Lesson One: Getting to know the Clutch

The clutch is used for 2 main things: Shift gears, and avoiding engine stall (turning off)

1.- When turning on your car, the one thing you need to do is to press the clutch. You might need to press it all the way, or may be not too much. The clutch can be adjusted to sensitivity with a screwdriver. If the battery is death, then you need to push the car fast enough (+5mph) press the clutch to go first gear, and once a good speed has been achieve, you should release the clutch so the speed of the car could turn the car on. It might get a bit shaky, but it will get you somewhere.

What happens if I don't press the Clutch to turn the car on?
Most likely, you won't be able to turn the key in the first place. Even if you engage with the clutch but you notice the key won't turn, then try to move the steering wheel left and right as you turn the key. **Some cars, like the Ford Focus, won't need the clutch to turn on the car.


2.-  Once the Car is on, you are facing two possible scenarios.
  I) You have your car in neutral (no gear engaged), and you can let go the clutch.
  II) You have your car in first gear (or reverse), and you should keep pressing the clutch.

* If you are in I) it is because most likely you were in a level parking. Whereareas II) is most likely to occur in a hill, or ramp. Leaving your car in 1st gear when parking reduces the chances of the car rolling into incoming traffic. It is the same principle in automatic-transmission  when putting in P (parking).

** Leave the car running for at least 20 seconds after a long period of not using the car. It is a pain having to press and hold the clutch for a long time, so that is why is recommended  to leave the car in neutral while it's warming up. If you don't wait this 20 seconds, the engine gears will worn much faster, and you will start experiencing problems with your car sooner than before. These engine problems are costly so it is better to wake up an extra 20 seconds earlier (rather than waiting 5 more minutes in bed) to keep you car running smoothly.

3) Once everything is ready to go (you have made yourself comfortable with the seat, mirrors are adjusted to your height, and there is no incoming traffic) then you can engage in first gear and start moving forward.

*For these details visit the next blog