Staying in control in slow-moving traffic

robocode · 28-10-2014 01:51PM #1

I have just finished my 12-lessons, but I'm still quite a nervous driver around traffic, despite reassurances from my instructor and girlfriend that I'm doing great, and just need to get over the nerves.

The one thing that I keep second-guessing is how to best deal with slow-moving traffic, particularly a queue of cars approaching a roundabout. I get caught in two minds

As I approach the queue I slow down and come to a stop, but should I be using my handbrake, and into neutral? Then when the car in front begins to move, into 1st, find the bite, release accelerator, stop and repeat as necessary? [LIST=2]
Or when I stop do I just keep the clutch and brake depressed and stay in first, then to move again come off the brake, and slowly come off the clutch to move (if on the flat, but if on a hill give it gas too)
[/LIST]

Sometimes my instructor seems to be a bit vague

Witcher · 28-10-2014 04:03PM

robocode wrote: »

I have just finished my 12-lessons, but I'm still quite a nervous driver around traffic, despite reassurances from my instructor and girlfriend that I'm doing great, and just need to get over the nerves.

The one thing that I keep second-guessing is how to best deal with slow-moving traffic, particularly a queue of cars approaching a roundabout. I get caught in two minds
As I approach the queue I slow down and come to a stop, but should I be using my handbrake, and into neutral? Then when the car in front begins to move, into 1st, find the bite, release accelerator, stop and repeat as necessary?

No need for the handbrake, the footbrake is fine and stay in 1st gear with clutch and brake in.

While you're waiting, hold the clutch in just under the biting point and when you're ready to go bring it up that last little bit until it bites- you'll feel the car pull, release the brake and go over onto the accelerator.

It's sounds really formulaic when you read it like that but it should just be an easy set of movements, that'll come in time.

[LIST=2]
Or when I stop do I just keep the clutch and brake depressed and stay in first, then to move again come off the brake, and slowly come off the clutch to move (if on the flat, but if on a hill give it gas too)
[/LIST]

Depending on the circumstances you might need to use the footbrake, hold the clutch down and leave it in gear or you may need to use the handbrake and put the car in neutral (eg. if you were waiting for ages in a line of traffic at lights etc.)

Always bring the clutch up to the biting point before you release the brake because even if the road looks flat there can be a slight slope on it and if you come off the brake first without the clutch biting you could roll back even on a slight slope.

Sometimes my instructor seems to be a bit vague

After twelve lessons you should really know all that by now, instructor doesn't seem to have done a good job.

robocode · 28-10-2014 04:56PM

Blay wrote: »

After twelve lessons you should really know all that by now, instructor doesn't seem to have done a good job.

I think (I know) I'm definitely guilty of overthinking it all too. My girlfriend says I'm fine, no stalling, very controlled, but I think I'm always second-guessing myself.

When you say

While you're waiting, hold the clutch in just under the biting point and when you're ready to go bring it up that last little bit until it bites- you'll feel the car pull, release the brake and go over onto the accelerator.

I always thought I had to be giving it gas before I could try find the bite??

Witcher · 28-10-2014 05:13PM

robocode wrote: »

I think (I know) I'm definitely guilty of overthinking it all too. My girlfriend says I'm fine, no stalling, very controlled, but I think I'm always second-guessing myself.

When you say I always thought I had to be giving it gas before I could try find the bite??

If you press the accelerator with the clutch in you'll just rev the engine needlessly.

Just hold the brake in, let the clutch out and you'll feel the car pull against the brake- maintain the clutch position and let go of the brake, the car will move and just pick it up with the accelerator and continue on.

Craftylee · 28-10-2014 06:08PM

Yeah I would only use the handbrake when you're stopping for a length of time - aka at a red light. If theres a queue at the roundabout I would use the footbrake and leave the car in 1st with the clutch down. Thing about roundabouts is you will want to go when there's a chance/gap, and if you have the handbrake on and you're in neutral by the time you're prepared to go that gap will have gone.

You want to be in first with the footbrake and as soon as theres a chance to go, go straight onto the gas and up with the clutch. Alot of people won't even use the brake when waiting (if it's flat) and will just have the clutch just below biting point and a bit of gas, so all they need to do is raise the clutch when you want to go. Trouble with this is if you're rear ended there's nothing holding your car still.

Also if you're driving a diesel you probably will be able to get away with pulling away using only the clutch, but in a petrol you will need to give it some revs.

But practice makes perfect

Staying in control in slow-moving traffic

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