Parking in gear

[Bob vanM]

oh, and parking on the dikes :lol

[mattg]

the ONLY time i would not park a car in gear would be when it's on a trailor to be towed.
of course assumes handbrake is on and car lashed to trailor with appropriate straps.

otherwise, imho, it is insane to park in neutral, dont understand why the contrary is taught to learners.

[tut]

Thanks guys, backs up what I always thought was common sense. Tis also belts and braces.

Would still like a reason from an instructor though as to why my 2 + 1 were taught the opposite.

tut

[jason]

Don't recall what I was actually 'taught' some 20+ yrs ago, but I have always parked in gear.

There's no logic for parking in neutral IMHO - why rely just on a bit of cable to hold an unattended vehicle? Parking in gear is a safety net for the handbrake (and vice versa). Worse to have a driver-less car rolling down a slope due to handbrake failure, than some numbskull driving forward on the started motor - the numbskull is at least sat in the car and therefore able to do something about the situation.

[Jacobite]

As far back as I remember I've parked in gear and used the handbrake from 40 year old landys with transmition brake to clapped out minis with fly off handbrakes
On the Loti I always leave it in Reverse as the honda doesnt like going there when the gear box is cold ~ i was always taught to dip the clutch at start up to match engine revs as neither Landi or mini had syncromesh on 1st or 2ed if at all

[tut]

Brings a new meaning to "parking on the dyke" Bob.

tut

[allyrennie]

Brings a new meaning to "parking on the dyke" Bob.

tut

Different to Scottys parking on a dyke too............

[Corranga]

I wonder if it's simply a case of teaching people that to avoid an instant test fail when they forget to dip the clutch and start the car in gear, lunge forward, fail...

Chris

[Andy G]

the handbrake in the mule doesnt even function currently

Sorry to hear it - I always leave the car in gear, and Shug will attest to

[tut]

Yes, he is still a youngster so sticking to what he was taught to pass his test.

tut

[S111Y TT]

I always park in gear as my first car (Cinq Sporting) had a habit of not being where i'd parked it when i got back. So it's natural for me to leave it in gear and to start every car with my foot on the clutch.

Unfortunately, shelley has recently passed her test and was also told never to leave the car in gear.

Add the two together and everytime she jumps in the panda after i've driven it .......she gets the fright of her life when she starts it with her foot off the clutch.

Currenrly trying to work out if it's less hassle remembering to take it out of gear or teching her to start with her foot on the clutch !

When I was learning to drive my instructor pointed out that since my parents learnt so long ago they will park in gear and so after my first lesson i always clutched before starting any car, even my own after i had driven it just incase but i would advice you teach her to leave it in gear. I sure as hell will be after yesterday.

It sounds like a lot of people learnt from a bad experience, so i can join the list i guess. I think the reason for instructors teachng you to leave it in gear is probably because so many new drivers will not clutch when starting an engine and so a lot jump forwards or backwards and i'd imagine it has caused a lot of damage or pain over the years. You used to be taught to leave it in gear but that has changed now.

My old car had brake drums so I never thought about the brake discs cooling and contractingfrom there expanded heated state. Pretty stupid of me but after two years of driving i am in the habit of knocking the car out of gear before i turn the keys, just the same as i clutch before starting the car.

Minute damage to the car, and the man can hop skip and jump if he thinks i'm paying anything towards that wall, he had it held together with silicon before i even touched it so not a hope of him seeing a penny from me. Will get the markings repaired on the 2nd of May hopefully so i will arrange for that.

everyone

Ian

[tut]

Ian

I will take it around to Alan for him to have a look at.

On the other hand, is it worth repairing yet, or should we just wait for the next one.............



dad

[S111Y TT]

Tut,

Smart arse, only reason not to get it repaired is if i am really serious about getting it painted, but that is a discussion for the dinner table i think.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1069/929 ... 337087.jpg

Ian

[foz01]

I had a car come off a tilt trailer whilst in gear, wasn't very good as the ramps were not on it at the time, had removed the straps and tilted it up and off it came, oops

[Scotty C]

Tut,

Smart arse, only reason not to get it repaired is if i am really serious about getting it painted, but that is a discussion for the dinner table i think.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1069/929 ... 337087.jpg

Ian

yes the green is ming, but then again you will have to change the roof.

I suppose the car will be off the road for a while, but then again you will have a year to do it

Sorry could not resist.