Parking
Unlike an automatic
transmission, there is no
“Park” position in a manual
transmission. On a level
surface, you can leave the
transmission in Neutral,
and engage the parking
brake. On inclines, with the
parking brake engaged and
the engine off, you can also
push the shifter into 1st or
2nd gear (remember to use
the clutch, even though the
engine is not running).
PRACTICE MAKES
PERFECT
The only way to become a
smooth manual transmission
driver is … to drive. The sense
of involvement you get from
executing a perfectly smooth
shift is a visceral reward
unique to the manual. NOT
executing a perfect shift can
feel like a disappointment. In
that regard, working a stick
shift is a lot like life, although
with a stick shift, you get
do-overs.