Hey folks. I was curious how you handle the transmission when in traffic or stopped at a light. Let's say you are stopped at a red light and will be there for awhile. Do you:

A) Leave the car in first (in gear) with the clutch in and foot on brake
or
B) Take the car out of gear, clutch out and foot on brake
or
C) Take the car out of gear, clutch in and foot on brake
or
D) Take the car out of gear, cluth out and foot off brake

Is either one "better" for the transmission? I know this may sound like a dumb question... you never know until you just ask! :) :cheers:

Patrick :jester


[Modified by Patman36, 6:16 PM 1/17/2002]

I always use choice B. I believe it is easier on the clutch but, I don't have scientific evidence to back it up. It will be interesting to see the other responses you get. :D

Choice B. Sitting there with the clutch fully depressed can get tough if its a long light. In Florda the light sequence is very predictable. I push in the clutch and shift into first just before the light turns green.


[Modified by Jim Finke, 4:52 PM 1/17/2002]

B

B) Take the car out of gear, clutch out and foot on brake
:flag

The better question is when car and driver tested the corvette they said that their numbers were slightly slower than general motors. They made a comment that GM had a test driver that shifted without using the clutch. Anyknow know the trick? Many people that have ridden in my corvette say I shift so fast they wonder if I use the clutch. :crazy:

B

For me it's more a matter of effort. Keep both feet pushed down or just one. If I'm going to be sitting still for a while (e.g. just missed the light or train's coming) I'll put on the parking brake so I can just sit there like a big potato.

The answer is B Bob!! LOL!!! I don't want to keep the clutch pushed in for up to 3 minutes waiting at a light, not to mention that there is no point in keeping the throwout bearing pushed in for an extended period of time. IMHO.

B

D) out of gear, clutch out, foot off brake (when possible).

This minimizes the possibility of warping rotors.

I agree with you on this one... when all possible, foot off the brake. It is the same as not cranking down on the E-brake handle all the time. Let's be nice to our rotors... :D

Patrick :seeya

B

'D' Save the clutch and rotors.

DITTO :yesnod:

B for me :cheers:

:smash: :smash: :smash: :yesnod: :cheers:

b - unless on the hill :jester

E. B and D wherever applicable :D

Sometimes if it is only going to be a short stop I will leave it in gear with the clutch in and my foot on the brake.

D, if possible, or B if D is not an option

Michael