Knowing How to Drive a Stick Shift, Decline in # of Stick Shifts, etc.

[guywithashovel]

I have been thinking about this lately, and even though it probably isn't a contentious issue, I thought I'd bring it up here.

First off, I will admit that I have never learned how to drive a stick shift (i.e. a car with a manual transmission). When I first learned how to drive back in 1998, I told myself that I would someday learn how to drive one. However, by that time, all of my parents' cars were automatics. They did have a 1982 Chevy S-10 Blazer for a long time, and it was a stick. But they sold it shortly before I reached driving age. After that, my parents never bought any other stick shifts, and no one else I knew had one, so I didn't fulfill my promise to learn how to drive one.

Eventually, I just sort of forgot about it. Well, maybe "forgot" isn't the right word, but I did put it out of my mind. I just drove my automatic cars and gave little to no thought to my inability to drive a stick. Recently, though, someone was talking about driving them, and I was once again reminded of this thing that I have yet to learn how to do.

When I stop and think about this, it sometimes bothers me, because I occasionally wish I knew more about cars than I do. And apparently, this is something that a guy is "supposed to know, because whenever I read an article with a title like "X-Number of Things Every Man Should Know How to Do," driving a stick is almost always on it.

So, what do you think about this? Is driving a stick something everyone should learn how to do? Is it sad that there aren't as many manual transmissions as there used to be?

[Wingates_Hellsing]

It's one of those things that used to be absolutely vital, then eventually became merely important before deteriorating to just handy and these days almost negligible. Around here stick shifts are quite rare, and the chances of someone having to drive one unexpectedly are basically nil.

On the other hand, should some sort of emergency arrive and it calls for someone to drive someone's car, it could pay off to know enough to get by.

[Nyoibo]

I refuse to be told by my var when to change gears, all my cars have been manual and they always will.

[elsporko]

The agency I work at has a stick. We also live in an area with lots of hills and ice in winter, conditions where a stick isn't very useful. Only a handful of the workers can drive that car because nobody knows how to drive a stick and we were told we weren't allowed to learn on that car. We are suppose to learn on a friend's car, even though nobody around here has a stick for the stated reasons.

[daleduke17]

I know how to drive a manual. Haven't done it in a while, but I at least have the knowledge. It will come into handy when I finally get my Class B license and can drive the tanker our fire department has.

[Fryk]

I know how, but I doubt I will ever need to use that knowlege again before it deteriorates into nothingness. I like having my right arm free to adjust the radio, the a/c, snack, etc.

[kiwi]

I can't drive a manual. I have tried to learn, many many times by many different teachers.
You would think that with my years of dance training the co-ordination would come naturally but something in my brain doesn't connect.

It is the one thing I can't seem to overcome, I don't blame my dyslexia totally but I think it contributes to the block.

I am resigned now, some people will never dance, others will never be able to cook. I can not and will not ever be able to drive a manual in a safe manner.

[joe hx]

I drive a stick. I like it because I have more control over the car. If I drive correctly, I can get up to 40mpg on the highway (I drive a 4-door Cobalt). I also find it's great theft deterrent - no one can steal my car unless they tow it.

I refuse to be told by my car when to change gears, all my cars have been manual and they always will.

My car gives me a light telling me I need to upshift. Thankfully, that light is hidden by the steering wheel.

[fireheart17]

I'm learning in a manual, by mutual agreement of myself and my dad. It's slightly difficult however I'm slowly getting the hang of it.

[Peppergirl]

My dad made me learn on a manual, and I'll always be grateful for it.

I absolutely LOVE to drive a stick-shift. My ex fiance's Jeep Wrangler was a stick and that's the last one I drove...been about 2 years ago.

It makes me sad that they're in decline. I'd love to have one.

[Tanasi]

If it has wheels I can drive it regardless of transmission. Having grown up a farm kid I learned on a tractor and was driving by 10 and there was no automatic tractors back then. When I got tall enough to push the clutch all the way in I started driving my Dad's pickup. I had my motorcycle license by 14 when getting my auto license I just had to drive in the road test. My Mom was nervous that I'd stall on the hill so she made me drive her station wagon. From the time I had my own car/truck I only drove straight shifts until 97 and I bought my first car with automatic tranny a 97 Sable. It took several months before I got over wanting to clutch and shift. When the Sable starting giving troubles I was looking but only for auto-trannies and bought a 08 Escape. I've found that as I get older and the joints get harder to bend autos are lots easier to operate. That being said all my other autos are still straight shifts.

[Greenday]

In this day and age, it's becoming a lot less important to drive a stick. Unless you have a job that involves driving other people's cars, it's kinda pointless.

On that note, I may not know how to drive a stick now, but I will learn before I get a new car because there's no way in hell I'm buying a muscle car that isn't stick. That'd be blasphemy.

[AdminAssistant]

If it has wheels I can drive it regardless of transmission. Having grown up a farm kid I learned on a tractor and was driving by 10 and there was no automatic tractors back then.

My Dad still grumbles about automatic transmissions in tractors. :lol: :rolleyes:

[protege]

Except for that damn Tempo I once had, every one of my cars has been a stick-shift. I learned, when I bought my first car--Dad showed me in the dealer's parking lot, and it was either "learn how to drive the Tercel, or inherit my shitty Taurus" :D IMHO, shifting gears is more fun than a slush-box. Plus, it keeps certain relatives from borrowing my cars :p

The only time I hated driving a stick, was when my parents bought a bargain-basement '97 Saturn SL. The gears were oddly-spaced, and the shift light (which you don't need, IMHO) kept coming on at the *wrong* times. To follow it, meant you'd be shifting too soon on hills, causing the car to splutter. Well that, and the transmission in that thing was a dog--it wasn't as smooth as a Toyota or Mazda :p

[smileyeagle1021]

As others have pointed out, knowing how to drive and owning a stick shift does have an advantage in preventing theft (or annoying friends asking to borrow the car). Hell, it's nice knowing you have a vehicle that an ever decreasing portion of the population can drive because that means an ever decreasing portion of the population will have the desire to steal it. There is also the issue of control and hell, fun of driving a stick shift (I enjoy driving stick shift).
That said, am I sad to see them slowly moving into obscurity? Not really. I used to like ZIP disks, but I understand that technology changes. Technology is now changing in cars too... automatics are becoming so advanced that they truly can provide the same control as a lot of people can provide on a manual... hell, my car doesn't have gears... yup, that's right, it uses a continually variable system that fine tunes the gear ratio to exactly where it should be, not just the closest ratio that is appropriate. I do kind of miss my old stick shift, but I also value the added fuel efficiency of this transmission and of course the ability to cruise control on damned near anything (my cruise control just laughs at grades up to 5 or 6%).

[powerboy]

I can drive a stick. I prefer not too. But that is just me.

[Pagan]

As others have said, I can drive a stick....if I have to. I can't remember the last time I needed to.

The last person I can remember having a stick is an ex-boyfriend....and we broke up in 1992 (I think).

[BookstoreEscapee]

I don't know how to drive a stick. My mom has back problems and fibromyalgia so she really can't drive one comfortably, so by the time I learned to drive it had been a long time since they had owned a stick. I never had reason (or opportunity, really) to learn.

On that note, I may not know how to drive a stick now, but I will learn before I get a new car because there's no way in hell I'm buying a muscle car that isn't stick. That'd be blasphemy.

I briefly dated a guy once whose mother drove an automatic Corvette.

[Nyoibo]

On that note, I may not know how to drive a stick now, but I will learn before I get a new car because there's no way in hell I'm buying a muscle car that isn't stick. That'd be blasphemy.

There are automatic muscle cars?

[Greenday]

I briefly dated a guy once whose mother drove an automatic Corvette.

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There are automatic muscle cars?

Yea, it's an unfortunate event. Muscle cars being made these days are being given the option of an automatic transmission. A part of me dies every time I think about it.

[wolfie]

There are automatic muscle cars?

You obviousyly haven't watched enough "Dukes of Hazzard" - don't know about other episodes, but the one where the "fine print" on the entry form for a race sponsored by Boss Hogg has the losing cars being forfeit to him, near the end of the race you can see that the General Lee has a slushbox.

Count me in as a fan of manual transmissions - and if you think finding ANY car with one is a problem, try finding one in a station wagon. I get mid-to-high 30s with a 5-speed in mine, but my "other car" also has a manual transmission (13 speed), and I typically get around 5 1/2 MPG with it. Of course, hauling a 53 foot trailer loaded with 20 tons of cargo doesn't help much.:D

Part of why people should learn to drive a stick is that it involves learning what a car is capable of (i.e. how to keep the engine in its "happy" RPM range). An automatic hides the details, so people wind up not knowing what the car can do easily, and what is actually abusing it.

[AFPheonix]

I learned how to ride a motorcycle before I learned how to drive a stick. It made it a lot easier to figure out the timing though, so yay, I guess?

[Nyoibo]

Yea, it's an unfortunate event. Muscle cars being made these days are being given the option of an automatic transmission. A part of me dies every time I think about it.

If you need an auto you have no right driving a muscle car.

[Tanasi]

Yes there are muscle cars with auto trannies. I have a few muscle cars and so far all are four speed straight shifts the next one will have a programable 6 speed auto trannie hooked to a 460 Super Cobra Jet with a super charger. I just need to make up my mind on what it's going into. I'm thinking a 39 Ford business coupe all steel body.

BTW: Autos on tractors aren't necessarily a bad thing. If you spend all day on one stopping and starting then by the day's end you're left knee will be aching. I have a friend with a programmable John Deere tractor with a front end loader. He buys fertilzer 20 tons at a time and loading a spread is a lot easier when all you have to do is drive the tractor when loading. He just puts it in learn mode and goes through the motions and from that point on it does exactly what it taught it freeing him from all the repetitive motions. My tractors aren't auto because they're old (the newest is a 1979 John Deere 2020) but I still don't think I would want an auto just wouldn't seem right. Now if you want something difficult to drive try on a John Deere tri-cycle with a two-cylinder engine. Hard to start, harder to stop and everything in-between is difficult to say the least.

[AdminAssistant]

BTW: Autos on tractors aren't necessarily a bad thing.
*snip*
Now if you want something difficult to drive try on a John Deere tri-cycle with a two-cylinder engine. Hard to start, harder to stop and everything in-between is difficult to say the least.

Dad's complaint is that it makes the tractors more expensive to buy and repair - i.e. yet another example of implement companies screwing over farmers. Dad never had knee problems. His biggest issue was his neck, from years and years of looking over his shoulder to make sure his rows were straight. Luckily he's been out of the game for nearly 10 years, but it's sad to see more and more small farmers going under because they can't afford the latest, greatest $300,000 combine.

I might suggest that Case-International cotton pickers are harder to drive; it's very hard to drive something that's on fire. :rolleyes: (The running joke in the area was that the company added an extra seat for the fireman.)

[HYHYBT]

If you need an auto you have no right driving a muscle car.

It is not necessary to *need* an automatic transmission to prefer one, regardless of the type of car.

I can't imagine how anyone who regularly drives in stop-and-go traffic would ever prefer a manual.

[Fashion Lad!]

I learned when I was learning to drive. My first two cars were stick. My last two are automatic. I prefer driving stick, it's a bit more fun. Of course, with my left ankle being all jacked up, I wouldn't be able to drive stick right now.

It is something it'd be good to learn how to do, but I don't think it's imperative for your survival. Who knows, it may at one point be a life or death situation, but I doubt it.

[BookstoreEscapee]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hehe. He and his sister drove Corvettes, too (they were both stick). Oddly enough, his dad was the one with the 'Vette fetish and he was the only one who didn't drive one as his every day car.

He told me he would teach me to drive it but he never did.

[Nyoibo]

I can't imagine how anyone who regularly drives in stop-and-go traffic would ever prefer a manual.

I do drive in stop and go traffic regularly, I also drive one freeways and winding roads even more regularly, I love my manuals. :D

[fireheart17]

I do drive in stop and go traffic regularly, I also drive one freeways and winding roads even more regularly, I love my manuals. :D

I love mine as well. I drive a 2000 kia rio that I named after a norse god. Givn that my area is moreor less calmer and less windy than the hill region, the only real challenges I have are maintaining the speed limit and well...maintaining the speed limit :p

[Wingates_Hellsing]

Maybe it has something to do with being a product of the latest generation but I simply don't see the point of doing something by hand that the machine can do perfectly fine for itself.

[BigGiant]

I like manual transmissions because they make you feel like you're actually driving.... I'm not too sure how much sense that makes, but you feel like you're actually doing something when you are in your car/truck.

That leads me to a point that I'm surprised nobody brought up. I bet there would be a lot less texting or talking on a cell while driving if everyone had a stick...:D

[Wingates_Hellsing]

I like manual transmissions because they make you feel like you're actually driving.... I'm not too sure how much sense that makes, but you feel like you're actually doing something when you are in your car/truck.

That leads me to a point that I'm surprised nobody brought up. I bet there would be a lot less texting or talking on a cell while driving if everyone had a stick...:D

Knowing dense people, chances are they'd try and make it work anyway. God help them.

I haven't driven that much (all on automatics) and IMO there was plenty to do, although I suppose it's possible for much of that to become instinctive...

[Pagan]

Something I had completely forgotten about -

How does everyone fell about manumatic engines, like Porsche's Tiptronic?

I can't imagine how anyone who regularly drives in stop-and-go traffic would ever prefer a manual.

I noticed that a lot cars in the UK are manuals, automatics seem to be more rare than here.

That leads me to a point that I'm surprised nobody brought up. I bet there would be a lot less texting or talking on a cell while driving if everyone had a stick...:D

Knowing dense people, chances are they'd try and make it work anyway. God help them.

I haven't driven that much (all on automatics) and IMO there was plenty to do, although I suppose it's possible for much of that to become instinctive...

And given how many people already try to talk on the phone/text whilst eating/putting on makeup, they'll definitely try it. :rolleyes:

[Stormraven]

Hm, every time I've looked at cars, the option for a manual was there, so I don't necessarily see that they're going away.

That said, I have occasional troubles with my left knee, so I have to go with an automatic, especially in stop and go traffic.

[McDreidel09]

I learned very briefly how to drive a manual and I did not like it. I prefer to have both hands on the steering wheel,unless I am taking one hand off to quickly do something like change songs or take a drink of my coffee. It's just my comfort thing. I feel less in control if I only have one hand on the steering wheel while in motion.

[KitterCat]

That leads me to a point that I'm surprised nobody brought up. I bet there would be a lot less texting or talking on a cell while driving if everyone had a stick...:D


Unfortunately, not musically. Hubbie learned how to drive by an officer and fireman (family members) and then went into EMT. I have seen this man drive a clutch with one foot out the window while drinking a soda. Admittedly this was during his young teenage stage, so thankfully he’s stopped that type of showing off. I imagine if he’s willing to do stupid stunts like that with the training then people who are not trained to drive fast are also willing to do stupid stunts like that. Which scares the heck out of me.

As for my own cars. My first was a clutch. I loved my little Dodge Colt. I gave my driving instructor a bit of a pause during class. Poor guy was telling us students about driving on the test course using “our” automatics. My hand goes up. “Sir I don’t have an automatic.” Ok, he tells me he’ll teach me how to handle it on the clutch. Then goes on to tell us how to parallel park using our right side mirror. Hand goes back up. “Sir I don’t have right side mirrors.” Poor guy had to explain to 20 other students that older cars did not always have right side mirrors because it wasn’t always a requirement for the cars to be made with them. Needless to say I got some special / improvised training on how to parallel park.

My second car was an automatic, which broke down about a year ago. Have to admit I preferred driving the automatic even though it took months for me to stop stepping down on the nonexistent clutch and almost reaching over to “change gears”. It was a lot easier to drive. I’m back to driving a clutch until we get a new car.

[protege]

How does everyone fell about manumatic engines, like Porsche's Tiptronic?


I'm not really familiar with that one. Semi-automatics are a bit rare in the US. Does the Porsche version still engage the clutch when you put your hand on the gearshift?

Still though, manual-transmission cars are sometimes hard-to-find over here. When I bought my last new car, the closest Corolla with a five-speed, was several counties away. Dealer had to go there and pick it up for me.

Also, I haven't had any trouble with handling a five-speed in ice and snow. In fact, I think it gives me more control over an auto. Simply put, to prevent wheelspin on slick roads...I can start off in second gear.

[crazylegs]

I love driving manuals - the vans at work are automatics, and it feels like I'm driving a damn go kart.

Driving manual means I can get 43.41 mpg out of my 8y/o car (1.4l petrol Skoda Fabia), it also means I can block change up/down and generally retain a bit more control over my car than if it were manual.

Horses for courses I guess.

[smileyeagle1021]

I learned very briefly how to drive a manual and I did not like it. I prefer to have both hands on the steering wheel,unless I am taking one hand off to quickly do something like change songs or take a drink of my coffee. It's just my comfort thing. I feel less in control if I only have one hand on the steering wheel while in motion.

*ahem* it takes maybe 3 seconds to change gears... it takes me longer to adjust the volume or the radio than it took me to shift...

[Pagan]

I'm not really familiar with that one. Semi-automatics are a bit rare in the US. Does the Porsche version still engage the clutch when you put your hand on the gearshift?

I have no bloody idea. It's just something that intrigues me. :p

Apparently manumatic and automated manuals (this is what Smart has) are somewhat different?

[Fryk]

Is that the same thing as a clutchless shift?

[Tanasi]

Yes (and while one word would have sufficed Raps makes me extend this message to at least 10 characters, I hope this suffices.)

[Sunsetsky]

I learned to drive a car that had a stick. I don't think it's something that you have to absolutely know but it's useful. I'm glad I know how to drive a stick because when I'm car hunting I don't have to only look at automatics. Plus if I happen to fall in love with a car that I want to get and it's a stick then I don't have to worry about not being able to drive it. I prefer manuals over automatics anyways. I'm a lot more used to them.

[HEMI6point1]

I never drove a car with a stick. Wouldn't mind learning, though.

One thing: saying a muscle car with an auto is "blasphemy" is a little incorrect. The new generation Cadillac CTS-V made the quickest time on the Nuremberg road course - and that was with an automatic. New automatics are so advanced that in many cases it would provide no benefit to getting a stick.

Look at Ford - the new 2011 Super Duty trucks are no longer available with a stick, just an auto.

[McDreidel09]

*ahem* it takes maybe 3 seconds to change gears... it takes me longer to adjust the volume or the radio than it took me to shift...

Maybe for you, but it took me longer to react. Plus my dad told me to keep my hand on the gear, which I did not like.

[crazylegs]

Plus my dad told me to keep my hand on the gear, which I did not like.

That's an incorrect driving style. The only time your hand is on the gear lever is when you're changing gears - it's not a hand rest.

[McDreidel09]

I still will not drive stick. I will stick with my automatic.

I know lots of people who drive a stick with one hand on the gear, but oh well.

[HYHYBT]

Everyone I've seen drive Dad's old truck kept a hand on the gearshift because there was no armrest. Doesn't seem to have done it any harm; it's a 1977 (built in 76, and therefore can take leaded gasoline, if you ever find any), passed 100,000 miles somewhere around 1982, and though the odometer broke about then as well, it wasn't retired until 2005. Still operable, still the same trouble-free transmission. And learning to drive between that thing (a crew cab, extra long bed, with a camper top with uncleanable windows so you can't see out the back) and the 1972 Cadillac, I can park most anything :) But why shift when the car can do it, and usually knows what gear it needs better than I do anyway? Someone earlier said they didn't like the car telling them when to shift, but I see it as the other way around: I don't need to tell the car when to shift. I do wish, though, that they still put all the gears on the shifter in automatics. I didn't notice until I got to San Francisco that mine only has D, 2, and 1, with four forward gears. You can't make it stop at 3. My stepmom's does one worse: it's either Drive or first! Something to check out if you often drive in the mountains.

[crazylegs]

Everyone I've seen drive Dad's old truck kept a hand on the gearshift because there was no armrest.

Um - both hands should be on the steering wheel so you can control the vehicle effectively in an emergency. I really don't get why car makers put in armrests, because all it's doing is encouraging poor driving habits.

[protege]

But, then there are people like my grandmother...who simply *can't* hold the wheel "properly." She broke both shoulders in a deadly '94 auto accident. Some redneck asshole in a gravel truck rear-ended her '91 Olds sedan...sending it into the path of a logging truck coming the other way :eek: After a year of intense physical therapy, she was allowed to drive again. But, because of her injuries, really didn't like it. Even now, she can't raise her arms above her head :(

It was simply uncomfortable to drive long distances--by the time she'd arrive, her shoulders were hurting because of the driving position--she simply couldn't help relaxing her grip on the wheel a bit. That is, she would rest her arm on the armrest and gripped the lower portion of the wheel. It wasn't a big deal, since she was usually just going to church. Otherwise, she didn't drive much.

[blas87]

I really want to learn to drive a stick, if anything, just to know how.

Perhaps one day I will get a $200 junker to learn on, or my brother will have a junker to learn on. He hates automatic cars, his only automatic car has been an 85 Fiero.

[powerboy]

I would love to drive a stick again. The last one that I drove was a fork lift :). Its the same, but not the same

[elsporko]

Um - both hands should be on the steering wheel so you can control the vehicle effectively in an emergency. I really don't get why car makers put in armrests, because all it's doing is encouraging poor driving habits.


Unless you're a horrible driver you don't need both hands on the wheel when you're driving on a straight stretch without interference from other drivers.

[smileyeagle1021]

Unless you're a horrible driver you don't need both hands on the wheel when you're driving on a straight stretch without interference from other drivers.

Not only that, but there are times you are in the vehicle that you aren't driving (waiting in drive thrus, sitting at stop lights, waiting at train crossings, parked waiting for someone, etc)... automakers know this and have designed the car to be versatile for as many situations as possible.

That and to answer the original question, for long distance travel I prefer either 9 and 3 or 8 and 4, both of which I can do with my elbows on the armrest, thus making the drive more comfortable (OK, so the reason I prefer those positions is because I can have my elbows on the armrest, but that doesn't change the point that both hands are safely on the wheel).

[Tanasi]

Growing up I drove a 1966 Chevy pickup. It had column shift or 3-on-the-tree it didn't have syncromesh so you had to double clutch it when gearing down. How many here have driven with such a transmission?

[Teysa]

It's been several years since I've driven one but I know how to drive a stick shift. I used to enjoy it. I think knowing how to drive a stick falls under the 'it can't hurt to know this' category.

[Arcade Man D]

Honestly, while I plan to learn how to drive stick, I will not own a stick-shift in this town. Too many stop signs/lights on hills.

[jackfaire]

Yes you should also know how to use an Abacus, how to make water bottles out of buffalo hide.

No you don't need to know how to drive a stick just so that you know how. If you want to drive a vehicle that is a stick yes you need to know if you have to for work yes you need to know but no that isn't a necessary bit of knowledge.

I do know how to drive a stick and personally I am not impressed in fact I find driving a stick to annoying. It's extra steps that don't do me much good.

Technology moves forward sometimes it's helpful to know older methods other times it's not it's all up to you.

[Nyoibo]

Yes you should also know how to use an Abacus, how to make water bottles out of buffalo hide.


Hey!

Yes, I can do those things. :o