5 Simple Tips to Drive a Manual Car In South Africa – A Beginners Guide
Start with a basic understanding of gears and transmissions
Driving a manual car isn’t just about pushing down a clutch and letting go of the clutch pedal to get moving. First and foremost, driving a manual vehicle requires you to have a basic understanding of the gear and transmission system of your car. This is important for two main reasons: you’ll be more comfortable with your car and you’ll be able to get the most out of your car. Now, let’s talk about what this means exactly. The gear in your car refers to the different driving ratios that you have. This means that when you’re driving a manual car, you have to manually change the gear between one and another. When you first drive a manual car, you’ll learn what gear your car is set in. However, you don’t want to worry too much about this when getting started. As long as you know what gear your car is in, you’re good! Your car’s transmission system refers to the way your car transfers (and sometimes interferes) with the input and output of the car. This can be tricky, even for experts. What you want to focus on is knowing when it’s better to rely on your car’s transmission or not. This will help you get the most out of your car while driving.
Watch your speed carefully
You’ve probably heard someone tell you that driving a manual car isn’t about how fast you go, it’s about how long you stay there. This is especially true when you’re driving a manual car. When you’re driving a manual car, you have to be aware of your speed. Why? Because you have to match your car’s speed with what’s happening around you. This can be tricky for beginners, especially if you’re new to driving a manual car. What you want to do is focus on slowing your speed down as well as speeding up. When you drive a manual car, try to keep your speed between 50 to 60km/h. This is a good speed when you’re driving a manual car. Why? Because it’s right in the middle of what the car can do.
Take long, smooth strides when driving
One thing you want to avoid when driving a manual car is taking short-stepped strides. Why? Because this will cause you to drive too fast in your new car. Instead, take long, smooth strides when you’re driving your manual car. How do you do this? You want to take a big step, then pause for a second. Then take another big step and pause again. This will help you drive with confidence when you’re starting out in your new manual car.
Get comfortable using the handbrake
Another thing you have to get used to when driving a manual car is using the handbrake. Why? Because this will help you slow down your car when it’s too fast for the road you’re on. When you first start driving a manual car in South Africa, you don’t want to be braking with a heavy hand. Instead, ease into this new skill. You want to brake with one hand, but smoothly. Why? Because you want to avoid slamming the brakes or throwing the car into a skid.
Be ready for unexpected stops at intersections
The last tip is something that you should be prepared for when driving a manual car in South Africa. What you want to do is be prepared for unexpected stops at intersections. Why? Well, this is especially true when you’re driving a manual car. Why? Because you’re relying on your car’s reaction to what’s happening around you. What you don’t want to do is slam on the brakes. Instead, ease into the intersection. That way, you can be ready for anything that happens on the road.
Bottom line
Driving a manual car isn’t as difficult as driving an automatic car. All you have to do is follow these five simple tips to drive with ease in your new manual car!
