TCogs1
Well-Known Member
funny, you do realize a starter is an electric motor... the rest is just software in the modern day, thus learn to program and one can turn the software Nannies on or off.. I agree driving skill is muscle memory and will always be better than software for the foreseeable future, for those on the edge aka the masters.. . I used to run Manuals and now i run my auto in manual mode, thus i don't have to push a clutchZandcwhite.
Here is the link as to how to start a JL if you stall it and are in low gear.
Here is an example of a vehicle where the automatic and all that fancy stuff does not work when it was needed
"MEDIA=youtube]fppdo6qrfys[/MEDIA"
There are other examples where the automatics and traction control system work against the driver when things got somewhat nasty. However, I do think Jeep's automatic systems do work well in most cases.
Granted, there some cases where an automatic is easier (e.g., crawling) and there are some cases where a manual will better (when you want to tranny to stay just in that one gear).
As an instructor for teaching people how to drive on the track, yes, automatics, paddleshifters, ABS, traction control etc. are crutches that help students to learn how to drive on the track. Ever watch Top Gear, or similar? Most professional drivers (e.g., The Stig) get rid of all the drivers aids when they go for a fast lap.
At the track, my students often initially think they can drive. They do not know that they do not know how to drive or even hold the steering wheel and turn it. My first task is to teach a student that they do not know how to drive. Typically, at the end of a weekend, most first time students have learned that they do not know how to drive. In a nutshell, us instructors jokingly call this taking a student from an uniformed incompetent to an informed incompetent. Once a student is at this point, the learning can begin.
Same is true with manuals. In the hands of a master, a manual is a beautiful thing. Many of those automated systems are there because most people are not interested in developing the skills needed to perfect their driving skills. Much simpler to put a tranny is "D" and press the skinny pedal. When brakes are needed, stomp the brakes and let the ABS do the work. To fast in a corner, let the traction control catch you. IMHO, very little is learned this way. The students who learn the most are those who don't have driving aids (e.g., a pre 1990's 911) and work relentlessly working on their skills to properly drive a manual.
Bottom line, manuals are great. Yes, it is a preference thing, but it is also a way to become more in sync with your car/Jeep. Driving a manual will allow the you to do things that modern vehicle electronics will not let you do (e.g., using the starter move the car while it is gear). Driving a manual takes time to learn and time to develop those skills. Developing those skills either on road, on the track, or off road makes one a better driver. And, it the type of vehicle doesn't matter, (e.g., Jeep, Porsche, Miata, Mustang) as long as it is a manual, you can learn. Until one has spent the time to truly develop skills associated with driving a manual, one will never know the full benefits of a manual. I can only hope that one day, you take the time to develop those skills.
Great write up!
Sponsored