Tips and tricks on driving the car

[Mad1723]

Hey guys,

I just got my new Asphalt FR-S last friday and I'm really happy with the purchase. It's an amazing car and it's already turning a lot of heads.

Now, here's my problem: This is my first manual car. I know some of you would say that learning on a brand new car is not ideal, but this is the situation I am in. I took a few classes before, but never had a full-time manual car. Please bear with me and refrain from hitting me on the head for that.

I'm already getting the hang of it, but there's a problem I can't seem to figure out.

When shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, I can't seem to make it smooth. It's constantly jerking forward. I tried multiple ways to release the clutch and it seems like I can't get it smooth. 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th are all fine. Any tips on the way to shift properly so it doesn't do that?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[whaap]

For normal driving I would say use first gear just to get moving and then shift into second. Don't accelerate quickly until you're in second gear. That might make it easier for you and as you gain more practice/experience you can deviate more to your liking.

[wrxgoose]

are you letting off the gas completely when going 1-2? or are you trying to rev match?

[Wes]

Try taking it slow getting into second, this happened to me too until I found the right method. Try clutching all the way thenn shift into second and release the clutch a little slower as you would with gears 3 to 6. As you get used to it you'll be able to do it faster. It takes some time

[encity5]

no real magical explanation, better/smoother will come with experience as you learn and feel the car.

[Mad1723]

Originally Posted by wrxgoose

are you letting off the gas completely when going 1-2? or are you trying to rev match?

I'm usually letting go of the gas completely, pressing the clutch pedal fully while switching to second and then I depress the clutch fully at what I think is a steady rate, then slowly get back on the gas.

I will try that later today and keep practicing.

I also read on this forum about a 2nd gear synchro problem with the factory oil. Some people mention switching to Redline oil for the transmission helped their problem. Could that be something to consider in my case or is it only a problem with my inexperience?

Thanks

[whaap]

Originally Posted by Mad1723

I also read on this forum about a 2nd gear synchro problem with the factory oil. Some people mention switching to Redline oil for the transmission helped their problem. Could that be something to consider in my case or is it only a problem with my inexperience?

Though I don't consider it a problem, the only time I might have a little glitch between first and second is when I first start up the first time after backing out of the garage. The first time I take off forward I notice a little resistance as I shift into second. There after for the rest of the drive things are normal. I don't consider that little hiccup worth doing any thing about it.

If you have any relatives that are experienced in manuals that could drive your car and give you some tips it would help. Be sure they're of a mature nature. You don't need some hot dog trying to show off giving you tips at this stage of your learning. You would benefit from someone who could just gently go thru the mechanics and perhaps give you a few tips. Time and practice will pay off for you. Don't be in a hurry.

[bkblitzed]

Driving smooth through town, is a lot harder than changing gears fast in a race. Just keep practicing, and you'll pick things up.

[Mad1723]

Originally Posted by whaap

Though I don't consider it a problem, the only time I might have a little glitch between first and second is when I first start up the first time after backing out of the garage. The first time I take off forward I notice a little resistance as I shift into second. There after for the rest of the drive things are normal. I don't consider that little hiccup worth doing any thing about it.

If you have any relatives that are experienced in manuals that could drive your car and give you some tips it would help. Be sure they're of a mature nature. You don't need some hot dog trying to show off giving you tips at this stage of your learning. You would benefit from someone who could just gently go thru the mechanics and perhaps give you a few tips. Time and practice will pay off for you. Don't be in a hurry.

Thanks Whaap, I'll go for a bit of practice with someone I know who's been driving manual transmissions for 20+ years, we'll see how that goes.

Thanks for the answers everyone, I'll report back on the progress

[5th 86]

Let the rpms drop a bit more from 1-2, like wait a sec or half second longer b4 you slowly let the clutch out, and buy some proper driving shoes. Shoes that have next to no padding in the soles so you have better feel. Those $100 puma's work good.

[pmdc]

With normal city driving, let the clutch out slowly going in to 2nd. I've been driving mt for 11 years and I'm still not perfectly smooth (like auto smooth) going 1-2 at low revs in this car yet.

[Bt216]

It only happen s to my car when cold... I flushed the fluid and use motul.. its better but still does it when cold and its always 1st and second . I think its a defect

[5th 86]

I think its how short the ratios are which is why if you dont redline 1st and are driving normal you gotta wait a bit longer for the revs to drop more.

[MrSlay]

Best advice that I can give is to learn what is actually happening mechanically when your using a manual transmission. Once you understand the actual physical movements of the mechanical peaces, you can use general competency to make adjustments and build a knowledge base that utilizes both factual information as well as dexterity.