Adapting to automatic when always used to a manual
Discussion
Because I drive manual cars here at work, and have an Automatic (Well, Semi) if i've been driving alot in one day and then go and get in my car I've sometimes gone to press the clutch before starting the car and felt stupid 
But if Auto was your only vehicle you drive i'm sure you'd be fine.
I prefer the larger pedal, not sure on other cars but in 206/C2's the manual version pedals are tiny, and not nice with size 11 feet!
But if Auto was your only vehicle you drive i'm sure you'd be fine.
I prefer the larger pedal, not sure on other cars but in 206/C2's the manual version pedals are tiny, and not nice with size 11 feet!
Same corner as Strangely Brown, I drive Bassett's and jump from auto / manual / semi / small / large / slow / fast / what have you.
Getting used to an auto? Keep your left foot tucked out of the way, make NO attempt to use it. Make sure you have your belt on as sooner or later you WILL go for the clutch in a stressful moment.
Having said that, left foot braking in slow speed close quarter manouevring is an absolute God send when you figure it out, which frankly doesn't take much doing. Too many people bend their cars, sometimes in a bad way when they go for the brake and hit the gas.
I know a lot of people take the piss out of advanced drivers with the cockpit drill malarkey, but it really does work! Gets your head round what you are driving and what facilities it has and where they are. And this is from someone who once drove a car 30 miles up the motorway before figuring out that the vehicle, whilst outwardly identical to the one driven the day before, was actually the new model year and now with a 6 speed box.
[puts self in corner wearing Dunce cap]
Getting used to an auto? Keep your left foot tucked out of the way, make NO attempt to use it. Make sure you have your belt on as sooner or later you WILL go for the clutch in a stressful moment.
Having said that, left foot braking in slow speed close quarter manouevring is an absolute God send when you figure it out, which frankly doesn't take much doing. Too many people bend their cars, sometimes in a bad way when they go for the brake and hit the gas.
I know a lot of people take the piss out of advanced drivers with the cockpit drill malarkey, but it really does work! Gets your head round what you are driving and what facilities it has and where they are. And this is from someone who once drove a car 30 miles up the motorway before figuring out that the vehicle, whilst outwardly identical to the one driven the day before, was actually the new model year and now with a 6 speed box.
[puts self in corner wearing Dunce cap]
Strangely Brown said:
I jump between auto and manual without a second thought. If you're new to autos then the best thing to start with is to tuck your left foot out of the way completely and don't be tempted to use it.
This is sound advice. When i first got my auto i went to press the clutch, caught the brake & nearly head butted the windscreen! I have got back into a manual after not driving one for a while, & stalling at traffic lights forgetting to press the clutch in
cushT said:
Strangely Brown said:
I jump between auto and manual without a second thought. If you're new to autos then the best thing to start with is to tuck your left foot out of the way completely and don't be tempted to use it.
This is sound advice. When i first got my auto i went to press the clutch, caught the brake & nearly head butted the windscreen! I have also got back into a manual after not driving one for a while, & stalling at traffic lights forgetting to press the clutch in
Background is I hired an e-class, my first auto, two years ago- had an extra wide brake pedal. Like many here I braked at the first junction too hard in error...
unfortunately in my case the guy behind me was too fast and too close
Hire car desk found it hilarious as had only been 3 minutes! Replacement was another auto but a A6 which had for 3 days and couple of hundred miles with no issues (narrower brake pedal though compared to merc). Now thinking of getting an auto but still slightly apprehensive hence the post. I’m sure ill adapt but as will also be driving OH’s manual.
unfortunately in my case the guy behind me was too fast and too close
Hire car desk found it hilarious as had only been 3 minutes! Replacement was another auto but a A6 which had for 3 days and couple of hundred miles with no issues (narrower brake pedal though compared to merc). Now thinking of getting an auto but still slightly apprehensive hence the post. I’m sure ill adapt but as will also be driving OH’s manual.
Edited by amir_j on Wednesday 7th April 11:34
sleep envy said:
be careful when pulling up to junctions
I've occasionally 'pressed the clutch in' and ended up putting both feet on the brake pedal
you stop pretty quickly
I've done that too I've occasionally 'pressed the clutch in' and ended up putting both feet on the brake pedal
you stop pretty quickly
Also, you may occasionally forget to dip the clutch when you return to a manual, and arrive at a junction labouring the engine at 200rpm, and stall to a halt.
Groober said:
Rawwr said:
Generally depends on the level of mental retardation.
To be a bit more helpful...Its piss easy to get used to. Even my mum could cope with an auto rental and she has been driving manual cars for 45 years!
Just keep your left foot tucked out of the way though if you want to get a bit more advanced left foot braking is a useful skill to have.
Personally I hate automatics on small engined cars (less than 3 litres and lots of torque!) and not all manufacturers automatics are any good so make sure you test drive well.
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