Braking & Gear Changing.
Over-braking method
The "over-braking" method is the alternative method to the heel-and-toe method described
below, it may be used for slow approach corners. Before changing to the appropriate
gear for the turn in the approach to the corner, brake until the speed of the engine
is below 1500 revs. Then with feet on clutch and brake respectively the down change
is made while engine speed is very low, avoiding clutch damage which may occur if
this method is used at higher speeds.
Heel-and-toe technique
This process enables the driver to slow the vehicle down, operate the clutch and
accelerate the engine simultaneously. The technique at first may seem impossible
to learn, to place the toe or ball of the right foot over the brake pedal, and skew
the heel slightly outwards to cover the accelerator, roles the eyes of many a learner
driver, however with practice this skill as with the array of other driving skills
will be mastered.
The "heel-and-toe" technique, predominantly may be used by many race and rally drivers,
but should be employed by all drivers to perfect the ability of accurate and smooth
downward gear changes. In particular it should be utilise when driving and cornering
at energetic speeds, and is also invaluable at the end of a steep downhill approach
to a curve or corner, where a down change is required.
To utilise the heel-and-toe method on your drivers test is not essential, as it
is rear for test applicants to be required to demonstrate anything but the merest
understanding of car control skills. Test authorities have never been able to assess
applicants in all criteria and approaching a corner at a vigorous speed is one of
them. To believe you are never going to approach corners at increased speeds is
naive, so development of this technique is essential.
Automatic transmission There is obviously less driver effort required to operate
vehicles with automatic transmission however it should not encourage lazy short-cuts.
The effort saved should be utilised to augment attention and concentration to other
driving facets. Control of an automatic vehicle should therefore involve much more
than merely moving the selector to "Drive", or occasionally using the kick down
method to gain increased power.
When approaching corners at brisk speeds and when conditions permit a manual gear
change or over-riding of automatic transmission may be employed. A gentle movement
of the gear selection lever to a lower gear corresponding with the reduction of
speed requires some practice, but smooth results can be achieved.
In advocating gear selection by using the selector as a gear change, it is necessary
to draw your attention to an important precaution. In most cars, on the end of the
selector there is an inhibitor button, which, unless pressed prevents the selector
from being moved beyond "Neutral" to "Reverse" or "Park". Never use the inhibitor
button when changing back to the "Drive" from a lower gear position as the selector
could inadvertently be moved beyond Neutral to Reverse or Park which may cause transmissions
damage.