How to Drive a Manual Car Smoothly Without Jerky Movements?

You might know how to drive a manual car, but can you do it smoothly?

We’ll guide you on how to start, brake, change gears, and steer smoothly. You’ll notice a big difference after taking manual driving lessons for adults at Karun Driving School.

1.    Adjust the Seat Properly

Adjusting your seat and steering wheel correctly is crucial.

Using controls will be difficult if you're too close or too far from the steering wheel. Your elbows should be slightly bent when both hands are on the wheel. You should also be able to press the clutch fully without stretching and have a slight bend in your knees.

2.    Move Smoothly

Raising the clutch too quickly can make the car jerk or even stall. Hold the clutch at the biting point for a few seconds as you start moving, and avoid raising it too suddenly.

Once you find the biting point, try resting the heel of your left foot on the floor. Avoid letting your foot hover in the air. This helps you control the clutch better. Not everyone is comfortable resting their heel on the floor, so do what works best.

In a modern car, you can move without using gas, but it might stall or jerk, especially in older cars or smaller engines. You’ll also start very slowly, which might be fine in some situations. However, if you need to move quickly, like at a busy roundabout, raising the clutch too fast without any gas will likely cause the car to stall.

When merging onto a busy road, (as long as it’s safe) don’t be afraid to give a little gas. It makes the move smoother, reduces the chances of slowing down others, and lowers the risk of stalling.

3.    Focus on Braking

Progressive braking saves fuel and makes stops smoother for your passengers.

New drivers often brake abruptly by increasing pressure suddenly. Instead, release the gas pedal to slow down first. Press the brake pedal gently and gradually increase the pressure based on how fast you want to stop. As you near a complete stop, ease off the brake to make the stop smooth. This takes practice but makes a big difference.

4.    Change Gears Carefully

Make sure to increase speed before shifting up a gear. Shifting too early can make the car sluggish, cause shaking, or stall. Always start in 1st gear to avoid stalling. However, you can start in 2nd gear when going downhill or if the wheels spin in snow.

Jerky gear changes often happen when shifting down. Releasing the clutch too quickly can cause bumps, and choosing the wrong gear for your speed can make the car jerk.

To smooth out downshifts, lightly press the gas before fully releasing the clutch. Hold the clutch at the biting point for a second, then smoothly raise it with gas. Don’t rush gear changes.

Practice manual driving lessons with a professional driving school in Burnaby e.g., Karun Driving School. Plus, listening to your engine will help.

5.    Steering

You don’t need to grip the steering wheel tightly. Avoid sudden, jerky movements.

Keep your steering smooth and steady with both hands on the wheel, except when using other controls. For small adjustments, keep your hands fixed on the wheel. For larger turns, use the pull-push method to feed the steering wheel through your hands.

Keep these driving tips with you to drive smoothly and enjoy the ride instead of being worried about it. You can also contact Karun Driving School for manual driving lessons in Burnaby to enhance your skills further and become a confident driver.