Conquering the open road in a manual car is a satisfying feat, but it requires familiarity with your trusty ride's instruments and controls. Worry not, learners! This guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the cockpit with confidence and ease.
Foot Controls:
Accelerator: This pedal, over on the far right, controls the engine's power. Press gently for a smooth increase in power and speed, and ease off to slow down. Remember, too much gas too soon can lead to rushed movements and burnt out clutches!
Brake: Your guardian angel on the road, the brake pedal in the middle brings you to a stop. Keep your right heel anchored on the ground in front of the brake, so that you can always find it in a pinch. Pivot your right foot over from here to use the accelerator pedal, always keeping that heel in-front of the brake. Apply pressure gradually for controlled / progressive braking, and remember, slamming on the brakes is a recipe for disaster!
Clutch: This left pedal plays a crucial role in moving off and gear changes. When you press it down, you temporarily disconnect the engine from the rest of the car, allowing you to smoothly switch gears, when you bring the clutch up, you connect the engine to the gears and wheels again. Use your left foot to control the clutch pedal and keep your left heel off the ground when doing so; the clutch pedal moves very differently than the brake and accelerator do. When you're not using the clutch pedal, keep your left foot off the pedal and flat on the floor, do not rest your foot on the clutch as accidental use can cause damage to the car.
Hand Controls:
Parking Brake: This lever, usually next to the driver's seat, grips the back two wheels to keep the car stationary when parked. Pull it up to put it on, and release it by pulling up on it, pushing and holding the button in and then lowering the lever all the way down to the floor. Don't reach for the handbrake whilst you're moving, only use it when fully stopped, so that you keep two hands on the steering wheel as much as possible whilst driving. Use the hand brake any time there's a risk of rolling backwards.
Steering Wheel: Your trusty chariot's reins! Grip it comfortably at the "ten-and-two" position for optimal control and manoeuvrability, you can also grip it at "ten-and-two" and "ten-and-two"or any combination of these positions as appropriate to the steering you need to do. Try to avoid crossing your hands and keep two hands on the wheel as much as possible by sliding your hands around the wheel.
Indicators: The stick on the left side of the steering wheel activates the indicator lights. Signal your intentions to turn or change lanes by moving this stick up or down as appropriate. Remember, always indicate well in advance and cancel the signal promptly after the manoeuvrer, and signals can either be cancelled manually, or by steering the wheel the opposite direction to the signal given.
Headlights: These illuminate the road ahead, especially important in low-light conditions. Use dipped headlights in dark conditions and full beam when there's no oncoming traffic.
Gearstick: This stick, usually located between the front seats, controls the car's gear ratios. Learn the gear pattern (usually H-shaped) and practice smooth gear changes using the clutch pedal. Low gears transfer power well, and high gears run well at faster speeds; you'll find you can accelerate hard in gears 1 and 2, but their top speeds aren't very fast. In gears 3, 4 and 5 you can hit much higher speeds, but it takes you a lot longer to accelerate than the lower gears.
Other Essential Controls:
Horn: Use it to warn other drivers of your presence in danger when moving. Remember, just use your thumb to use the horn, keep your hands fully in control of the steering. Avoid using the horn when driving in a built-up area between the hours of 11.30 pm and 7.00 am.
Windscreen Wipers: It is your responsibility as a driver to keep your view clear in all conditions. Adjust the wiper speed based on the intensity of rain and turn them down and off when not needed to avoid unnecessary wear to the wiper blades.
Demister: This clears condensation from the inside of the windscreens, ensuring good visibility in cold conditions. For the front windscreen, set the air blower to the front windscreen, turn the power and heat up and also make sure the air intake is set up to draw fresh air in from the outside. For the rear windscreen, use the electric demister button to heat up the conductive lines on the rear windscreen glass. Windscreens mist up because the glass gets cold and the moisture in the air in the car is warm, get rid of the mist by heating the glass and replacing the air in the cabin with fresh air
Instrument Panel Smarts:
Speedometer: This displays your current speed. Always stay within the legal limits and adjust your speed according to road conditions.
Fuel Gauge: Keep an eye on this to avoid running out of fuel! Refuel when the gauge nears empty to avoid getting stranded.
Engine Temperature Gauge: This indicates the engine's operating temperature. If it rises into the red zone, pull over and let the engine cool down to prevent overheating.
Rev Counter: This shows the engine's revolutions per minute (RPM). It can help you move off smoothly and make smooth gear changes without over-revving or under-revving the engine.
Remember:
Practice makes perfect! The more you drive, the more comfortable you'll become with the controls.
Don't be afraid to ask your instructor for clarification or help if you're unsure about anything.
Always prioritize safety. You must be able to see out of your car fully and control your car safely, so make sure all those windows stay clean and clear with the demisters and wipers and make sure you use headlights if appropriate so that you can see and be seen by other road users.
With dedication and this handy guide, you'll be navigating the open road in your manual car like a seasoned pro in no time! Remember, mastering the controls is just the beginning of your driving journey. Always prioritize safety, practice good driving habits, and enjoy the ride!