How to Drive a Manual Transmission Car in Stop-and-Go Traffic?
2 Answers
Manual transmission driving techniques in stop-and-go traffic involve paying attention to clutch pedal depth, maintaining a following distance of over two meters, and anticipating the vehicle ahead. Specific details are as follows: Pay attention to clutch pedal depth: While driving, observe how deeply the clutch pedal needs to be depressed for the car to start normally. In congested traffic conditions, the semi-engaged state is often used for following, and clutch control directly affects the starting speed. Maintain a following distance of over two meters: Start slowly to avoid rear-end collisions. Anticipate the vehicle ahead: When driving a manual transmission car, anticipating the vehicle in front is crucial. In stop-and-go traffic, position your car slightly offset from the vehicle ahead to see several cars in front. If the cars ahead only move slightly, it's advisable not to start.
When driving a manual transmission car in traffic jams, I used to constantly switch between pressing the clutch and brake pedals. This often led to stalling or sudden jerks. Later, I learned a trick: maintain enough distance from the car ahead—about where you can see its rear wheels. This way, when starting at a red light, there's no need to rush. Gently lift the clutch to the biting point until you feel the car vibrate, then lightly press the accelerator. Once the car starts moving, fully release the clutch. When stopping, press the clutch all the way down first, then the brake—this ensures you won't stall. The key is not to follow too closely, leaving yourself some reaction space.
