Stop n Go / Highway Meter MT Protocol
 

I have only been driving MT for about 2-3 weeks now and have a question or two regarding procedure for stop-n-go traffic and highway entrance meters (ie. Driving at speeds of 2-3 mph)

As of now I don't really fully enter first gear since I am only inching so to speak.

Basically, I let off the clutch partially and give it some gas until it engages a bit and moves forward. Pretty soon after I press in the clutch and coast and repeat as necessary. I just wanted to make sure this was an OK practice since i was warned not to use the clutch too much (or press it partially) while hitting the gas or when the car is in gear. Same goes for reverse in parking lots where I'm using the clutch and brake in tandem.

What you are doing seems about right.

Save your transmission by staying in gear (less shifting from neutral to first) as much as possible.

Save your clutch by using the downhill slope to roll and catch up with traffic. If you're lucky you can just use the brakes and parking brake to keep up with slow-moving traffic.

If you have to apply some gas, keep the rpms as low as possible. Your clutch won't wear too badly if you're giving it sub-1.5k rpm rolls. It's the high friction of faster rpms and partial clutch that burn it up quick (you'll smell it, trust me). Basically, if the car isn't jerking forward or chirping tires, you're probably not launching too hard. Once you have enough momentum, feel free to depress the clutch completely again and just roll till you have to brake.

If you're really lucky, you'll get those 10-15 mph rolls that you can just sit in second gear and be a-okay without any left-foot magic. I have the habit of pulling the parking brake once I'm stopped for over 5 seconds (or if I know I will be).

The advice about 'riding the clutch' applies when you're moving otherwise (like using the clutch as a foot-rest). I know it sounds crazy, like "who would do that?" but.. some people do.

Yeah it's unavoidable to slip the clutch sometimes if you are stuck in traffic, and there is no harm if it is at low RPMS, although it will heat up eventually if you are doing it constantly and that could cause some issues. Just try to keep it to a minimum, and never use the clutch to hold yourself on a hill.

Thanks for the input guys, glad to have some piece of mind in knowing I am doing things properly.

Unlike most drivers, I do try to maintain a speed / coast as opposed to riding the bumper in front of me to maintain some sanity and go easy on the drivetrain.

i do the same thing. even more so since switching to a manual. leaving space in front of you has a net positive effect on traffic anyways :D