If you’ve ever driven a car chances are it wasn’t a manual transmission. The vast majority of cars today are automatic transmissions. The most logical cause for this is that the average human would like driving their automobile to be as effortless as possible. Though this is a nicety for sure, it definitely not necessary, and quite likely not worth it.

There are a few reasons why manual drives can be beneficial. Firstly, they’re proven to be more fuel efficient than automatic counterparts. A savvy driver may save up to 10% or more when driving a manual over an automatic. Ten years ago this may not have been a big issue. Today however, it’s ever present. Not is the fuel efficiency better but the driver has much more control over a manual drive. By mastering the clutch, downshifting, and other manual transmission features, an experienced driver may have their car perform much better than a regular vehicle. Lastly, a manual transmission can be started even if the starter has malfunctioned or won’t work.

I, personally, had to “pop the clutch” in my 1993 Geo Prizm after the starter had broken. A couple coworkers volunteered (luckily, because all I had were credit cards) to push my car; I held the clutch down until they built up appropriate speed. At that point I released and pressed in the clutch again, starting the car. It’s not a fluke either. I had to do this 2 or 3 more times in order to drive the car to the auto shop.

But, driving a manual transmission is super easy. Many people think it’s difficult and are unwilling to learn or even try.

First: Press down the clutch to start the car. I’ll assume you’re only going forward, so leave the shifter in 1st gear and keep the clutch pressed.

Second: Slowly release the clutch as you press down the gas. When the car shifts into gear – and you’ll know when it has – then you can release the clutch entirely and only press the gas.

Third: After you’ve built up an appropriate amount of speed, press the clutch down and shift into 2nd gear.

Fourth: Continuing the shifting method until you’re in the appropriate gear for your road. The higher the gear the less RPMs your car will do at lower speed, making the engine do less work. For instance, driving in 4th gear in substreets (when you only have to be in 2nd) saves your engine work.

Last: Downshifting. When you start to slow you’ll want to put your manual in lower gears. However, whenever you brake you may simply want to put the car in neutral until you’ve reach the speed you’ll be traveling at next, and choosing a gear from there.

Not only is it easy to drive a manual and also fuel efficient, it’s economical too! Manual drives are generally priced lower than automatic transmissions for several reasons. Remember that and the other tips when you grab your credit card to buy your next automobile!