Poethius

I think that I am hard on clutches, because I was taught to slip the clutch to move the car slowly and precisely when parking, etc. I've noticed recently that I *never* engage the clutch completely when in reverse. Is this strange? I just don't seem to have occasion to drive fast enough or long enough in reverse for full engagement to be useful. I know that riding the clutch causes wear, but I don't see an alternative. My garage is right on the street; I have to inch out slowly to make sure I don't hit pedestrians. (Of course, the same problem occurs in first gear in similar situations.)

Digit@lex

I do the same exact thing. I always slip it in reverse as well.

GlennB

IMO, reverse is geared too high...slipping is mandatory for a safe backing speed in tight quarters. My driveway is long enough to completely release the clutch in reverse, but w/ the clutch out I do feel like I am going too fast.

Denver J

Everyone has a different driving style... I find that sometimes when shifting gears I spend a tad more time taking letting the clutch (while just starting to accelerate) out than is probably recommended.... but I have never burned out a clutch yet and I put over 60K on one in an older vehicle of mine.