Push pull questions

BarraOG

I’m trying to learn the push pull technique. Let’s say I do full lock with the technique and now I wish to straighten up again. Do I keep my hands where they were or do I place them at 11 and 1 before doing the technique in the opposite direction? Secondly, let’s say I drive up to a stop sign just before a very tight left turn. In what order do I turn, straighten up, and switch to second gear? Instructor said before that I must change gear when turning. How many revs should I be doing before I switch from one to two so I don’t stall.

Thanks,
Barry

Alanstrainor

BarraOG wrote: »

1.I’m trying to learn the push pull technique. Let’s say I do full lock with the technique and now I wish to straighten up again. Do I keep my hands where they were or do I place them at 11 and 1 before doing the technique in the opposite direction?

2, let’s say I drive up to a stop sign just before a very tight left turn. In what order do I turn, straighten up, and switch to second gear? Instructor said before that I must change gear when turning.

3. How many revs should I be doing before I switch from one to two so I don’t stall.

Thanks,
Barry

1. I wouldn't overly think about this one. But I would assume that a turn at full lock is something that will be over quickly, so you may not have much chance or reason to return to an 11-1 position, but with some practice this is not something that will require thought.

2. Like a lot of driving, it depends. But I would listen to your instructor on this one. In most cases it is possible to change up to 2nd gear very soon after starting off, so I would do just that.

3. Now that is something you really don't need to focus on. And it is next to impossible for us to give an answer as all engines are different. Petrol, diesel, different sizes etc affect it. But you should be able to change into 2nd quickly after moving off. You don't want to overly labor the engine in 1st gear when 2nd is appropriate. But as before this all depends, if you are starting off on a steep hill you will need to drive in 1st for much longer and build revs. Or if there is 4 people in the car with you it is likely you will need more revs. All of this is more about feel and sound than anything.

cantdecide

One thing I will say as a general point that I've noticed in new drivers is the rush to achieve every aspect of the gear change in the least possible time like they want to keep the car accelerating at a linear rate of acceleration.

It's important to shift efficiently and decisively but it would also be beneficial to recognise that smoothness of the change is often a better indicator of how you're doing rather than accelerating linearly. Obviously you can't take all day to shift but avoid things like ripping the gear lever from gear to gear in attempt to get back on the gas asap - separate the motions.

In practicing shifting under controlled conditions (eg industrial estate) I would say that once you move off in first gear and the car revs up, the last thing you should do before shifting is just pause for a split second with the revs held at the suitable level (use your ear or your rev clock), clutch in - shift - clutch out, and push the throttle again. Rinse and repeat.