GEAR CHANGE
When changing to a higher gear:
If accelerating gently - put the clutch right down, lift your right foot almost
off the accelerator just after the clutch has gone below the biting point (with you
right foot still just touching the accelerator), gently change gear, lift the clutch
up to the biting point then smoothly through it and push the accelerator down until
it gives the required power.
If accelerating firmly - bring the accelerator half way up, put the clutch right
down, lift your foot almost off the accelerator (leaving your right foot just touching
the accelerator), gently change gear, lift the clutch up to the biting point, put
the accelerator a little way down (until the engine is turning at the same speed
as the wheels), then smoothly bring the clutch through the biting point and push
the accelerator down until it gives the required power.
If going down a hill and not wishing to build up too much speed - keep your right
foot on the brake to control the speed, put the clutch right down, gently change
gear, bring the clutch up to the biting point and smoothly through it.
When changing to a lower gear:
If slowing down - keep your foot on the brake to control the speed, put the clutch
right down, gently change gear, bring the clutch up to the biting point and smoothly
through it
If requiring more power to climb a hill - bring the accelerator half way up, put
the clutch right down, take your foot off the accelerator (with your right foot just
touching the accelerator), gently change gear, lift the clutch up to the biting,
put the accelerator a little way down (until the engine is at the same speed as the
wheels), then smoothly bring the clutch through the biting point and push the accelerator
down until it gives the required power.
MOST CARS SHOULD NOT BE CHANGED DOWN INTO SECOND GEAR UNTIL THE SPEED HAS BEEN BROUGHT
DOWN TO BELOW 15 MILES PER HOUR - AND NOT PUT DOWN INTO FIRST GEAR UNTIL THE SPEED
IS BROUGHT DOWN TO UNDER FIVE MILES PER HOUR (A SLOW WALKING PACE)..
This document is the copyright of Peter Hurley:
16 October 1996 and amended 1 January 2004
