What manual transmission shifting techniques help ensure a smooth ride?

Proper balance between the clutch and accelerator is the technique that does the most to ensure a smooth ride. Letting off the clutch too fast is a common mistake that causes a jerking motion.

Finding the friction point on a clutch is important in smooth takeoffs and gear changes. In an empty parking lot, lift your foot off the clutch until the car starts to creep forward. This point varies from vehicle to vehicle. To change gears, think of your feet as balancing on each side of a seesaw. When one comes up, the other goes down Gently place the shifter into gear, and slowly let off the clutch while giving slight gas to the accelerator.