first manual car, having some trouble upshifting from first to second, and downshifting altogether
09-01-2004, 07:25 AM
#11
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The 1-2 shift jerks because you're releasing the clutch too quickly.
As others pointed out, build up some muscle memory, and learn where the engagement point is. When you're releasing the clutch, slow down the pedal travel as you get near that engagement point, and easy the clutch pedal out s-l-o-w-l-y. When you're completely off the clutch, then you can press the throttle and continue driving. You'll eventually get the hang up it and start shifting a little faster. Wait until you can do a smooth shift every time before you try to shift faster.
09-01-2004, 07:32 AM
#12
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Re: Knowing what rpm's at what speeds in each gear helps to drive smoothly. ie....
Thanks a lot for all the advice. I'll try to work it all out. My only fear is that I'll get stuck having to replace the clutch. By the way, is there any way that replacing the clutch would be covered under warranty?
09-01-2004, 07:34 AM
#13
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relax, i couldnt drive stick when i got my car. my clutch is fine (40k later)
Just practive smoothly and patiently for a few days and you'll be doing fine in no time at all!
And practice in a parking lot!
09-01-2004, 07:44 AM
#15
Our brakes have a lot of initial bite - you will not damage the brakes unless you are tracking the
car. These brakes can take repeated 100 mph to 0 stops without hurting them. They are very tough. I always shift to neutral before braking. The car is free-wheeling, but remember that brake pads and rotors are cheap. The clutch and tranny are VERY expensive to repair/replace. Get on the brakes and they get better with some temperature in them! Abuse the brakes, not the clutch or tranny. You will get used to this car; it's just likely VERY different from what you were driving before.
09-01-2004, 07:48 AM
#17
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There'll be arguments for both sides...
Technically, downshifting keeps you in gear, and therefore, more 'in control' in that you'll have the option to get back on throttle in an emergency (ie - the semi dehind you brakes fail), but for the most part, but a 'normal' stop at a sign/light isn't usually an emergency, and you're usually not going fast enough to warrant a downshift to use engine braking to assist with the stop.
09-01-2004, 07:55 AM
#19
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depends on how ur warranty is...its covered under new car warranty but not audi assure or other.
As long as you dont grind the gear the you got nothing to worry about. The clutch is capable of handling a lot of abuse... 320+hp. you got a strong clutch so dont worry about it... like I said earlier take car of ur tranny and ill take care of you.
09-01-2004, 08:01 AM
#20
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Re: There'll be arguments for both sides...
I completely agree with you. The 10% of the time that I do downshift is when I'm driving spirited or if for some reason I think I might need to accelerate.