don't stall. only down side is possible increase in clutch wear..not much i don't think

good idea to rev match if you are down shifting...less wear

Re: manual driving question
 

its a 95 z28 convertible its in my name :) cept the convertible part, the reason im asking all this is because of the skip shift light. i just learned what its for, and shifting from 1st to 4th seems real odd to my dad, and since its ok to shift from 1st to 4th im guessing its ok to skip gears?

basically im just wondering what are the do's and dont's of driving a manual

Re: manual driving question
 

do: eliminate skip shift :)

Re: manual driving question
 

Don't sit at a light on a slight hill and keep rocking the car forward and backwards using the clutch. You'll be doing a clutch job soon enough. While at a light on a hill, push clutch in pull shifter out of gear let out of clutch and hold the brake until green then clutch in, shift 1st, slowly let off clutch while quickly letting off brake and ease into the gas.

Definatly as others have said REVMatch while going to a higher gear. You'll get it down quickly as to what rpm (usually 500-1000 rpm higher in between gears) you should be at for what gear at what speed.