How many of you do that?

 

Sometimes. I am not perfect at it.

 

I used to drive a Toter(mobile home mover) for my father sometimes. Which is where I learned to double clutch. Cause you have to.

 

This may sound like a dumb question, but what is double clutching???

 

It's when you depress the clutch, shift into neutral, release the clutch, depress it again, shift into whatever gear, and then release the clutch.

 

You may want to get a copy of "Going Faster, mastering the art of race driving", published by Robert Bently, Inc. This is the book used at the Skip Barber school and has lots of info on shifting, braking, and driving technique.

 

Jay Li almost got it but not quite. While in neutral with the clutch engaged (pedal out) you rev the engine, then depress the pedal and shift to lower gear. Idea is to match engine speed to car speed for the lower gear you are shifting into. Reduces strain on clutch and shock on drive line if done properly. If you do it right you can even shift w/o using the clutch at all. Lot's of fun when you master it. I do it about 50% of the time and have since I bought an Alfa in 1957.

Andrew

 

Thanks for the info. I think I'll buy that book too!

 

Double clutching is used often in high performance driving like a track or nice back roads. Andrewewing certainly got it right and I do it semi often. I do not do it under normal city driving as I feel it puts more strain on the clutch then just slowing down. However, if I'm on the freeway and need to drastically speed up or I'm on the back roads taking some twisties I certainly double clutch. The idea here is smoothness. Most people downshift at a high RPM and the car jolts forward. This may seem cool to your passenger but the art to fine driving is Finesse! If you can shift your way around the road without feeling any noticeable difference going from third to second at 50 mph then your on the right track! Good luck

 

Thanks for correcting me andrew, revving the engine to match the speed of the car is the most important part!