New daily driver questions

[thstone]

I also commute in traffic of varying speeds. I shift to neutral when coming up on slow traffic and let the car coast. I don't care at all about fuel mileage but idle is easier and if you do care about mileage, idle is much more fuel efficient than 3K rpms. And yes, I also drive in 1st gear and depress the clutch when speeds drop too low to maintain sufficient rpms. Cooling system will be fine, if the temp climbs the fans will turn on automatically. The primary thing to remember is to be kind to your clutch and avoid slipping it - engage and go - smoothly and efficiently. Prolonged slipping of the clutch will wear it prematurely.

[kk2002s]

Originally Posted by thstone

I also commute in traffic of varying speeds. I shift to neutral when coming up on slow traffic and let the car coast..

+1

You don't know what your next gear will be if traffic is slightly moving as you approach or it maybe simply stopped. That's why I go into neutral. You do need to stay very alert as you now have not power to go if needed
Give yourself room so you can minimize the accordion effect while staying in gear

I drive at very low speeds in first but you have to be so, so gentle on the throttle so as not to get the Jerk when you start to accelerate.

These cars hate slow speeds. Mine just doesn't run smooth after traffic until I can clear things with a 5-6k RPM sprint

[jb92563]

You don't have control of your car in neutral while still moving! Bad form!

A performance driving school will teach you why that is important.

Why not down shift and use the engine to slow. I always do and touch the brakes for the benefit of those behind when I slow quickly.

Only time its ever in neutral is at a long stop.

Drive in the slow lane behind a tractor trailer and you will get the hang of it.