I just wanted some assurance that I am doing this correctly for beginner driving: Let's say I am driving in 5th gear and will be making a right turn at the next light. As I am approaching, I step on the brake to gradually slowing down, about 20mph, I shift to 2nd (leaving the clutch in) and proceed to make the turn (light is green) while braking and clutch-in. After completion, I get back on the gas and release the clutch. Is this the correct technique?

Thanks in advance!

 

Are you serious?

 

I'm thinking the same thing

 

Actually, I searched his posts. He just bought the car - I was thrown by the S2K "age".

Here you go:
http://www.turnfast.com/tech_driving/drivi...g_heeltoe.lasso

 

While this does sound remarkably like trolliing, I will not treat it as such... I'll answer this as simply as possible, since it's evident that you do not know much about driving (that's not a flame or anything...that's by your own admission).

You want to be in gear when going through a turn. Finish your downshifting before beginning your turn. If that means brake early, shift, then turn....that's what you do. Don't ride the clutch through the turn.

 

As a rule I always go through the gears one by one when down shifting and keeping the power on,then tap the brake just before the turn(only if needed) and get back on the the gas at mid turn.I'm sure everyone has their own style but this works for me.

 

He's just got to be pulling our legs. On the other hand, he's been registered for about a year and only has 6 posts so ............ ?????

 

i think his question's normal. i mean, when first learning stick, it's hard to know about downshifting and what gear to be in for what turn (2nd works for city driving.) however, i find that when i'm done turning, 2nd gear is too weak for the car to have pickup out of the turn.
for a beginner i think it's hard to know what gear to be in, so it's easiest to ride the clutch that way you don't stall.
we all were beginners once.
but like 1 or 2 have actually answered you... be in the gear before you turn and go down gear by gear!
if you go from 5-2, you're not downshifting much.

 

btw, just rereading your "technique" i noticed you don't realy down shift, you just put it into 2nd, but you don't release the clutch till you're done turning... THAT'S WRONG!...you should go 5-4-3-2 and take the turn @ 2, w/NO clutch in!
when done w/turn, keep goin!
the 5-4-3-2 helps slow you down, w/out braking much!

 

I'll never get this.

Why do people downshift to slow down? It's a lot cheaper to replace your brakes than your clutch...