Expert Advice for Manual Cars
All Articles on Manual Cars
How to Start a Manual Car On a Hill
Getting started on a hill when driving a manual transmission car can be a challenge, but there are three methods you can use. Read this guide for starting a manual on a hill to learn how.
Jerry
How to Drive Stick or Manual Cars
Want to learn to drive a manual car? Learning to drive a stick shift requires patience and lots of practice, plus a wide open space to learn. Here's a guide on how to drive a manual transmission car.
Jerry
Should I Buy an Automatic or Manual Car?
When buying a car, you'll have to choose between an automatic or manual transmission. Here are the factors you should consider when you're making your decision.
Jerry
Manual Transmission Isn’t Dead: 15% of Ford Bronco Drivers Chose Manual
Many consumers opted for a manual transmission on their new 2021 Ford Bronco. Enthusiasts are helping to keep manual cars alive.
Jerry
Why New Manual Cars Are Becoming More Rare in the U.S.
Manual cars are being phased out in the United States because it doesn’t suit the American driving culture. They also don’t work well with driver-assist features.
Jerry
VW Wants to Keep Manual Transmission in Its Vehicles
Volkswagen continues to offer a manual transmission in new vehicles. As the brand transitions to electric, it’s still working on producing traditional, high-performance cars.
Jerry
All Questions on Manual Cars
When do I shift gears while driving?
My dad got a great deal on a car for me. The only problem is that the car has a manual transmission. I’ve never driven one before, so I’m a bit nervous. When should I shift gears?
Eric Schad
How do you drive a semi-automatic smart car?
I was gifted a semi-automatic smart car by my uncle. It sounds great, but I’ve never driven this type of transmission before. How do I do it? I want to enjoy my new car.
Cassandra Hamilton
How do I jump-start the battery on a manual shift car?
I have a manual shift car, but I'm not too confident in the battery. Is there a way to jump-start it?
Eric Schad
How do you slow down a car while driving?
I’m learning how to drive a manual car right now and I’m always afraid I’ll stall it if I make the wrong move. How do you slow down a manual car while you’re driving?
Liz Jenson
Is driving a manual worth it?
I found a great deal on an old Nissan Z car, and I want to pull the trigger. The only problem is that it’s a stick and I don’t know how to drive it. Is it worth learning how to drive a manual?
Eric Schad
What does power shifting mean?
I’ve heard the term power shifting a few times but I’ve never had any idea what it meant. What is it and should I learn how to do it?
Sean Boehme
What is rev matching?
I’m learning how to drive a stick shift, but I keep lurching forward when I shift gears. My wife (a gearshift pro) tells me I need to learn how to “rev match”. What’s rev-matching?
Jason Tushinski
Are all Miatas manual?
I love the look of the Mazda Miata and I’ve always wanted a two-seater convertible. My only issue is that I’m pretty sure all Miatas are manual and I don’t want to learn how to drive stick. Do Miatas come in only manual transmissions?
Eric Schad
What are the do's and don'ts of driving a stick shift?
I found a great deal on a used car. The only problem is that it’s a stick shift and I’ve never driven one before. I still want to buy it, but I want some tips on how to drive a manual. What are some of the do’s and don’ts of driving a manual shift car?
Eric Schad
What are some popular SUVs with manual transmission from 2020?
I’m in the market for a used SUV. I love the connection with the car that I feel when driving with a stick shift, but I know this is a dying trend. Can you tell me which car manufacturers made SUVs with a manual transmission in 2020?
Melissa Harvey
How do I adjust the clutch pedal on a Honda Civic?
I’m one of the last people on Earth who knows how to drive a manual shift (or so I like to think). The only problem is that the new Civic’s clutch is in a weird position. How do I adjust the clutch pedal on my Honda Civic?
Eric Schad
Are all Mini Coopers manual?
I’m looking to purchase a new vehicle, and I am enamored with the Mini Cooper for its cool-looking body style and good customer reviews. A lot of the reviews mention the Mini having a manual transmission, and I don’t know how to drive stick! Is it true that all Mini Coopers have a manual transmission?
Mary Cahill
What’s a clutch kick?
I was riding in my friend’s car in an empty parking lot, and he pulled this trick with the clutch that made the car start driving sideways. I asked him what he called that move, and he said it was a clutch kick. I’ve never heard this term before, what is a clutch kick?
Mary Cahill
How do I change gears when driving a car?
I did some research on cars and I found out I can get a better deal on a manual. The only problem is that I have no idea how to drive a stick shift. What’s the best way to shift gears when I’m driving a car?
Eric Schad
How long should a car clutch last?
I’ve noticed that my clutch pedal feels a little weird when I shift gears sometimes, so I’m worried that it might be getting old. How long will a car clutch usually last before it needs to be replaced?
Liz Jenson
Why is my clutch smoking?
Three days ago I smoked my car’s clutch. I’m not sure how this happened, but I had to keep driving. I pulled off to the side of the road and let my car cool down. After waiting I was able to drive fine, but I’m wondering why my clutch is smoking?
Lindsey Hoover
What is a throw-out bearing?
My mechanic says I need a new throw-out bearing. I have no clue what they’re talking about! What is a throw-out bearing?
Bonnie Stinson
How do you rev a manual car while driving?
Is there any way to rev a manual car without stopping first? I loved to rev my engine in my old manual car, but I recently switched to a manual and I don’t know how to do it.
Liz Jenson
Does driving a manual save gas?
I love driving an automatic because it’s easy, especially in traffic or on hills. However, I’m not opposed to driving a manual, as models are generally cheaper. I’ve also read that manuals can save on fuel, but I’m not sure if it’s true. Will I get more mpg with a manual?
Eric Schad
Is driving stick hard?
I’ve been looking around for a car to buy on the cheap for a while. I found a used stick shift car, but I’ve never driven a manual before. The price is great, but I’m apprehensive. Is it hard to drive a stick shift?
Eric Schad
What are the two ways to know when to shift gears?
I have fond memories of tagging along with my dad to car rallies in his restored Camaro. In particular, I was fascinated with the way he shifted gears. He taught me to drive manually, but he was always a little vague on when to shift, saying it should just “feel right.” How do you know when to shift gears?
Jasmine Kanter
What gear is best for uphill driving?
I just bought a manual car after always driving automatics. I’m still getting the hang of switching gears, but hills seem to trip me up every time. What gear should I use for driving uphill?
Macy Fouse
How do I get better at driving stick?
I really want to drive a manual car, but I can’t seem to get the hang of it. Everything I’ve tried so far hasn’t worked. What’s the best way to learn to drive a stick?
Rob Shapiro
How do you start driving a manual car?
I really want to learn how to drive a manual car, but I’m not sure where to start. What do I need to do in order to learn this skill? Should I get lessons?
Liz Jenson
How long does a clutch last?
I just bought my first manual car used, and I think the clutch might need to be replaced. How often should I expect this to happen?
Liz Jenson
How do I know if a car is a manual or automatic?
I know absolutely nothing about cars, but I'm in the market for one. How can I tell if it's an automatic or stick?
Eric Schad
What are some tips for driving manual cars?
My uncle is willing to gift me his old car, but it’s a stick shift. I’ve never driven a stick before—so what tips do I need to drive a manual?
Cassandra Hamilton
Why can’t you use two feet while driving?
I drove a manual car for years and used my left foot for the clutch and right foot for the gas and brake pedals. I drive an automatic now, and I can’t get used to using just my right foot. Why can’t I use two feet to drive?
Jason Tushinski
How do you slow down when driving a manual car?
My brother said he’ll teach me how to drive a manual, but I know if I ask him how to slow down, he’ll make fun of me. I just don’t want to stall the car by accident! How do you slow and stop a manual car properly?
Liz Jenson
Can you fail your driving test for coasting?
I tend to coast while I’m driving, and I’ve never thought much of it. I have a driving test coming up, but I’m worried that coasting isn’t acceptable. Will I fail my driving test for coasting?
Eric Schad
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