Redlight stopping
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Louisville, Kentucky
Redlight stopping
I read something on this site a few days ago about why you should not keep car in gear and push clutch in at redlight. Why so? I usually do this. Info would be appreciated! Thanks! 
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Atlanta
When you're pressing on the clutch, you are putting pressure on the throwout bearing. Generally, you should try not to hold the clutch down for extended periods of time. When at a stoplight, just put it in neutral and stay off the clutch until it's time to put it into gear. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Westminster
Isn't that referred to as riding the clutch? Are you feathering the clutch as you wait at the red light? If the clutch is press all the way down there I don't see how there would be any extra wear and tear issues with the clutch, I only remember one guy saying that its only something that girls would do, so yes by stepping on your clutch then you're less of a man 
oh pardon the statment if any ladies found this offensive, just repeating what my friend said.
oh pardon the statment if any ladies found this offensive, just repeating what my friend said.
Nope, that's pretty much correct.
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: VA is for hustlaz
use a combination of engine and wheel braking as you slosw down for a redlight. leaving it in neutral or having the clutch pushed in while the wheels are moving is a bad thing. i've also noticed that girls tend to do this more, even my girlfriend does it when she drives my car.
. I DO FEEL LIKE LESS OF A MAN NOW
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Longmont, CO
Originally posted by RazorV3
leaving it in neutral or having the clutch pushed in while the wheels are moving is a bad thing.
leaving it in neutral or having the clutch pushed in while the wheels are moving is a bad thing.
Care to explain why you believe this?Thanks,
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From: Atlanta
In general, braking without any power to the drive wheels technically doesn't harm a thing, although you may see more brake wear since there is no engine braking involved. Technique wise this is a bad habit mostly for inclimate weather. In the rain and snow, engine breaking will allow you more control over you drive wheels than nuetral braking which could cause the wheels to lock up sooner and create a slide or skid. So, it's more about practicing good braking habits so it's intuitive for those emergency stops or slippery road situations. That's the cliff notes version anyways. Have to back to my training notes for the rest....
