i've been driving manual for awhile now. i am just wondering that when you guys reverse do you slip the clutch or do you let it all the way out. when i back out of my driveway or parking space i always hold the clutch near the engagement point so i have control. i am wonderin if this would cause my clutch to wear out sooner. Any adivce would be appreciated

 

Yes, it will.

Whether I let the clutch all the way out or not depends on how far I'm going back. If not very far, I just gas it a little and let the clutch pedal out just enough for it to grab. Then I push the clutch pedal back in so it's not slipping the whole time I'm reversing. Try that.

 

Everytime you let the clutch slip, you are wearing it out. Try to do a smooth motion when in reverse so you can get it to engage fully without jerking the car. What I do usually is just let it grab a little and let the car's momentum get it out the driveway while in neutral

 

ok i see what you guys mean. SO basically if you are not backing up very far or have to back up in a very controlled manner, then its near impoosible to to let the clutch all the way out, correct? such as parallel parking or backing out of a parking spot you have to alternate from letting it catch and then pushing it back in.

 

You can let it all the way out, the car doesnt go that fast with no gas in reverse

 

without gas wouldn't the car stall?

 

As an exercise you should be able to get the car rolling in first and reverse without ever touching the gas. For daily driving just a little gas while you're feathering the clutch will do the job nicely.

 

the reverse gearing ratio is low enough that you'll be able to put the car in reverse without gas on a level surface. just need to let the clutch out slowly.

 

Anytime the clutch is not fully engaged or disengaed it is wearing - try to limit that time.

 

bad to wear out the clutch prematurely it will cost enough to buy a new one

 

Hm, I believe your questions answered, but of course it'll cause more wear. It applies to every gear, if you're holding it in the engagement point.


But it only makes sense to drive with more sense and "control", so you shouldn't stress over the clutch wear over this one.

 

You must be on a slope every time you back up....

That's one thing I've had it with MT...."perfection" is so hard to get in backing up, at least the way I see it,
either risk stressing the clutch or risk backing up faster than you'd really want to....
...boy talking about doing street side parking in tight situations like NYC....no way I'd even attempt doing such parking a spanking new TSX with MT in such situation.

Oh one more thing ! MAKE SURE THERE'S NO LITTLE KIDS ANYWHERE around your MT car when backing up !!!

 

ya thats what i find. a slow speed controled backup is damn nearly impossible without feathering the clutch. I guess the clutch is there for a reason and its made to be replaced. I don't think reversing in everyday driving should cause premature clutch wear.