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Are you a smooth driver?

They say, one of the hallmarks of a proficient driver is the smooth manner which he/she employs while handling cars with manual transmissions.

The car's gearbox rarely causes problems during the expected lifetime of 15 years, withstands hundreds of thousands of shifts up and down the ratios. It's so well developed that all one really needs to do is gently guide where it wants to go. Yet `snatching' at gears is a common occurrence, often causing abrupt, jerky and less than comfortable rides for passengers. Another problem is drivers who hold on to the gear stick continuously. That hand would be of more use on the steering wheel.

In order to make the gear change smoother, allow the gearshift to pause for a second or two as it crosses the `central gate' or neutral zone. This alone will make your gear changes smoother — there's no need to rush them.

Secondly, guide the gear lever with the palm of the hand semi-open with the thumb sticking out. Guide the gear lever away from you for first to second. The thumb should be pointing down. Now guide the lever towards you for second to third, third to fourth and fourth to fifth (or even fifth to sixth). Now the thumb is pointing upwards.

For block changing (that is when you decide to `skip' intermediate gears) keep the thumb down for fourth to second.

And always remember, around town, you can often stay in the third gear and respond to new hazards early by easing off the throttle. Adjusting your speed with a fine throttle has all sorts of advantages.

As a check to see how smooth your gear changes are, occasionally glance at your front seat passenger's head. Are they constantly `nodding'?

If so, your gear changing needs to get smoother and must be less hurried. Your passengers (and transmission system) are bound to appreciate it.

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