I have been driving a manual for a year now and I want to improve my skill. So what is the correct way to release the clutch during daily driving in order to prolong clutch life? Typically I rev to 2k and engage kind of slow but the car always bogs(is that a sign of failing clutch?). When I shift at speed, I engage a little bit faster but still not a qucik dump. Is it the right way? How do you guys drive everyday?

 

I've been driving stick for 2 years now, and for as long as I can remember, I've always let the clutch out first so it grabs at around idle speed (750rpm)...and then slowly add gas as the car moves.

Revving to 2000rpms before u let ur clutch engage, IMO would really wear down the friction plate.

 

Do not rev and then dump the clutch...that's bad. On cable operated clutches begin to add gas at the same moment you begin to release the clutch. On hyrdaulic operated clutches, let the clutch 'grab' initially very momentarily and then add gas to where the engine would be revving to normally at the gear you are shifting into all the while letting the clutch out. You should not jerk the car; all gear changes should be quick and smooth with the tach needle staying as close to one RPM value as possible.

 

Thanks for the advice. I didn't know cable tranny and hydraulic tranny have such a differnce in terms of operating. Anyone else? Just want to see how everyone drives.

 

You just kind of have to feather it to get it to grab right. Every car is different.

The best thing you can do to extend clutch life is to not ride it at stoplights. Put the stick in neutral and let the pedal out. No big deal on actual clutch wear but your throwout bearing will be much happier.

 

They're not. I've had both, as well as solid linkages. The difference is between the clutches, & pressure plates, & flywheels of the different cars. Its not really hydraulic vs. cable. Each car maker is just a bit different.