I'm being told two different things depending on who I'm talking to. Some people say it wears the clutch out to hold it down at stoplights. Hence, I've always put the car in neutral and put my left foot on the dead pedal.
One of my friends shared driving duties on a trip recently and he held the clutch down at stoplights. When I mentioned that this shortens the life of the clutch he replied "Not if you hold it all the way down to the floor."
I'm a bit confused. Who's right?

 

i was just talking about this to my dad a few days ago, hes been a truck driver for 20 years. he said as long as you keep it down to the floor, like you said, its ok, leaving it in first. he said people just get kinda lazy sometimes, as does he, and just puts it in neutral. either is fine, but if you leave it in first make sure the clutch is all the way in, if it isnt, over time it will burn out the clutch.

 

that's right, either way is absoultely fine. What you shouldn't do is "ride" the clutch on a hill. i.e. let the clutch out halfway to hold the car on an incline, that will burn the clutch up real quick.

When you take your driving test here, they will fail you if you do not put the car in neutral and apply the handbrake at stoplights. The thinking behind this is twofold.

1) if the handbrake is on, it stops you being shunted forward in a low speed rear impact.

2) if the clutch cable snaps when you have it in first (it can happen) you will rear-end the car in front.

HTH

J

 

Thanks for clearing that up guys!

 

It's not quite that clear. Keeping the pedal depressed puts pressure on the clutch throwout bearing, which is spinning. Every time you press the clutch it it puts pressure on this. Think of how often the pedal is down while driving, and you're shortening the life of the bearing by a large multiple if you sit at a light with the pedal down.

The good news is cars today have self adjusting clutches and the bearing is always somewhat engaged, so they're built for a lifecycle that is way longer than you'll ever need. Theoretically at least.

 

As a motorcyclist, I do exactly the opposite and with good reason. At a stoplight, until there are a few cars stopped behind me, I keep the bike in gear with the lever in. Reasoning here is if a vehicle comes up behind you and you need to get out of the way quickly, you can do so.

I've had friends take driving tests on stick, and I don't recall if the clutch at a stop was an issue. An argument could be made for the same actions as what bikers do.

 

there generally wouldn't be enough space for a car to get out of the way, I think I would probably do the same as you if I was on a bike

 

:shock:

YOU let someone ELSE drive your precious cobra?

 

lol Is that so shocking Doug? I've always been a sharing, giving person when I've had the means to do so.
I never had much growing up and it was no fun. I've never been married or had any children so there's been times when I could afford to be generous and help others. That's included my time, my money, and letting others enjoy driving the same vehicles I've owned.
You can't take it with you and it's true what's been said about material possessions meaning less as you grow older. At least it's true in my case.
To me, giving is a far greater gift than receiving. And I wasn't so worried about my car. My friend has a '94 GT that he's building up and he's a quite capable driver.
And Doug? When you turn 18 and if we ever get to meet I'd be more than happy to let you drive my Cobra.