Can YOU Do It?

Can YOU Do It?


Over the last few decades, so many skills that we baby boomers thought were basic knowledge are now a dying art. Like writing and mailing a letter. Having an engaged conversation in a restaurant without an iPhone. But that isn't what I am talking about.


I'm talking about DRIVING A STANDARD SHIFT CAR! Yes, folks, that's right. A vehicle with a CLUTCH and up to six speeds! I have been reminded a little too frequently lately about how not too many folks can drive one anymore. Recently, I brought our Mazda 6 six speed in for tires. I witnessed one tough and tattooed young man attempt to get said car from its parking space into the garage bay. After multiple stall outs, I finally had to stop the torture of my vehicle and drive it into the bay myself.


A related pet peeve is also a reflection of generally bad driving habits and cluelessness about what it is to shift a car. You know how folks nowadays just love to tailgate, way too close? Well, when you shift a manual transmission there can be an oh-so-slight hesitation as you switch gears. Not good when that Yukon is inches away from the rear bumper.


It's pretty hard to even get a lot of vehicles with a standard transmission now. Too bad. Driving a standard offers improved control and handling, and an overall better driving experience. We have four vehicles -- all standard transmissions.


So I throw down the gauntlet. Can YOU drive a standard?