Hand on Stick Shift

[Brigitte]

I read somewhere, once upon a time, that it's bad to drive with your hand resting on the shifter knob.  

(Waits for the hooting to die down.)  

Is this true for newer cars?  Or was it true only for older models?

(Waits again for hooting to die down.)  

Seriously.  This has been bugging me for some time.  

Brigitte

[runwhatyabrung]

All performance driving classes stress the 2 hands on the wheel at all times except for shifting. Take a look at inside video shots taken during competition, and all drivers do this. They only take their hands off the wheel to shift or flip the bird at another driver . When I autocross, I do the same and fell it gives me better control. On the street, I guess I do it 50/50

[Railton]

Hello Brigitte,
I think it was only an issue when transmissions were placed right under the shifter and the weight of your hand/arm put strain on bushings and other weight sensitive parts. Nowadays, transmissions are connected to shifters via cables or linkages due to their placement and people not wanting their shifters shaking or vibrating so I don't think it matters anymore. Two hands on the wheel likely makes safety sense but do what feels good.
Railton

[ovr50]

So many things that could be said but all the forebearance in the world not to say them .... ROTFLMAO..

[Accordingly]

Brig, it's because you'll go blind...which could lead you to lose control of your vehicle and crash.  

Sorry Ovr, had to.

[barrie1]

Brigitte Railton has the right answer for sure as the old 3 and 4 gear trannies were top loaders. Transmissions have come a long ways since. I drove a New Freightliner Dump Truck on Weds. Tandum axle unit. The big one. It had 3 Buttons on the Dash RND thats all. Dosen't matter the tonnage as the computor knows what to do. It was very impressive.

[Brigitte]

Okay.  So I can do what I usually do, without damaging my gears.  Thanks, Railton and Barrie.  As for the safety issue, gimme a break.  This wasn't about safety AT ALL.  Two hands on the wheel... Bah!  That's for candy asses.

(Hmmmm.  Sensitive parts?  Do what feels good?  Losing control?  Shaking and vibrating?  Go blind?  Where's Saffy when you need him to jump right in?)  

Thanks to the rest of you for a good laugh.  But it really was a serious question - just difficult to express in a way that couldn't be misconstrued.  Obviously, I failed.  City P, arrest me.  But don't forget the uniform.    

Brigitte

[barrie1]

Wear the Pink One aye, she know its you for sure.

[Mdxtasy]

The medium...is the message.  That was funny.  Seriously funny B.  

[Brigitte]

Thanks, MD.  I just knew there was NO WAY of keeping a straight face, but I still wanted an answer to my question.  So I jumped right in.

I've always driven with my hand on the stick, for some reason.  With the console armrest supporting my arm, it just feels natural.  Funnily enough, I only do it with manual transmissions - never automatic.

Brigitte

[Mdxtasy]

[safristi]

Hmmm bet someone here could peel yer banana with one hand on the...stand still dammit...you"ve more Wobbles than Snowie on a Friday nite...damn I need an "arm REST"...how can I keep a straight face when.......fuggedaboutit.....you'll have ta switch ta Manual !!!!

[Brigitte]

You're a day late and a dollar SHORT, Saf (just guessing on that one)  

Nice try, though...

Brigitte

[safristi]

Solly my time machine is on Saskatoon time and heres the fare...keep the change  

[maritime_storm]

After getting continuous you know what from my father on this, I'll be the first to tell you not to do it, here's why, when you leave your hand sitting on the stick you're continuously applying pressure on the synchronizers, creating extra wear on them. It's worse on RWD's where the transmission is connected via shift rods, however a cable shift does the same thing. If you want a demonstration of the end result of this, I'll arrange for you to go for a drive with my father, the "new" to him 1993 Kenworth T800 he's driving won't stay in 7th gear because of "the stupid, lazy $#%&^ who couldn't keep his hand of the %^^%$ stick and learn how to drive"{translation from trucker lingo; the former owner drove it for long periods of time in 7th gear with his hand on the stick and subsiquently destroyed the 7th gear synchronizer, price to fix $800 - $1000 dollars & 2 days lay up}. Moral of long story, Save your tranny & keep both hands on the wheel unless shifting.

[Brigitte]

Damn, Storm... Thanks for bursting my bubble.  Although, I will say, for the record, that I can only do it from 1st to 4th gears, because of the throw on fifth.  Mind you, most of my daily driving is short haul, which means I probably have my hand on the stick most of the time which means I'm slowly destroying my fourth gear because that's the one I use most frequently for short hauls.... grrrrrr.  Rats.  Okay.  BUT I WILL NOT DRIVE WITH BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL.  

Barrie and Railton - any rebuttals?  Dissenting opinions?  Anyone want to tell me what I really want to hear?  

Brigitte

 

[corey]

I'm sure I read somewhere in my manual (2004 model year) not to rest your hand on the gearshift while driving so I agree with Maritime. I'll check this and report back.

[Railton]

Hey Brigitte,
Hmmmm...dubious. I'm stickin with my original story.
Railton

[barrie1]

Hi, so am I as he does have a point but you are not driving a long haul Toy. Yes over a period of time you may,could do damage but for the short duration of time milage and years on your Baby I think you will be alright. You won't hurt it at all.  Especially now that you are aware of the problem you will learn to work with it comfortably and still enjoy your Nice Toy.

[wing]

Railton, one thing though, I'm pretty sure the RX8's transmission is directly connected to the shifter with no linkage, or VERY short.

I know the S2000 is, as a result it vibrates like crazy, but you can feel all the gears.... oh so nice.