I’m a girl, and I drive a stick shift. Every car I’ve ever owned has had a standard transmission. My mom taught me to drive standard and I intend to teach my daughter. Here’s why:
1. Because I can. Driving standard is a skill that I have, so I’m going to use it. Automatic cars are for people who can’t drive standard. And while I’m on the subject, I’m of the opinion that everyone should know how to drive standard.
2. Because it’s fun. If you drive a stick shift, you’ll agree. If you don’t, you don’t know what you’re missing. Sure, I drive a Hyundai wagon, but I can still put it through its gears on a back-road straightaway. Can you do that in your automatic Mazda 6?
3. Because it’s cheaper. A manual transmission is cheaper right off the lot, by around a thousand dollars. It’s also (potentially) a lot cheaper on gas, but that depends on how you drive it. Maintaining a standard car can also be cheaper, as long as you’re gentle on the clutch – manual transmissions need servicing less often, and they’re cheaper to repair when it does come time for service.
4. Because it makes me a better driver. Driving a standard requires much more involvement with the car that driving an automatic. Both hands and both feet are occupied much of the time, requiring me to devote more of my attention to the physical act of driving. I am much more aware of the engine, its feel and its sounds. I have a better understanding of how the car works, and I have more control over what it does, allowing me to react better to unexpected situations than an automatic driver might. Take the recent sticking-accelerator-pedal crisis, for example. When stories of these incidents first started making news, my initial (and continuing) reaction was, “Why didn’t they just throw the car in neutral?” In moments of panic, I know, it can be hard to think clearly, but I think most standard drivers would not have to think about how to disengage the engine from the throttle – it would be automatic, so to speak.
5. Because guys think it’s hot. The automotive world is undeniably male-dominated – there aren’t many female gearheads out there. Now to be honest, I’m perfectly happy to let my husband do the dirty work, but I’m not intimidated by an engine. And men never fail to express their appreciation when they learn that I drive stick.
IMO, chix and sticks are hot
From what I understand, the reason not to throw it in neutral if the throttle is sticking is to not blow the engine. Best to put it in neutral and turn the car OFF.
i’d rather drive an automatic in traffic
you can drive my stick…
I am with you all the way sister! I taught my daughter to drive on a stick as well. As an ADHD person, a stick helps me pay attention when I am driving. Just an added bonus:)
You are entitled to your opinion, but I strongly disagree. Automatic cars are not for people who can’t drive “stick”. I’m learning to drive a manually shifted car at the moment, and I’m doing well, but I’ll get an automatic as soon as I need a car of my own. Why? Because it makes me a better driver, contradicting your third reason. There is no point in shifting. Even when you’ve mastered it, it still requires extra work and attention, making you less conscious of your surroundings. Nowadays, automatic cars don’t cost much more and they actually use less fuel. There is no reason not to drive automatic. Manual gearboxes are declining, and I’m glad they are. Being left-handed, I never understood them.