Conference terri::cars_uk

   ...and what, please, is push pull steering ?
    
    DejW

I read that it's currently being updated.


...art

    I use push/pull steering and, after a time getting used to it, believe
    it IS better and safer than hands over. I don't get into skids to need
    to worry wjether to declutch or not! I do NOT support the Roadcraft
    view of getting all your braking done BEFORE changing gear. I think it
    is much safer and smoother to change down under GENTLE braking even
    though this may involve an "extra" gearchange (compared with the
    Roadcraft method). The latter IS possible, it DOES take a lot of
    practice to get it right, I CAN do it but I PREFER not to!
    
    	Isn't it funny how motoring trends, as with other trends, ebb and
    flow with the passage of time and usually end up where they started
    many years previously!
    
    Colin

re .0:

The roadcraft practices mentioned in .0 have long been thought dangerous by 
racing experts, the only controversial aspect is why has it taken the 
police so long to take notice.

Dave.

    
    
    Roadcraft advocates holding the steering wheel at 10 to 2, or quarter
    to 3. Steering is 'push-pull', and you tend to corner with your hands
    at the quarter to three position. Its comfortable, and means the driver
    can adjust his line if the corner sharpens (try doing that with your
    arms crossed...). The quarter to three cornering position also allows
    better control of the steering. 
    
    The racing method is to keep your hands at quarter to three, and not
    to move your hands on the wheel when cornering. The main advantage
    this affords is that you know where straight-ahead is in the event of
    a skid. It also has a higher pose factor, and you can pretend you're
    a racing driver. 
    
    
    Skid control is an interesting point - apparently declutching ensures
    that all cars (FWD, RWD, 4WD) behave the same. Sounds like a benefit.
    Roadcraft advocates a style of driving where you don't get into a skid.
    
    
    Braking and changing gear, simultaneously. Frowned at by Roadcraft, loved
    by the racing expert. The Roadcraft system allows the driver to concentrate
    on one thing at a time, and is safe (though occasionally cumbersome).
    Heeling and toeing is fun if you can do it, but isn't necessary in normal
    driving and isn't safe in all cars (so should Roadcraft advocate it?).
    
    
    Having talked with some critics of Roadcraft, it'll be interesting to
    see what changes. Hopefully mental attitude will be featured more -
    Roadcraft currently stresses the mechanical aspects of driving. Its
    important to think about how your driving is perceived by other road
    users.
    
    Bi||.
    
    PS. I wonder why 'racing experts' are automatically assumed to be capable
    road drivers?

Two questions:

What's "heeling and toeing".

Does Roadcraft say that if (eg) I'm approaching red traffic lights, I should
brake to a standstill (obviously declutching at a suitable point) BEFORE
changing gear at all (as previous notes imply)?
This seems a bit dangerous; if I need to move suddenly to avoid an "incident"
I'll be in the wrong gear and might stall...

RATHOLE AVOIDANCE: Before pedants suggest I learn to drive better so that I
don't stall, it's merely an example.

Scott.

Heeling and toeing - basically using both the accellerator and brake at the same
time, accellerator with the heel and brake with the toe.  The right foot!  This
means that you can change gear whilst braking and keep the engine revs right 
thus giving a smooth change.  Don't try it around any traffic - practise 
somewhere quiet, find an expert to teach you (not me).

Roadcraft says that you assess the junction/roundabout/traffic lights (and
any other hazzard) as you approach it and decide what gear you are going to
need.  Of course, you may need to stop.  If whilst you're slowing down ready to
stop, you may need to reassess the situation if another hazzard crops up.  Of
course, being an advanced driver, you are more aware of what is going on so 
you'll see it sooner.  This may cause you to change your plans, such as making 
a dive for the verge to get away from an out of control Cortina.  The benifit of
only taking the gears that you need and not all of the ones in between is that
gives you more time to look around and assess the situation, thus spotting 
hazzards earlier.  For example, looking beyond a junction and noticing that
the traffic is backing up, and so not having to brake immediately after 
accellerating.  (A bad sign this, it shows lack of vision and judgement).

In your braking to a standstill example, you will, of course, have slipped the
handbrake on (there's nothing like being catapulted into the middle of busy
junction to ruin your day).

Whilst we're on the subject of Advanced driving; don't knock it until you've 
tried it...

Dave

re.8:

I've never seen heel/toe done that way, but individual drivers do differ.
I use the ball of my foot on the brake and toe on the accelerator.

Dave.