Stick Shift Hacks
Recommended Reading: How to: Drive a Stick Without a Clutch – Feature
If you own a vehicle with a manual transmission, congratulations: You’re about to own a piece of automotive history.
In all likelihood, manual transmissions will disappear from brand-new vehicles in the next decade. The reason? Emissions rules, electronics, and fuel economy regulations.
First, let’s talk about emissions rules. Federal regulations are requiring auto manufacturers to build vehicles that don’t generate any appreciable amount of toxic exhaust gases. While this is great for the environment, it requires companies to build vehicles with as much computer control as possible. Computers are capable of controlling throttle inputs much more precisely than us dumb humans, so automakers are forced to give computers throttle control to minimize pollution…and manual transmissions really aren’t compatible with electronic throttles.
Next, we have electronics. The technology to surpass the gear work of the best driver on the planet has existed for over 10 years, but constant advancements in the field of electronics have made that technology cheap enough to be included in every vehicle. Cars will use electronic actuators to replace clutch pedals because, simply stated, electronic actuators work better than manual control.
Finally, we have fuel economy regulations. Even if you throw away the first two reasons, fuel economy rules are forcing manufacturers to build cars with the best fuel-saving technology possible. Since maximum fuel savings requires maximum computer control, we’re seeing electronically controlled transmissions and throttles…both of which replace the manual transmission.
So, that’s it. No more manuals in the very near future.
In honor of these soon-to-be anachronisms, please enjoy these manual transmission tips and hacks from Car and Driver.
From The Car and Driver Blog
Yet another reason to Save the Manuals!
Part of the reason we want to save manual transmissions is because they’re fun to operate. But there’s another plus: The things that break in a manual often do not stop a car dead in its tracks, which is good if you’re crossing the Sahara on your way to Dakar. Let’s say, for example, that the connection between the third pedal and the clutch fails, keeping the clutch engaged. Follow these steps and you won’t have to call a tow truck. Read the full article…
