waiting for the light.

[Elliot Cannon]

This is a habit I got years ago when I had a 1960 VW bug. When waiting at an intersection for the light to change, I would always have the transmission in neutral. Waiting with the car in gear, with the clutch pedal down would wear out the throw-out bearing which was actually a block of graphite. So, when waiting at the light, do most of you shift to neutral or put the transmission in first gear with the clutch pedal on the floor?
Cheers, Elliot

[KevinH1990]

I put the car in neutral.

[997_986]

Originally Posted by Elliot Cannon

[..]So, when waiting at the light, do most of you shift to neutral or put the transmission in first gear with the clutch pedal on the floor?
Cheers, Elliot

That is one of the first things I learned (for the reasons mentioned), always wait with in neutral with engine running (if needed handbrake engaged) and always start engine in neutral with clutch pressed.

[tcoradeschi]

Car in gear, one eye on the rear view mirror, jntil and unless there are a bunch of vehicles stopped behind you. Throw out bearings outlast the clutches they are installed with, in my experience (which dates back to high mileage cars built in the early 60s).

[997_986]

I have already observed that this kind of behavior in front of a drive-in counter has caused a nasty rear-end collision. It's enough to get a cramp in your foot/leg and -- bang....

[elgyqc]

I put it in neutral as much for my leg muscles as for the throwout bearing...

[tcoradeschi]

Originally Posted by 997_986

I have already observed that this kind of behavior in front of a drive-in counter has caused a nasty rear-end collision. It's enough to get a cramp in your foot/leg and -- bang....

A cramp from a Boxster clutch?

Grasping at straws…