Take your foot off the clutch while driving!

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Ridgeline, Jun 3, 2023.

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  1. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    I just spent a bunch of money on an issue with a truck over the past three weeks. The engine brake and cruise control was not working and the driver complained about it a lot, she went from an automatic to an 18 speed a month ago.

    The truck has been in a shop several times for this problem, and every time the shop could not find a thing wrong with it. They test drove the truck, they had one of the regional techs look at it and still no problems at all.

    The other day I rode with the driver to move another truck and trailer, I watched her carefully and it took me ten seconds to find the problem, she used the clutch pedal as a foot rest.

    Still can’t see how she thought this was comfortable, but it was a habit that she said this morning she is having real issues breaking.

    So please do not ride the clutch, your truck will thank you.
     
    Ridgeline, Jun 3, 2023
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  2. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    I've seen men do that. Didn't look comfortable at all.
     
    Chinatown, Jun 3, 2023
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  3. A Bug

    A Bug Heavy Load Member

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    I wish my company had a ten speed i could drive!
     
    A Bug, Jun 3, 2023
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  4. The Green Mountain

    The Green Mountain Light Load Member

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    There's a little button with a spring down there that takes 20 minutes to change if it wears out. And if it wears out: no cruise; no Jake.

    Some folks ease the clutch to the point of the button where it kills the Jake to roll a hill thru residential parts. Being quiet.
    Some ride it cause they're moving quick 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.... high side lag..... 7....... 8........

    But yeah - that's not a foot rest. Get off it when ya can.
     
    The Green Mountain, Jun 3, 2023
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  5. The Green Mountain

    The Green Mountain Light Load Member

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    It's worse than having a wallet in your back pocket!

    Try the two'fer.
     
    The Green Mountain, Jun 3, 2023
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  6. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    I'm not sure I would want a person like that driving a truck inthe first place
     
    D.Tibbitt, Jun 4, 2023
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  7. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    We had an idiot once burn up a new clutch in 32K miles.

    He had an aversion to using low range. That doesn’t do them any favors either.
     
    MACK E-6, Jun 4, 2023
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  8. Last Call

    Last Call Road Train Member

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    The only time your foot needs to be on that clutch pedal is when you are coming to a complete stop or starting from a dead stop or going from a forward gear to reverse.
    If you can't float the gears on a shift then you have no business driving a manual transmission..
    You should have a restriction on your CDL..
     
    Last Call, Jun 4, 2023
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  9. Lazer

    Lazer Road Train Member

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    Without this discussion degrading into the ‘auto vs manual’ rabbit hole. Anybody that drives with their foot on the clutch, should not be in any truck period. If they were assigned an auto, they certainly will drive around with their foot on the brake.
     
    Lazer, Jun 4, 2023
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  10. okiedokie

    okiedokie Road Train Member

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    What about resting your hand on the gear shift? Opinions?
     
    okiedokie, Jun 4, 2023
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