Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Clutching the Obsolete: A Meditation On The Stick Shift

I recently purchased a new (to me) car. It was definitely time--my old car, a 1998 Honda Civic, had finally reached the point where the cost to repair its many problems far outweighed its actual value. With the assistance of my girlfriend, I auditioned new cars and found one that seemed like an acceptable replacement. In many ways the new car is a huge upgrade over my previous car. First and foremost, it has air conditioning. It has power windows and locks! It's a hybrid! It's also a Honda Civic! It doesn't have over 200,000 miles! You can't pick off rusty pieces from its side in an idle moment! It has a USB port! It has a trunk that actually stays closed! However...

However.

It's an automatic. I've never had a car that was my car that didn't have a standard transmission. My mother taught me to drive stick on our family's Honda Civic (sensing a trend yet?) station wagon, which was a tearful and sometimes frustrating process for both of us, but ultimately I mastered the ability to shift. Sure, I went to Driver's Ed as well, but I really learned to drive when I was in that car with my mom. Once you've stalled in the middle of a busy intersection and can't get going again, or in the middle of a large hill--unable to continue, but afraid to roll back--it all comes together fairly quickly. It takes longer for the remembered panic to fade, however. I never quite pushed the envelope the way that she did, whipping around corners in third gear, but I relished the control over my cars that shifting seemed to impart.

I discovered after leaving home that driving a stick was not really a . . . standard skill to have, especially as a woman. Demand for manual transmissions is down, as are the numbers of people who know how to drive them. Most new cars aren't even made with manual transmissions, and fewer than 7% of cars sold are standards. When I was making my car purchase, I actually did make a conscious choice between a manual Honda Fit and an automatic Civic. I went with the automatic for a lot of reasons that continue to make sense. But a certain portion of me--personified while I'm driving by my restless, useless left foot--regrets the choice.

Late, lamented
While I'm enjoying my new automatic, I also miss that tie to my mother, especially my ability to pass on the knowledge to the next generation. My toddler and I used to sit in my old car and roll the windows up and down, push and pull the locks, and play with the gear shift. These are things that will soon be as obsolete as dialing a rotary telephone or owning VHS tapes. Even though I knew I was going to have to buy a new car in the next thirteen or fourteen years, I had a romantic notion of teaching my son to drive a stick shift. Obsolete skills, like DNA, have a strong urge for self-perpetuation. A small voice argues that it might be useful someday, wherever his life eventually takes him.

Aside from the opportunity for parental instruction, I regret the fact that I am no longer a part of the club of stick shift drivers, even though my exit was voluntary. I've always loved coming to a stop on a hill and keeping perfect balance between my clutch and gas, standing still without needing a brake. I loved listening to my car and figuring out the perfect time to change gears. When I graduated from college, I got a car from my family. It was a four-speed Honda Civic (surprise!), and I adored it and promptly drove it across the country and back again. Using my car, I taught (or tried to teach) several people to drive a stick. I relish the idea that I can drive pretty much any car that's parked in front of me, once I have the keys in hand. It feels independent. I miss the feeling of control, the nuance, the fact that you are forced to pay attention to the car and not the phone or the drink.

Luckily, I have a plan. In fourteen years, I will go to Europe. I can teach my son to drive a standard and sight-see at the same time. My mother would definitely approve.

Further Reading:
Check the Manual (Transmission): Stick Shift Cars Going Away
Death to the Stick Shift (ouch)
Parents Hope Stick Shifts Will Keep Kids Minds on Driving (ah, local news)

Meditation Index

34 comments:

Sarah said...

You totally make me want to learn how to drive a stick! My father was always willing to teach me but given his low patience threshold I didn't want to chance it on his truck. I've been an automatic driver all my life.

Anna M said...

It's really fun! Having a patient teacher definitely helps.

jpetroroy said...

Just forward this to Brian--he's in love with his Honda Civic hybrid standard. He had to special order it in 2004 :)

Anna M said...

I'm jealous! Hmm, maybe next time I can special order . . .

Kirsten said...

I just got rid of my 1993 Honda Civic (but mine was an automatic!). I had to learn on stick shift cars when I was 16 (that's all my family owned), and though my personal cars have always been automatics, I do think it's important to have the ability to drive a stick. There are several times in my life it's reallllllly come in handy (I'm thinking of a night in college when I was the only sober person who knew how to drive the stick shift car.....). I'll make sure my kid learns how to drive one, when the time comes. (Fortunately, her dad insists that his car be a stick shift, so there's no danger there.)

Katherine C. James said...

Driving a stick shift is the only kind of driving that makes sense to me: it's fun and involving; no shift is boring. I had a stick shift used VW bug in college and then a stick shift new Volvo. From 1998-2005, I chose to have no car in SF. When I got my 2005 Prius, it was a bizarre feeling to go from a stick to *just a knob on the dashboard.* I often feel that something is missing, particularly when I am on one of SF's steep hills. As you describe, the skill of keeping the car perfectly balanced between clutch and gas gave me a feeling of mastery in which I took great pleasure.

Susan Champlin said...

My soul sister! You perfectly encapsulated my feelings about driving a stick shift--it started when I was little and my dad would let me do the "up-over-up" or the "straight back" in his Triumph--and the pang I felt when I gave up my 1997 Honda Civic stick for a used 1999 Honda Civic automatic because my Beloved had back problems. Now, here in NYC, I have no car at all, but I still dream of getting behind the wheel of a stick and hitting the road--preferably a winding country backroad.

Andrea Twombly said...

I learned to drive a stick shift with my dad in a 1972 VW van, and an automatic VW with my mother, and I drove a stick until motherhood loomed, at which time I decided that a four-door sedan would save our soon-to-be daughter many head injuries during my clumsy attempts to get her into a carseat in the backseat of a sportscar. JT and I went test driving cars recently, and she insisted on trying only cars with a stick. We learned while driving a HONDA CIVIC that the new automatic transmissions with electronic controls actually use less gasoline than stick shifts. But still - there's nothing like being fully involved with driving. I still miss watching the tachometer rise as I ready for the next gear. And those wonderful memories of my parents giving me wings via wheels leave me with a hankering for another Volkswagen.

Marie and Zeva said...

I miss driving a standard. I felt so much more in control, especailly in snow or on wet roads. It's been years and I still rest my hand on the gear shift because it feels so right.
My husband's truck is a standard and I love driving it.

dissa12 said...

My mom also taught me to drive stick, although, unlike you, I never mastered it. She taught me on the giant hills of Gloucester MA (afraid to take my foot off the brake for fear we'd slide backwards down the hill) and on the logging roads of Pittsburg, NH (afraid of being plowed over by a logging truck). Fond memories now, but I nearly peed my pants then.

Major Bedhead said...

I love driving a manual. I had an automatic for a few years and was continually stomping on the floor. I don't know that I'd go back to automatic unless forced to.

nielsent said...

maybe i could have learned this if YOU had taught me?

Anonymous said...

Bravo, excellent idea

Anonymous said...

You summed up my feelings about stick shifts perfectly. I learned to drive a stick in a Ford Aerostar, and later had a personal car that was a stick shift. I was very proud that all the women in my family (my sister, my mom and her two sisters) all owned stick shift cars. There's certainly something about defying stereotypes that is satisfactory.

Unknown said...

Automatic vehicles are, with no doubt, easier to drive. But there is something about driving a manual that boosts one’s eagerness to drive. Though as technology further develops and is incorporated into new cars, it is understandable why most people would prefer automatic to manual ones. Anyway, thanks for sharing this with us. Have a great day!


Cayla Maggio @ Nowthen Transmission

Speedy said...

Wonderful blog post. This is absolute magic from you! I have never seen a more wonderful post than this one. You've really made my day today with this. I hope you keep this up!
car disposals Brisbane

Local cash for cars said...

Local Cash for Car is a licensed auto removal company that buys all types of used, junk, scrap, broken, and damaged vehicles for as much as up to Cash For Cars Petrie Terrace

World Cash for Cars said...

Cash For Cars Caboolture understand how difficult car selling can be. With our processes even people with no experience can sell car and get good rates in return. Our streamlined 3-step process can help you cars for cash caboolture

Unknown said...

Give your unwanted vehicle to Car Wreckers Townsville is for people who have old cars piled up in their backyards with no correct way to dispose of them. In Australia alone, there are 500,000 end-of-life vehicles available annually. So correctly disposing of them is a very lucrative business. Cash for Cars Townsville

Cash for Cars Victoria said...

We purchase any type of old, damaged, scrap, junk, wrecked, and unwanted vehicles for as much as up to $9,999. One of the prime benefits of choosing us is that you will also get free car removal anywhere in Mansfield. Cash for Cars Mansfield

Messan Jackson said...

One of the major prompt benefits in opting for scrap car removal Sunshine Coast are the numerous incentives that come with every package. Some of them include free towing, the opportunity to get a free consultation with a car buyer representative and more. These are some of the greatest added advantages for taking up the junk removal program of the company. Furthermore, the money offered can add up to a significant amount, especially when you consider that you will need the vehicle at a later stage.car disposal sunshine coast

sabreena said...

The greatest advantage to selling my car for cash in Brisbane is that they are insured and can take care of any unexpected occurrences during the process. So if you are in need of cash immediately and are in no hurry to move your vehicle, or unwanted cars in particular, then you don't have to worry. This cash is fast, convenient, and comes from a reputable company. You don't have to be stressed out over cash for junk cars. Let the professionals handle everything, and let your worries go away.Cash For Scrap Cars Petrie Terrace

Max Tiney said...

It's time for you to go green and give a car donation to a local charity or car removal company in ACT. Car donations are a great way to help save our environment. Donating your car is one of the easiest ways we can help our environment. Here's how:cash for scrap cars caboolture

North Bena said...

The Company is located on the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway just east of Laguna Beach, and it's conveniently located near the famous Point St. George Yacht Club. You can get there by taking a rented vehicle, but driving is also an option. If you do decide to drive, you'll find a spacious parking lot where you can store all your fishing gear and supplies. There's also a clubhouse with a few comfortable guest rooms that are great for relaxation and storage North Coast Wreckers Townsville

Cash for Cars Victoria said...

We are experts in our business, providing a stress-free removal service to clients across the city. So, whether it's a used car you need removed, a brand new one we can help. We provide free vehicle removal, insurance removal and valuation, and insurance registration consolidation to all clients. We also provide a hassle-free vehicle removal service. We have locations throughout the state of Victoria as well as interstateCash for Scrap Cars Mansfield

Messan Jackson said...

Many states and municipalities require owners of vehicles to pay cash at auctions for scrap cars. Some cities and towns require owners to pay a minimal administrative fee when they pay In some areas, you may even be required to pay the tax on the vehicle. If the town or city requires you to pay tax, make sure you check with your accountant and get the cost before paying tax.free car removal brisbane

Salis burry wrecker said...

If your Mitsubishi car is damaged, run down, damaged or anything else that needs to be taken care of, call us. We offer free pick up, roadside assistance and guarantee that your vehicle will be repaired or replaced without additional charge to you. Mitsubishi wreckers Brisbane is an online website where you can search and view all the available models of Mitsubishi trucks, sport utility vehicles, minivans and SUVs.car wreckers brisbane near me

Max muller said...

Such an informational blog! Get Most Reliable & Cheap towing in services in Melbourne at affordable prices.

Eagle Car Removals said...

Hi, I am really glad I have found this info. There’s nothing better than a free service – except when you add to the equation a top-dollar payment up to $9,999! That’s exactly what you get when you choose Eagle Car Removals in Gold Coast: with every Free Car Removal we provide, we’ll also buy your vehicle from you with exceptional Free Car Removal Brisbane deals, paid on the spot. Call now 07 3275 2178

Cash Car Wreckers said...

Really very happy to say, your post is very interesting to read. Cash Car Wreckers makes it simple to get cash for scrap cars adelaide for truck, SUV, Ute, sedan, van, 4×4, hatchback, or even bus. We make it simple to sell your used, junk, accident, or damaged vehicles for top dollars. We provide you with a cash quote for your car online or via call, which you may accept or reject. It’s that simple.

NorthStar It & Business Solutions said...

Elevate your brand with NorthITsolutions' top-tier Graphic Design Services in Houston. Our skilled team combines creativity and strategic insight to deliver visually stunning solutions tailored to your business.

popshorrorshoppe said...

Explore the eclectic range of products at Pop's Horror Shoppe, a Shopify store catering to all interests. From spooky to quirky, find your perfect style with our unique collection of enamel pins. Pop's Horror Shoppe ensures you discover the ideal enamel pins that not only express your personality but also add a distinctive flair to your everyday look.

Ashraf said...

As a premier signage company in Houston, ProSignsHouston offers expert Vehicle Wraps Near Me services. Transform your vehicle into a powerful marketing tool with our high-quality wraps that showcase your brand wherever you go.

goldndiamond trade said...

Looking to sell or buy diamonds in Houston, Texas? GoldNDiamond Trade has you covered with their expert Diamond Buyers Houston texas services. Trust them for a smooth and reliable diamond transaction experience.