A few newbie questions about manual shifting and car maintenance from a new VW purchaser?
August 31, 2010 by admin
Filed under Car Maintenance and Repair
I bought a certified (yay!) pre-owned 2003 VW Jetta Wolfsburg Edition. It’s turbocharged with a 1.8 liter engine. My question is this: I have never cared (due to the general “junkiness” of my previous manual transmission cars) particularly when to shift, seeing as how I usually just listened to the engine as to determine when to shift to the next gear. What RPM is a good factor to shift, in regards to gas mileage (if it matters) and avoiding wear and tear on the clutch (if it matters). Additionally, does “juggling the clutch” as I’ve termed it, (light pressure on the clutch, equal pressure on the gas) while at a stop light save the clutch anymore than would fully depressing the clutch and the brake? I know these are elementary questions, but I’d appreciate any help. If you have any VW basic maintenance tips, I’d appreciate those as well.
The faster you get into high gear will get better mileage, you do not need to rev up the engine very high to shift to the next gear. As far as Jiggling the clutch at stoplights goes, you are causing a lot of extra wear and tear to your clutch by doing that.
Good grief! Push the clutch to the floor. Monkeying with the clutch at a stoplight burns it up, needlessly. If you’re not moving, and the engine is running, then the clutch has to be slipping or totally disengaged. No other options.. Slipping is bad.
I would say just continue to shift when you want to.
These engines build torque rather easily so revving it out of the frame is not recommended if you are striving for economy. Also if you shift sooner,within reason,you will get up to speed sooner and take advantage of the torque available. Do not lug the engine too far or it will not recover,this will kill fuel mileage. These are good engines, if taken care of. Regular oil changes,not over-revving,and allowing for a short cool-down period before shutting the eng. off after a hard run, this will save your turbo and your wallet. The clutch deal,brakes are ten times cheaper than a clutch,besides when you are sitting still there is no wear at all taking place on your brakes,maybe on your leg,but not your brakes.
Congrats on the jetta. They are sweet cars. Ideally 3500 rpm probably is a good compromise on where to shift. Not to aggressive and not too weak. Fully depress the clutch at all times, and once depressed leave it alone. They are expensive to replace due to where they are located so try not to kill it. On the positive side, the clutch assembly is pretty tough on a Jetta. Try out http://www.vwfixx.com its a message board for VW people. They have great tips and advice. The members are a big help.