QuestionQUESTION: Hey Dan this James again i was just wondering while i'm downshifting i realize that 1st gear is always more rough than any of the other gears. now i know this might not be a smart comparison but i realized that it is like that when i play racing video game. Newer games are realistic with racing. Is there anything i should know about first gear? or am i just having issues. That gear is the one that locks the wheels up a little bit.
ANSWER: I don't comment on video games, they have nothing to do with reality.
First gear is always rougn until you get to professional level racing cars with $20,000.00 transmissions.
Most low gears are intended to get the car started to perhaps 15 MPH, nothing more, to downshift to this gear is usually a waste of time and effort. Basically you should be able to carry enough momentum into the corner so that second gear is the gear of choice.
Get the book "High Perforomance Driving " by Bob Bondurant. Bob started racing in the 50's and operates a huge racing school in the Phoenix,Az. area. A LOT of pro drivers attend his schools from time to time. In his racing career he got as far as Formula One which is as good as it gets. Any bookstore should have his book, or be able to order it for you - - -it's about $16.00 and worth every pinny.
Good luck again, and STAY in SCHOOL.
Dan
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: umm somethings wrong with the car. i was walking towards it and the power locks did not work. then i used the key to open the door and turned the ignition and the car didnt even do anything. now if the battery was out the lights on the dashboard would at least show. i dont wanna get in trouble. my parents dont know this but me. Since they are so clueless because of the way i feel about driving this, they would think that i did something even tho i had nothing to do with it at all. whats wrong with the car is it the battery?
AnswerOK my first answer is I don't know , have no idea. But a couple of things do come to mind. Frequently sudden electrical problems can be traced corroded battery terminals. Especially if the car is fitted with a "side terminal" battery where the cables are attached with small bolt like arrangements to the side of the battery.
The cure is to remove the cables from the battery, and clean the battery posts with a stiff wire brush, and the terminals on the cables with something to scrape the inside, like a small pocket knife.
Along the same lines, it may be that the battery ground wire, which connects the minus or negative side of the battery to the car body or chassis. a metal surface anyway. And finally , on newer cars there is usually a master fuse that serves to protect the entire car from an electrical short.
Other than that, I would be guessing, and there isn'st much chance I can fix it over the internet. Sounds like you need to call a friend, or let your family check it out with a garage.
Don't feel guilty, I don't think it's your fault, and they shouldn't either.
Dan
