Manual transmission, while sitting at a stop...

[Hypoid]

Manual transmission, while sitting at a stop:

A) Do you put the tranny in neutral, and take your foot off the clutch pedal?

B) Do you keep the tranny in gear, and hold the clutch in?

C) Why do it that way?

I've heard reasons for the first part of the question. I don't recall ever hearing a reason for keeping the tranny in gear, while sitting at a stop.

[Robert B]

i always do neutral and let the clutch up.......one my trucks clutch is the old stiff style which i like but it will kill your leg to hold it for a long light....and 2 i think it puts excessive wear on the clutch parts .......there is also the great chance you wond hold it 100% of the way down and let it just enough to glaze the clutch surface at it hardly touches the flywheel........kinda like having an E-brake on 1 click and driving....other than that its just how i was tought

[4Runninfun]

I'll usually throw it in neutral. No sense keeping it pushed in if there isn't need.

[Rob]

Neutral, clutch out. Always done it that way.

[Popsgarage]

Neutral, clutch out. Dad taught me that one a long time ago.

[Jim]

Depends upon how long I'll be "sitting"

If short duration...
In Gear w/ clutch in - the throwout bearing is being used/worn (OK but not great)

If long duration...
Out of gear w/ clutch out - you'll likely wear the synchro's of the first gear you engage.
(often, instead of pushing into first and wearing those synchros, I'll click into a different gear (3 or 4) to stop the clutch from spinning and then move to first [i'd guess the first gear synchros get the most use/abuse out of the bunch])

EDIT

Hypoid previously posted:

[KnuckleHead]

I've always brought it to neutral clutch out...... heard it can put a little more wear on things always going back in gear but I get tired of holding the clutch in myself....

[Patrolman]

Neutral and clutch out to avoid any wear on the throwout bearing or other parts.

[glacierpaul]

I mostly do A, but lean to what Jim said. I do A, because of the old Jeep syndrome. Luckily for me, here in Clear Creek County, there are no stop lights only signs.
I was told for safety reasons to always leave the vehicle in gear. It is illegal to cruise down the road with the vehicle out of gear, it may be the same while sitting at an intersection.
I could see both ways failing though, in the right scenario.

[Java]

I almost always do A. When I was learning stick as a kid I was told to treat the clutch like it was hot. I almost never downshift to slow down either- clutches are expensive and difficult compared to brakes!

[RidgeRunner]

Most of the time A, if I know it's going to be a short wait then B. Main reason is wear on the clutch parts, specifically the throw out bearing.

[Beefy]

Usually A to give my leg a break.

I downshift to slow down though. It's habit and how I was taught.

On a motorcycle, B because I might have to get the hell out of dodge and there's no cage.

[Tom]

Neutral, clutch out. Always done it that way. Less wear and tear on the throwout bearing.

[trailfiend]

I'd always do A as well, mainly because if for whatever reason I forgot I was in gear or my foot slipped off the clutch, slamming the car into gear, I didn't want to go through that wonderful jarring of the truck.... or bumping into another car.

[Warrlord]

Here's a reason to not have the clutch depressed at every stop light all the time

Here's a good reason to NOT sit at a stop light with the clutch pedal depressed

[Heather]

Java previously posted:

[Funrover]

Neutral, off the clutch. Always done that. Some folks stay on the clutch and in gear for safety. They can move if needed or the car will stall if in a wreck.

[Rick]

mostly A except if I'm on a hill then B with it acting as a brake

[Tom]

Tricky69 previously posted:

[Rick]

wcrosman previously posted: