Best practice for stick driving

[Korruptor]

I just got my 2011 Versa with 6 speed manual.

I almost never use downshifting to slow down, as i'll coast and brake as I approach a stop most often.

For heavy stop and go traffic, when stopped for more than a few seconds, is it better to:
1) go into neutral and cluitch out?
2) stay in 1st with clutch in?
3) Does it make a difference either way?

[Andrews Chalmers]

neutral and clutch out = neutral.

1st with clutch in = functionally neutral.

[kc5f]

"Functionally neutral", yes, but I always went for neutral and clutch out when I had a manual. I don't know if it was easier or harder on the engine, but I drive about 3000 miles a month, and it was a lot easier on my left leg not to have to hold in the clutch at long lights, etc. It adds up!

[Korruptor]

So by the sounds of it, it probably doesn't make a difference I guess.

Ok, Thanks! I'll probably go full neutral (clutch out stick not in gear) to save my leg then. thanks.

[xtwoonamatchx]

I personally leave the car in gear for the most part, if you leave enough space between you and the car infront of you, you can get through rush hour without coming to a complete stop. But when i come to a stop, at a light, I put the car in neutral and let the clutch out, but when I see the rotation coming back I put it back in first so i'm ready when the light is green. In traffic I just keep the clutch in, just easier to be ready to move

[Korruptor]

I personally leave the car in gear for the most part, if you leave enough space between you and the car infront of you, you can get through rush hour without coming to a complete stop.

Sadly this isn't the case in my region. If you leave more than a few feet someone will take it, shoehorning their car or motorcycle in that little gap.
Sometimes even if you are riding the bumper of the guy in front they will try and force their way in. Makes me wish I had a junker so if we have metal connecting I don't care, as I think it'd be their fault for leaving their lane without room to get into mine.

[xtwoonamatchx]

haha well I'm in the Baltimore area, so when you see someone trying to take your gap, just hit the gas a bit harder ;-)

[mitchellhuth]

Leaving the clutch in wears the throw out bearing. It is best to put in neutral and let out the clutch.

[boxcarbill]

Leaving the clutch in wears the throw out bearing. It is best to put in neutral and let out the clutch.

That's RIGHT peoples. Clutch in as minimal as reasonably possible.

[Silver Eagle]

90% of cars have a gear stick here in the UK, the highway code favours neutral when you are driving and have to stop but the way almost all drivers do it is "clutch in, into first, foot over the "gas" pedal ready to move off, hand on the handbreak with enough pressure to keep the car from moving. If it looks like a longish delay then into the neutral stick position and clutch out.

[led hed]

depressing the clutch when 'neutral' is an option (say at a stop light) will eventually wear out the release bearing.