Reversing with stick shift

Hi guys.

I just started to learn stick shift and I wanted to ask you guys a question. Every time I reverse, like out of my driveway, parking lots, or anything, I only let out the clutch a little and let it creep out(like auto). Is this correct? Am I suppose to add gas as well? I'm just worried since I have to look back, worry about clutch, worry about gas that I might hit someone. Am I messing up my clutch when I just use the clutch to back out? How do you guys reverse? Should I use gas or is my way okay? Thank you!

 

Best idea is to go to a parking lot without alot of cars. You can learn to feather the clutch. It is possible to reverse without pressing the gas, but you may stall. I only press it a little but just keep practicing. You will get beter. Good luck.
Dan

 

That's how I do it. If I let out the clutch all the way it backs out way too fast, and most of the time while I am backing out it is in a busy parking lot where you need to be cautious and go slow. It's probably not the greatest for the clutch, but as long as you aren't giving it any gas, it shouldn't be too bad.

 

thanks for the help. so if you give it gas, it is bad? what do you mean by if you don't give it gas, then it shouldn't be that bad? i thought normal people always use gas. thanks!

 

Yeah...As you get more comfortable with driving stick you'll figure out what works for you. I've backed out full bore on the gas and backed out just barely letting the clutch touch.
You might be wearing the clutch a little faster then normal- but that's understandable because you are still learning stick shift.

In short- you are fine amigo!!

 

well when you use the clutch to back out just think of it as the gas pedal.. pressing it goes a long way

 

Sorry what I mean is that if you are feathering the clutch do not give it allot of gas - that will wear your clutch out much quicker.