Co-ordinating the accelerator and clutch while changing gear

 

The engine rev’s should always match the road speed for the gear selected. That is, there should be no noticeable jerk (vehicle weight-shift) as a direct result of a gear change. To achieve "perfect" balance while changing gear(s) you will need to practice several gear changes. It is best to start with 3rd to 4th and then back from 4th to 3rd.

 

1. Find a clear stretch of road where you can change freely between third and fourth gear. Build your speed up to about 45 M.P.H. in fourth gear and then change down to third.

 

2. To do this smoothly you will need to ease the pressure on the gas pedal very slightly before clutch going down, (this should not noticeably slow the car down). This is done to prevent the car from 'pitching ‘forward as you declutch.

 

3. De-clutch and move the gear lever and start to press the gas pedal before you engage the clutch. Bring the clutch up smoothly as you apply more gas.

When the clutch is brought up fully you should be travelling at about 40 m.p.h.

 

One of the most common problems at this stage is a rushed gear change. Take your time with the gear change, if you have any problems slow down your hand and feet movements - make the action slow and deliberate, concentrating on what you can feel through the gas pedal and clutch.

 

Your aim is to keep the car balanced during the gear change. No pitching backwards or forwards and no clutch 'drag' on downward gear changes. You can recognise clutch drag by the sound of the engine - there should be no change in the engine sound as the clutch is engaged. If the engine 'drones' you need to either adjust the speed at which the gear change is made or increase the engine revs by light accelerator pressure as the clutch is engaged.

 

Feel free to make mistakes at this point - but not jerks! Temporary mistakes or over revving or slipping the clutch slightly are OK - they will pass with practice Now change back to 4th gear concentrating on smooth clutch control. Repeat this exercise several times until you are happy with the results.

 

Gear changing – Action Sheet

 

Mirrors before gears

  

The action required to improve my mirror use in relation to gears is:

 

Looking well ahead

 

The action required to improve my observation when changing gear is:

 

Co-ordination of clutch and accelerator

 

Keep the car balanced without clutch drag or ‘pitching’ when changing up

 

Keep the car balanced without clutch drag or ‘pitching’ when changing down

 

The action required to improve smoothness when changing gear is:

 

Selective gear changes

 

Habitually make selective gear changes and avoid unnecessary gear changes

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