How To Drive a Car

eine schnelle und einfache Anleitung zum Autofahren

Although manual gearboxes are commonplace, automatic gearboxes are increasingly popular –and the art of driving a stick shift (as the Americans would say) might be in danger of dying out.

If you have never drivien a manual and want to know the basics read through our easy guide and find out how to do it.

Before you start

Typically, manual cars will have three pedals: clutch, brake and accelerator (in that order, left to right).

The brake and accelerator pedals are pretty simple - press the brake to slow down (the firmer you press it, the quicker you’ll lose speed), while using the accelerator increases the engine’s revs and causes you to speed up (the firmer you press it, the quicker you will speed up).

The clutch pedal is the one that makes driving a manual car more difficult than an auto.

Without going into too much detail, the clutch is essentially two metal plates that connect the engine to the drive wheels.

How to drive a manual car in easy steps

Getting in the car and put on your seatbelt

Put the key in the ignition and turn all the way until the engine starts

Put the clutch pedal down (this the pedal on the left)

Move the gear stick into first gear

Use your right foot to press down on the accelerator gently to increase the engine’s revs very slightly

Slowly lift the clutch pedal using your left foot until it starts to vibrate gently

This vibration is known as the car’s “bite point” - this is where the clutch plates start to come together.

Remove the handbrake and the car should start to move slowly

Increase the revs while slowly raising your foot off the clutch unit you are moving forward with only the use of the accelerator pedal

How to avoid damaging the clutch

Over time, you’ll get used to a car’s clutch and have a good understanding of where its bite point is, as well as how many revs you need to give it to move off.

It sounds complicated but you’ll develop a natural feel for it with practice

Don’t hold the clutch down when you’re stopped

Again, it’s tempting to leave your car in gear and keep your foot on the clutch when you’re stopped in traffic.

This puts a lot of pressure on the clutch release bearing, however, which could wear out quickly if you do it regularly.

How many gears do manual cars have?

Years ago, was normal for manual cars to have just four gears.

In theory, this would make them easier to drive than the cars of today, but back then you’d also have to learn old-fashioned techniques such as double declutching as they didn’t have synchromesh gearboxes.

Gearboxes were also much vaguer than today, making it more difficult to find gears.

Today, most cars have at least five gears, although six gears are becoming increasingly common.

By having an extra-high sixth gear, the engine can run at little more than tickover during motorway cruising, helping reduce fuel consumption.

What are the advantages of manual gearboxes?

Whether you prefer manual or automatic gearboxes will come down to personal preference, but there are some clear advantages to driving a manual.

For a start, they’re generally cheaper to buy and better on fuel than automatics.

There are a number of reasons for this – automatic gearboxes are usually heavier than manuals, and traditional torque-converter auto ’boxes would waste energy building the resistance of hydraulic fluid to transfer drive from the engine to the wheels.

Manual gearboxes are generally better for those who like to feel in control, too.

If you’re planning an overtake, for example, in a manual you can drop down a gear in advance for a quick reaction when you need the acceleration.