Mastering the Manual Transmission: Conquering Fears and Shifting Gears in the Ford Bronco and Mustang Dark Horse
Learning to drive a manual transmission is hard, but learning in a Ford Bronco (and ride along in a Ford Mustang Dark Horse) was too tempting. Now, I'm determined to master it.
Kim S.
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Driving a manual is like dancing with the road.
Learn a new skill and ride alongside a NASCAR driver in iconic Ford vehicles? Yes, please!
That’s exactly what I experienced at the Ford “Save the Manuals” event, held at New York’s CitiField in celebration of National Stick Shift Day. With the declining popularity of manual transmissions in the car market today, this event served as a timely reminder of the importance of preserving this mechanical art form.
From overcoming my fears to gaining newfound confidence, my experience at the event was nothing short of transformative.
Related: Steep Hills, Dusty Thrills: My Experience in the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport at the Off-Roadeo
In the all-new Mustang Dark Horse, control is the name of the game when manual driving. Photo: Kim S.
Driving a Manual Transmission is an Increasingly Lost Art
Currently, only 1.7% of US drivers choose to drive a stick shift. Small as that number is, it’s seen a significant increase since 2021 when it rested at 0.9%. Notably, Autumn Schwalbe, a Ford Performance Marketing Specialist, said, a remarkable 11% of Ford Bronco sales are for manual transmissions—an impressive figure considering the average.
But it’s not a surprise more buyers don’t choose a manual; according to J.D. Power, this year saw a 37.7% decrease in the number of models offering manual transmissions since 2019; there are only 43 models available today with a stick shift. This statistic underscores the importance of events like “Save the Manuals” in preserving and celebrating the art of manual driving.
Related: I Drove a Right-Hand Drive Manual Transmission VW Taigun and This Is What it Was Like
The massive 2022 Ford Bronco with the Sasquatch package was intimidating for a first-time manual driver like me. Photo: Kim S.
Finally… Learning the Thrill of Manual Driving
When it comes to my history with manual transmissions, I must admit that I was a late bloomer in the world of driving. It was nearly nine years ago, at the age of 30, when I finally got my driver’s license. However, my driving experience was limited to automatic transmissionss, including the SUV I currently own.
The idea of learning to drive and own a manual transmission car always filled me with apprehension. I doubted my ability to master the intricacies of operating the clutch, and the fear of embarrassing myself by stalling the car only added to my anxiety.
Despite my husband’s attempts to teach me, I struggled to grasp the concept and eventually gave up.
However, I had the opportunity to learn from the experts at Ford in a Mustang Dark Horse and a Bronco Sasquatch alongside a NASCAR driver and a Ford Performance Marketing Specialist. I knew there was no better time to conquer my fears and delve into the world of manual driving.
The 2022 Ford Bronco with the Sasquatch package. Photo: Kim S.
Unleashing the Manual Driving Journey
Learning to drive a manual transmission at the Ford “Save the Manuals” event was an unforgettable experience. The CitiField parking lot provided the perfect controlled environment with its flat surface and open space. I felt at ease as I prepared for my first lesson. Autumn Schwalbe, a Ford Performance Marketing Specialist, guided me through the process, starting with the impressive 2022 Ford Bronco Sasquatch.
The size of the Bronco, with its massive 35″ tires, initially intimidated me, but Autumn’s reassuring presence made all the difference. She patiently walked me through each step, emphasizing the importance of adjusting the seat for optimal clutch engagement. As a short lady, at 5’2″, it was crucial for me to find the right position to press the clutch all the way in comfortably. With Autumn’s guidance, I familiarized myself with the pedals (clutch, brake, and gas) and each gear, learning when to use them.
Initially, it was a bit confusing, and I jokingly suggested taping a cheat sheet to the windshield. However, with practice, I gradually gained confidence. After a few loops around the lot, shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, Autumn challenged me to reverse, and to my surprise, I did it easily. Autumn expressed that, in her experience, women tend to pick up driving a stick shift more easily than men. The presence of a backup camera on the Ford Bronco was helpful during this learning process.
Later, I had the privilege of riding in the Ford Mustang Dark Horse alongside NASCAR driver Ryan Blaney. Observing his seamless gear shifts through all six gears inspired me, and I now aspire to achieve that mastery in manual driving someday.
Related: How Two Moms, and Off-Road Novices, Are Learning the Sport Through The Rebelle Rally With The Ford Bronco Sport
Autumn demonstrated maneuvering between the clutch, brake, and gas pedals. Photo: Kim S.
How to Drive a Manual, Smoothly
Mastering the art of driving manual transmission is a significant milestone that signifies a deep understanding of the mechanics involved. According to Autumn, you’re successful when the vehicle operates smoothly, similar to an automatic transmission. As a confident driver, you learn to maneuver through the various steps instinctively: holding down the clutch and brake, releasing the brake, moving from neutral to first gear, slowly feathering off the clutch and then gently applying the gas.
A well-executed transition should be seamless, without causing the vehicle to shudder or stall. Achieving this reflects not only a comprehensive grasp of the technical aspects but also the ability to synchronize each movement with ease and precision. With practice and experience, the act of driving an manual transmission becomes second nature, resulting in a smooth and effortless driving experience.
Here are steps to help you learn to drive a stick-shift
- Press the clutch all the way to the floor with your left foot, keep your right foot on the brake and the gear shifter in neutral
- Turn the ignition key, and if you’re sure the car is in neutral, release your foot from the clutch but keep your right foot on the brake
- Make sure the parking or emergency brake is not engaged
- Depress the clutch and shift the gear shifter into the first gear
- Release your right foot from the brake pedal
- Slowly release the clutch by reducing the pressure with your left foot. On a flat surface you should feel the car start to move forward
- As you release the clutch, gently press the accelerator with your right foot
- Congratulations! You’re now driving in first gear. Keep building speed until it’s time to shift – when the engine gets loud or the tachometer reaches 4,000 – 5,000 RPMs
- Depress the clutch and lift your foot off the accelerator
- Pull the gear shifter back to second gear and gently release the clutch while applying pressure to the accelerator again
- Repeat these steps through each gear to continue increasing your speed
- Reverse these steps to slow down or downshift
- When in doubt, press the clutch and move the gear shifter to neutral
There you have it! Follow these steps, and you’ll confidently drive a stick shift in no time. Enjoy the thrill of manual driving!
The clutch, brake, gas pedal, parking brake, and gear shift – all the tools needed to drive a manual. Photo: Kim S.
The Thrills and Benefits of Choosing a Manual Transmission
Choosing to drive a stick shift is not just about being a cool, gear-shifting aficionado (although that’s a pretty awesome perk). Through some research, I’ve discovered some compelling reasons why people who love manual transmissions are onto something special.
First off, you’ve got fuel economy on your side. Yep, shifting gears yourself can actually help you squeeze out a few extra miles per gallon, which is great for your wallet.
Then, there’s the exhilarating acceleration that manual transmissions offer. It’s like having a burst of adrenaline at your fingertips (or should I say, feet?).
And, opting for a manual transmission often means a reduced purchase cost, so you can save money while enjoying the thrill of shifting gears.
Oh, and did I mention control? Manual transmissions put you in the driver’s seat, quite literally. You can choose the perfect gear and engine speed for every situation. This appeals to Virgos like me, who love being in charge.
Perhaps, though, the most compelling reason to choose a manual transmission is for the sheer fun and driving experience it provides. It’s like dancing with the road, a unique connection between you, the car and the road that ignites a passion for driving like nothing else.
So, if you’re up for the challenge and want to experience fuel-efficient, zippy, cost-effective, control-packed, and joyous drives, a manual transmission vehicle might be your ticket to automotive bliss.
Related: 10 Affordable and Fun Manual Transmission Cars That Will Fire Up Your Stick Shift Dreams
The beautiful Mustang Dark Horse at the Ford Save the Manuals Event. Photo: Kim S.
How Ford’s “Save the Manuals” Changed My View
If you had asked me just a week ago about my thoughts on driving stick, I would have cringed at the idea. But Ford’s “Save the Manuals” event has completely transformed my perspective on manual driving. I think maybe I need to spend more time driving a manual transmission.
It might have been that patient professionals, such as Ryan and Autumn, walked me through each step with unwavering support; it made all the difference. Their guidance and expertise instilled a newfound confidence in me. While I still have a long way to go, I am determined to continue practicing and honing my skills.
So, don’t count me out just yet. With more practice and dedication, I hope to become a proficient manual driver and embrace the thrill and the spirit of manual driving.
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