Did you know July 16th is Nat’l Stick Shift Day?

Hagerty sent me an e-mail looking to get 500 new manual drivers in 50 days.  Take a picture with the.manual neophyte behind the wheel, and they will send you two “Three pedals, no problem” hats.  You’ll have to be a Hagerty member.

I saw someone post that in a car chat elsewhere, and the first comment was "July 17th must be National Replace Your Clutch Day" lol.

I haven't burned out any clutches yet, but I'm sure it'll happen soon as my technique is still not the best. Trying to get better but I have no idea if I'm progressing to be honest. Only been driving a manual since 2019.

Hm. Sounds like I need to drive the pony car tomorrow...

I'm doing this. I want that hat.

slowbird said:

I saw someone post that in a car chat elsewhere, and the first comment was "July 17th must be National Replace Your Clutch Day" lol.

That commenter must be really funny in real life too!

I used to own a driving school and one of my classes was just to learn how to 3 pedal. I didn't teach it often, but when I did, I could have a total newbie up and running and confident in about an hour most of the time. Also, everyone I taught was on the same car same clutch. Never had any issues. 

I've only ever had to replace a clutch if doubling the engine power output, or if installing a limited slip because it's coming off and out anyways. 

In reply to Robbie (Forum Supporter) :

I learned while working at a car dealership.  Took a Geo Tracker out into suburban New Orleans and figured it out.  Wasn't that big of a deal.

My younger daughter was shifting like a champ in about an hour. My older daughter never could figure it out. I was surprised at how much abuse the Miata clutch will withstand! I've taught dozens of people to fly airplanes but I never could teach her how to use a clutch. My nephew just got his license. I should take him out this weekend so we can get a couple of those hats.

I taught my wife how to drive stick after we bought her a used R53 with the six speed. She loved that car but was never really good at it. The hill training the first day scorched the clutch bad enough that I think it slightly warped part of the plastic throw-out bearing housing. As long as we owned it depressing the clutch pedal made a SKRONK sound that wasn't there when we bought it. you could feel a little stutter in the pedal if you paid attention. I just new that I would be doing clutch and TO bearing at some point but never did. 

I taught my wife and daughter to drive a stick.  My wife on my old Jetta GLI, there were a few tears at first but once she got it she enjoyed it and has no issues hopping in to a manual car even all these years later.  

My daughter picked it up really quickly and is dead set against driving anything but a stick.   She says she just feels much more in control of the car.   We’re good for now as her current ride is a 2017 with about 40K on it but the future doesn’t look encouraging.   I took my Mustang out for a good rip last night so I hope that counts.