“Why should I bother learning to drive stick?”
It’s a fair question. Today, less than 3 percent of new cars and trucks in the U.S. are made with a manual transmission, according to the Environmental Protection Agency—a number down from nearly 35 percent in 1980.
That number makes sense. After all, an automatic transmission does the work of shifting gears for you as you speed up or slow down. But learning how to drive stick is easier than you might think, says auto expertLauren Fix, the “Car Coach.” True, it does take some practice to find the sweet spot between pushing down on the gas pedal and easing up on the clutch as you shift gears. But Fix notes that there are some compelling reasons to learn this skill; and once you do, you may never want to go back. Here’s why.
It’s Way More Fun
With a manual transmission, you’re the one shifting into a higher gear—exactly when you want to—instead of relying on your car to do it for you. “It unlocks an entirely new world of driving,” says Fix, who likens the releasing of the clutch and the pushing of the gas pedal to a dance. “You get the control, the enjoyment and the freedom. It’s a blast. I think it’s the best way to drive.”
It’s Handy In A Pinch
You never know when you might need to drive a stick. Say you’re out with a friend in a manual-transmission car, and an emergency requires you to drive it—what then? Also, you may find yourself on vacation overseas, where manual transmissions are far more common. “There should be no car on the road today that you can’t drive,” says Fix.
You Could Save Money
When you’re buying a new car, one with a manual transmission may cost less—as much as $1,200 less, according to one report. Fix found the same, looking at several top-selling new manual-transmission cars and seeing list prices at least $1,000 cheaper than their automatic counterparts.
You May Get Better Gas Mileage
It used to be generally accepted that manual-transmission cars got better gas mileage than automatics. The EPA says this is generally no longer the case, but some testing found better fuel economy on some (though not all) manuals. Nevertheless, says Fix, you can still improve your gas mileage using a stick—if you know what you’re doing. “Like when a light turns red,” she says, “you can drop the car into neutral, coast to the light and use the brakes to stop.”
You’re Less Likely To Be Distracted
Since you need both hands to drive stick—at least, when not cruising along on a highway—it’s much harder to send a text at the same time (or to eat, or change your playlist). “You really have to be paying attention,” says Fix. Of course, no matter what kind of transmission you have, it’s essential to avoid distracted driving.
The Skills Are Transferable
Some of the techniques you use when driving stick—namely, using your left foot on the clutch and your right on the accelerator and the brake—will come in handy when you’re riding a motorcycle or ATV, which also have both left- and right-foot controls.
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By Mark Yarm
FAQs
- More Control Of Your Vehicle. Driving a stick shift gives you better control of your car. ...
- It Can Save You Money. As a result of being in more control of your car, most manuals have better gas mileage. ...
- Easier on Brakes. ...
- It's Safer. ...
- Uninviting To Criminals. ...
- More Choices in Vehicles for International Driving.
Manual transmission vehicles typically have better fuel economy than automatic vehicles. With manual transmission vehicles, you are afforded more driving control, allowing you to decide how much power you send to the engine and how much fuel is burned.
What does driving stick do? ›
Instead of gears shifting automatically, driving stick requires you to change gears manually (hence the name manual). This can be the tough part of learning how to drive a stick shift because it forces you to engage the clutch and seamlessly transition gears.
Is it worth learning stick? ›
The Skills Are Transferable
Some of the techniques you use when driving stick—namely, using your left foot on the clutch and your right on the accelerator and the brake—will come in handy when you're riding a motorcycle or ATV, which also have both left- and right-foot controls.
Why do I need to learn to drive? ›
Freedom. Being able to drive and having a car brings a sense of freedom like nothing else. No more relying on taxis, public transport or even walking, no more waiting around for lifts from friends and family members. You can take yourself wherever you want; whenever you like, the world is your oyster.
Why is stick shift more fun? ›
Much like riding a horse, which relies on its rider's direction, the driver of a stick shift vehicle may call upon any gear at any speed. Enthusiasts may spin the engine to redline in each gear or lug it just above idle, keeping the task of driving exciting and fun.
Why stick is better than automatic? ›
A stick-shift driver, with skill and practice, can reduce how much gas their car burns. Typically, manual transmissions have a 3-4 miles-per-gallon advantage over their automatic rivals. Easier to Maintain – With fewer moving parts, a stick shift has the advantage of being easy to maintain.
What are the advantages of manual? ›
Simplicity: Manual processes are often simpler than automated systems, requiring less training and technical expertise. Dependence on Human Judgment: Manual processes rely on human judgment, which can be beneficial for tasks that require subjective decision-making, such as quality control or inspection.
Why driving a manual is safer? ›
Many people believe manual transmissions are safer and lead to fewer accidents. The premise is that when people have to use a clutch and shifter, they are forced to focus on driving. There is less room for error with a manual vehicle.
Is driving manual a skill? ›
Driving a manual car is a life skill everyone should know how to do, yet many don't. Sure, automatic cars are the norm these days. But, you may find yourself needing to drive a manual car or truck every once in a while. And more importantly, vehicles with manual transmissions are just fun to drive!
It's a common myth that manual cars are faster than automatic ones, but that isn't the case.
Is it easier to drive stick? ›
While it takes some practice to learn how to drive a manual car smoothly, it's not much more difficult than driving an automatic — once you get the hang of it. The sign that you've mastered how to drive a manual car is that you do it instinctively, and you no longer need to think about the steps or what gear to use.
How to get better at driving stick? ›
Five tips for driving a stick shift car
- Tip #1: Pull the parking brake. ...
- Tip #2: Always use your clutch pedal. ...
- Tip #3: Shift into neutral when you stop. ...
- Tip #4: Don't fight against your RPMs. ...
- Tip #5: Take your hand off the shifter when you're not shifting.
The term gear stick mostly refers to the shift lever of a manual transmission, while in an automatic transmission, a similar lever is known as a gear selector. A gear stick will normally be used to change gear whilst depressing the clutch pedal with the left foot to disengage the engine from the drivetrain and wheels.
Is it worth learning how do you drive manual? ›
Travel isn't the only reason to learn to drive stick. As you gain experience with manual transmissions, you'll develop a better sense of when to use which gears and why. Low gears, for example, are better suited to going uphill because they generate more torque at a lower speed.
Why is learning to drive safely important? ›
A good driver training program can provide defensive driving instruction and discussions of accident types and can reduce the likelihood of an accident occurring. Additionally, having knowledge of road safety can prevent many of the dangers of the road and make the roads safer for everyone.
Why is learning manual important? ›
Driving a manual transmission requires practice and it's an art form that's learned and acquired over time (and perhaps many miles of driving). Yet, the manual transmission provides more control to the driver and allows the driver to choose which gear is ideal and when that gear should change.
How important is being able to drive? ›
Having a driver's license can open up a wider range of job opportunities for you. Improved quality of life: Being able to drive can make it easier to participate in activities and social events, visit family and friends, and run errands.
