Topic: Hand on Stick Shift

[Ghost]

taking one hand off the steering wheel results in 50% loss of tactile feel of the car. Why would you do it unless you drive a boat that has no feel to it to begin with.

[kavatski]

The manual for my 2004 Subaru advises against this, and so did the manual for my 2002 Mazda. Can't remember what the VW manual said back when I had a Jetta. I've never been in the habit of resting my hand there anyway, but at least some manufacturers still feel it's enough of an issue to specifically mention it in the owner's manual.

[Railton]

James, that it is.
Personally, I don't think I ever drive with my hand on the shifter unless it's stormy WInter WX and I'm going slow. Same thing goes for when I had an Automatic a looong time ago, for those quick shifts to neutral to take the power off the wheels to stop the car faster.
Railton

[Brig]

Barrie:  Thanks, hon.

Ghost:  You make a good point.  I drive a 2.0L four-banger on short hauls.  I don't normally need tactile - except at very high speeds (125 km/h +) if I'm trying to get out of a jam.  When that happens, as rarely as it happens, I DEFINITELY have both hands on the wheel.  I keep forgetting that you guys are all a bunch of speed freaks...  

Well, I guess there are two schools of thought in this department, as I suspected.  I'm due for a date with my VW tech for my 96K inspection (overdue), so I will also ask for his input.  If anybody knows, he will.

Brigitte

[Bluetus04]

I have the same (bad?) habit, and definitely doing it the most on 4th.  The warning of don't do this is on the manuals of 2 cars I have/had, so I figure it must mean something.

Now, whenever I assume the position, I constantly remind myself not to put too much pressure on the stick, if that helps at all!

[Mdxtasy]

Oh boy....what a first post.  Saf...be nice.  Welcome to the forum Bluetus.

[Brig]

Too much pressure on the stick when you assume the position apparently causes bushings to wear out.  This can cause problems later on when you're trying to burn rubber.  However, it's been said that a lighter hand can provide a more tactile experience, much-loved by some people on this forum.

Interpret that any way you'd like, folks.  

And welcome to dee Swomp, Blue.

Brigitte

[Bluetus04]

Thanks, MDX & Brig.  Great to find a car forum specific for Canadians.

[ovr50]

Welcome to the Forum, Blue. That 1st post was pretty brave for sure. Between Bridge and Saf, you're lucky you're not shredded. It's a fun and informative place - why just today, I learned that the "W" in oil grades, eg 10W30, stands for "winter" and not for "weight". Never too old to learn  !!!!  

[Roadrunner]

Well put Brig. Welcome to the forum Blue.

[Barrie1]

Yes I agree as well "Welcome to the Forum".

[Bluetus04]

Oh, by the way Brigs, when the engine's still cold, I always start with a gentle touch.  But after warming up and upon shifting to 4th, I usually get so tense that some pressure on the stick is inevitable.  Although it's been said a no no in the manuals, I'm sure the tranny doesn't mind some pressure too to share my excitement.

What am I talking about.  Again, interpret it any way you'd like.

[Brig]

Oh, come on, Blue.  You can do better than that...

How about a little hummer?

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/27/automobiles/27auto.html?oref=login&8hpib

Brigitte



(Message edited by brigitte on October 27, 2004)

[Barrie1]

Ya something like a Pink H2 I think Brigitte means.

[Bluetus04]

Oh, I got it, "...an avatar of American swagger or SINFULNESS...".  Call me if you see a Pink H2 on the road.  I want to see who would ever drive that!

Anyways, I shouldn't have gone off topic.  Brig, let us know after you find out more info from your VW tech.  I definitely want to know the truth.