Manual Transmission
- If a vehicle has a synchronized manual transmission, you do not need to double clutch.
- To shift up:
- Release accelerator, push in clutch and shift to neutral at once.
- Release clutch.
- Let hears and engine slow down to the rpm needed for next gear.
- Push in clutch and shift to higher gear at once.
- Release clutch and press accelerator at same time.
- If you have trouble putting into next gear:
- Stay calm.
- Return to neutral, release clutch, increase engine speed and try again.
- When do you shift up?
- Use engine speed (rpm): when engine hits the top of the range for that gear.
- Use road speed (mph): learn what gears are good for what road speed.
- To shift down:
- Release accelerator, push in clutch and shift to neutral at once.
- Release clutch.
- Let hears and engine slow down to the rpm needed for next gear.
- Push in clutch and shift to lower gear at once.
- Release clutch and press accelerator at same time.
- Special conditions to downshift:
- Before starting down a hill.
- Before entering a curve.
Multi-Speed Rear Axles and Auxiliary Transmissions
- Used to provide extra gears.
- Control them by a selector knob or switch on the gearshift lever.
Automatic Transmission
- Select a low grade to get greater engine braking on low grades or poor road conditions.
Retarders
- Help slow a vehicle, reducing the need for brakes.
- Reduce brake wear and give another way to slow down.
- Can be turned off or on by the driver.
- Can be noisy, so may be prohibited, especially in populated areas
- If roads have poor traction, retarders can cause you to skid.