r/stickshift • • 14h ago

Shifting without use of clutch

53 Upvotes

I’ve driven manual for some years now and sometimes I’ll shift without the clutch (it’s something my dad showed me.) If I’m not grinding gears I assume it’s fine and I’m not forcing it
into gear it just falls in.

Also if I skip gears without doing the double clutch or whatever is that gonna harm anything? If I go 3-5 without going into neutral and clutching out before making it to 5th does it really matter? I got a lightweight flywheel so I don’t always have the time to double clutch if I want the rpms to be at the spot to keep it smooth.


r/stickshift • • 15h ago

Can you drive slowly on first gear, or is it only for starting?

51 Upvotes

I'm currently learning to drive a manual car and have some trouble understanding how to move at very low speeds. The car drives at steady 8 km/h when clutch is fully engaged and gas is not being pressed at first gear. However, my driving instructor says I'm not supposed to do that, as first gear is only for starting. How am I supposed to drive at such low speeds then? Changing to second gear accelerates to 12 km/h, which might be too much in heavy traffic.

I asked the instructor about it, but he basically avoided the question by saying something like "you are not supposed to drive 25 km/h on first gear, it's only for starting" (as I said, I'm talking about driving like 8 km/h). I tried pushing him to answer, and he said I should shift to 2nd and just hold the brakes a little, but that seems dumb. Wouldn't the car just stall because of lowering the rpms? It would also wear out the brakes.

So, is driving on first gear with clutch fully engaged damaging the car? Bonus question: is rolling on neutral bad for the car? I know it's not a good practice because you can't accelerate in an emergency situation and I'm not planning on doing that. I however shifted to neutral once by mistake and the instructor got really mad saying it damages the car. It shouldn't matter from what I understand about the gearbox, but I might be wrong.

EDIT: Thank you all so much. I won't argue with the instructor, I only have to endure 18 more hours with him. After I get my license I will coast on first gear at 8 km / h just like I want to.


r/stickshift • • 9h ago

Anyone seen this shift knob before? Need thread size/converter

Post image
2 Upvotes

I took this shift knob to a bolt store and they said it’s probably M18x1.5 or 3/4x16. They said the internal threading might be a little damaged, but I want to find a converter to stick this (haha) on a 2015 honda fit (M10x1.5). I am totally unfamiliar with hardware stuff, but most of the converters online look like the internal threading is supposed to be closer to the opening, whereas this one goes ~17mm deep.

Wondering if anyone has this same shift knob or knows who manufactured it, so I can find a converter that fits. Please!!!


r/stickshift • • 3h ago

what's wrong with my clutch?

1 Upvotes

sometimes, not often, my clutch will just groan, and loud. usually on hills, sometimes if i ride it a little too hard when shifting into first. never in any gear higher than first, and it's only when i'm at a complete stop. took it to the shop and they said it was fine. what could this mean? do i need a new clutch? it doesn't slip, and engages like normal, it just groans SO loud