Should he just do automatic?

[Anonymous]

My friend has had over 30 hours of experience driving a manual car.

He is really struggling with it, but is willing to stick with it so that he can drive both transmissions.

I wanted to help him out with your advice, too. I have seen him drive.

[Oliverlogan263]

Hmm that's tough. On one hand, it's definitely cool that your friend wants to learn manual, cause it's a good skill to have. But if he's really struggling after 30 hours, that's a lot of frustration! Here's what I think:

- Learning manual does take practice, but if he's not getting much better even after that long, it might just not be the best use of time to keep beating his head against the wall.

- Driving should be fun too, you know? If he's just stressing out every time he tries manual, that takes all the enjoyment out of it.

- Lots of nice cars are automatic now anyway. He wouldn't be missing out on much by switching.

- If he really wants to stick with it, maybe he could take a few lessons with a pro instructor. Might help with some tips to finally get over the hump.

- Otherwise, maybe it's okay for him to try auto for now. He can always go back to manual later if he really wants. No shame in doing what makes driving more enjoyable!

So I'd say if he's still super frustrated, it's probably fine to switch to auto. Manual skills will still be there later if he changes his mind. But ultimately it's his call - just wanna help him have fun with it, you know?

[Asker]

He is taking lessons with an instructor, but I’m pretty sure I smelt the clutch burning. He kept telling me about how he has been confused with which one he should do, but he said that he will stick to manual.

[Asker]

Can I PM you about this?

[Oliverlogan263]

Dang, smelling the clutch burning is not a good sign at all. That means he's riding it too much and will probably screw it up for good if he keeps it up.

I'd say at this point he should think about switching to auto for now. 30 hours is a good effort but if he's still confusing the pedals and frying clutches, manual obviously ain't clicking for him yet. No point stressing about it.

Maybe suggest he finishes the lessons in an auto so he doesn't damage anything. Then once he's comfortable driving in general, he could try manuals again later down the line once the pressure is off. One step at a time, ya know?

For now his and everyone else's safety on the road should come first. He can always come back to manuals, but he's gotta be able to drive period. If auto makes that easier till he's more experienced, that's totally cool.

No shame in switching for now. Better than flunking his test or stalling everywhere! Just my two cents, hope it helps him out.

[Oliverlogan263]

And sure

[Asker]

No offence, but he keeps frying the clutch, stalling and putting the cat into third gear when coming to a complete stop, rather than in first gear. I also heard the wheels squeak.

[Asker]

The car*

[Asker]

It says you have to follow me back to let me PM you. I followed you. 😊

[Oliverlogan263]

Woah, sounds like your friend is really having some issues driving stick! Frying the clutch and stalling all the time can't be good for the car.

Putting it into third when stopping is just mega dangerous too, big no-no. And I bet the wheel squealing ain't helping his nerves either. Learning manual is tough, but maybe he needs some more one-on-one lessons before he hurts the ride, ya know?

The instructor is there to help obviously, but if he's still messing up bad stuff like that maybe a few more hours just practicing the super basic stuff in an empty lot would seal it in better. Last thing you want is him stalling at a light and causing an accident!

I'd say next lesson see if he can just focus on taking off from stops in first gear smooth. And remind him to always be in first or reverse before he's fully stopped. Once he nails the basic stuff down, the rest will come easier. He's gotta respect the clutch more too before he kills it for good haha. Keep at it, you'll get it!

[Oliverlogan263]

Okay check and see if I did because I just checked and followed

[Asker]

Accepted. 👍

[Likes2drive]

I learned how to drive a manual at 16 years old, takes awhile, it’s all about the friction point and learning the revs , it’s just something you eventually get used to. I’ve driven 10 speed tractor trailers for years afterwards but now they are automatic, good thing I took my test for that 27 years ago so I wouldn’t have a restriction on my class A license but with cars it doesn’t matter, I also have my motorcycles license since I was 19

[Zally]

Ah yes, manual transmission haha. If you believe he is smart enough for it. (not that it's all that hard but we all learn at some point) go on the Internet, and watch videos about working clutch diagrams. Let him see exactly how the clutch function works so when he's driving. There isn't any imaginary walls of wondering while he drives. The rest is practice. Your car's clutch isn't the first to be burnt to a crisp by learning drivers and it won't be the last xD

[Asker]

Can I PM you about this

[Zally]

Yea sure haha, I've been driving for a long time and if I can help I will

[Asker]

You have to follow me back to allow PMs, apparently.

[Asker]

Thank you aha!

[Fireguy17]

some get it easier than others.
My first go at a stick shift was a John Deere with a hand clutch.
Once you get it you get it.
It seems that people that are more musically inclined have an easier time.
I had a semi-truck instructor ask me you play the piano don't you, and I said yes I do.
he said I can tell.
It might help to find someone not close to him that can give him some pointers.

[Asker]

Can I PM you about this?

[Fireguy17]

sure I might not be able to respond right away but sure.

[Asker]

That’s okay. Apparently you have to follow me back to allow PMs.

[Fireguy17]

I don't think I can do that because you are anonymous.
Bummer.