The clutch pedal may now be slowly allowed to raise by the foot until
it gradually takes hold. It is at this point where the beginner must
take the utmost care. Invariably, he will do this too quickly. After
several trials he will learn to do it deliberately, so as to avoid the
jerk caused by a sudden grip.
NEUTRAL POSITION OF TRANSMISSION LEVER.--The moment the car stops,
reach for the transmission lever, and put it into its neutral position.
This _should never be neglected_.
After the car starts, and it is apparent that the engine is running
strong, depress the clutch pedal with the left foot, and quickly change
the transmission lever to the next speed, and the clutch is then again
deliberately thrown in.
THROWING IN GEARS.--There is an art in throwing in the gears which
experience will enable a driver to do without grinding. To change from
intermediate to high, observe the same order,--that is, release the
clutch, then change the transmission lever, and again slowly bring the
clutch into operation.
IN REVERSING.--For reversing, wait until the car stops. Then cut out,
or release the clutch. The brakes must be released, the transmission
lever moved to a reverse position, and the clutch then thrown in
gradually.
QUICK STOPS.--Quick stops are sometimes necessary. This is done by
pressing down the clutch and brake pedals, with the feet, and setting
the emergency brake at the same time. For ordinary stops, close
the throttle, so as to allow the engine to reduce the speed on its
compression, then throw out the clutch with the left foot, and follow
this up by pressing the brake pedal with the right foot, so as to
gradually bring the car to a stop.
Then _put_ the _transmission lever_ to its _neutral position_.
EASE IN MANIPULATING PROGRESSIVE SYSTEM.--Of the two types, the
progressive system of transmission is the easiest to master, as the
novice frequently finds it difficult to quickly grasp the position and
movement of the lever. He has so many things to learn about at the
start. The progressive type is easy to master as it needs to be moved
in one direction only.
[Illustration: Fig. 104. Wiring for Lighting Circuit.]
In either case, however, the aim should be to make the two gears engage
each other at as nearly the same speed as possible. If the learner will
remember that the object of temporarily throwing out the clutch, is to
allow the clutch shaft to slow down, and then move the transmission
lever afterwards, he will be able, after several trials, to catch them
at a point where they will easily engage each other without any noise.
This applies to the selection type, also.
It has been stated that a locomotive engineer becomes so used to the
_feel_ of his engine that he can sense a wrong action of any part of
the immense mechanism under his control. There is a vibratory instinct,
if we may so term it, that affects the driver, which does not extend to
the person seated at his side.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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