I enjoyed a Toyota Corolla for a week in exchange for my thoughts. Everything shared is 100% my own.
While the automatic transmission car is widely popular in North America, it is slowly gaining momentum abroad. With so many of you planning trips overseas I thought I would attempt at giving you tips and give it a go at sharing with you How to Drive a Stick Shift. It is quite easy and a repetitive mechanical process that can shy some away from renting a car in another country. Don’t let the fun stick shift put a damp in your travel plans!
What you need to know before driving a stick shift
Physically the differences you will see in the car are the gear stick and an extra pedal next to the brake. It is called the clutch. Your right foot will still focus on the gas and the brake pedals. Your left foot will take care of the clutch which will need to be pressed in when shifting gears. The gear stick has numbers on it which represent each gear. “R” stands for reverse.
How to Drive a Stick Shift
It is easy. All you need is to understand the process and as much practice as you can get. That is where all the fun will come in. Follow these steps:
- Before you start the car, press the clutch all the way in.
- Then press in the brake and turn the ignition on.
- Holding both pedals in, move the shift stick to first gear.
- Let the brake pedal go
- Press the gas pedal. While you learn to listen to the engine for clues as to when to shift gears, rev the engine to 1500 RPMs. Cool mom tip: If you lower that 1500 RPMs the engine will stall. Not a problem since you can start the process all over again until you get the hang of it.
- Start letting the clutch go slowly as you press the gas pedal. Once the car starts rolling you can let go the clutch completely.
- When you reach more or less 3000 RPMs press the clutch all the way in and move the stick shift into second gear. At 3000 RPMs repeat the process until you go through all the gears.
- To stop, press down the clutch and the break. Move the stick shift to the neutral position.
Cool mom tip: once you get a hang on this, you can use your gearbox to shift down and help the braking process when you need to stop.
Reasons to Enjoy Driving a Stick Shift
I find that driving a stick shift gets you completely into the driving itself. This makes you concentrate on the driving experience and be more in tune with the car and the engine and become one. The result of this? You are more focused on driving. Funny how a stick shift gives me a sense of freedom. I always equate a sports car to a stick shift, the fun of Corolla gives just that to you.
Saving with a stick shift
I heard a car mechanic say once that a manual transmission helps gas mileage and wears down less the brakes. Sounds like savings to me! Talking savings, having a gearbox usually saves $1000 off the MSRP of a car. To drive a super performing car that will give you the joy of experiencing driving a stick, try the Toyota Corolla. In addition to the open road fun, you get all the safety and technology you are accustomed to getting from the brand. Yes, rearview camera and blind spot alerts included!
Tell me have you driven a stick shift? What is your favorite thing about it? If you haven’t, what car would you choose to learn in?
Oh an if you need more car tips, how about learning how to change a flat tire?
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Amber Myers says
This looks like a fantastic car. I don’t think I could comfortably drive stick shift though. My husband can though! He’s in the military and many of their tanks are stick shift, so they have no choice in the matter.
Tamara says
I NEVER have, and I think it’s a crucial skill. My cousin tried to teach me when I was 19 and it didn’t go well. Now I have to try again. By the way, we love Toyota. I’ve had Toyotas forever.
MaLee @ This Blue Dress says
Great post! I’ve always been kind of nervous about learning to drive a stick shift but my friends who have one love it!
Le says
I have never driven a manual car. Many people say you have more control of the car, but I am totally okay with automatic. Thank you for adding a video to give us a visual!
Dee Jackson says
I have always been terrified of stick shifts. Thanks for the tutorial but I think I will stick with my automatic lol
Jessica Taylor says
I have never in my life been behind the wheel of a stick shift! I am so nervous when it comes to driving lol.
Alison Rost says
I think it’s important for people to learn how to drive manually even if they’re planning on buying an automatic car. This is such a good tutorial for those who are curious or traveling to places where automatic cars aren’t common.
Farrah Less says
I didn’t have a chance to drive a stick shift car yet I’ve watch some videos online. I think I can handle it, My mom and dad used to drive it before I guess up to this day they still know how.
Angela Milnes says
My husband drives manual shift. I have tried to learn, but I would like to stick with automatic for now.
Laura Dove says
Manual shift cars are the norm in the UK, I didn’t realise this wasn’t the case everywhere else! I wouldn’t now how to drive an automatic, I;d be reaching for the clutch!
David Elliott says
My very first car was a stick shift. I really did not have too much of a problem with it, but it’s because my father insisted saying I would be able to drive any car as a result. And that’s pretty much been true.
Angela says
I think you did a really good job explaining this! I love driving a stick shift, I haven’t in a while since they aren’t that common anymore but 2 of my precious vehicles were manual transmissions
Hannah Marie says
I honestly haven’t driven any car. I do not know how to drive but I would love to. My Dad doesn’t want to teach me though. That car looks fab!
Kiwi says
A Stick shift is my ultimate fear. I refused to learn how to drive one because its so scary to me.
Deb Dutta says
Haha my husband would love to read your piece! I gave up a while ago!
lex says
Just learnt driving recently and i used the manual to learn as its allowing me to operate the automatic ones easily too.
BRENDA ALDEN says
My first car was a manual. I didn’t know how to drive it when I bought it… But I was up for what seemed like a challenge!
I learned how to smoothly shift through the gears and engage the clutch in my local Walmart parking lot, at night after all the shoppers had cleared out.
I agree, manual really does make you one with your vehicle! You are more Intune with the performance and control of your car ?
Some people find manual intimidating because of the operation manoeuvres but it becomes second nature once you get the hang of it!
I say … Keep calm and shift on ?