I don't lift my foot off at all, actually I do the opposite which is squeeze it at least half way to two thirds down. I actually enjoy the transmission but I guess I'm an outlier on that....
I think the car is happier when you squirt it some gas IMO
I go along with Shanna, all I'd add is that I seem to ease off the gas just a bit when shifting into 2nd and 3rd, but keep it steady for the higher gears. I've read posts that the less you keep adjusting the gas, the better your mileage. However, when I do need to get by someone, I "squirt it some gas" as was mentioned.
In my opinion, moving the throttle pedal while shifting can “confuse” the computer, as it is trying to sync the throttle, clutch and transmission. The computer does its throttle modulation back at the engine and I believe that it slows down the shift when the throttle pedal is in a different position as the clutch is re-engaged vs. when it was dis-engaged.
I believe that, given the chance, the Smart does a very good, consistent job of shifting under MOST circumstances.
and the same person has been driving it, I have found no need to lift on the accelerator in either auto or manual mode. The correctly trained car and transmission (correctly according to how I drive it, that is) shifts just fine and damnit if it almost doesn't sense that I am thinking it should shift down or up and it does!!! Pretty smart car If you ask me!! LOL
I am totally at ease with the transmission now after 2500 miles of trouble free driving and think having the option to use it either in manual OR automatic is quite advanced as far as transmissions go.
In my opinion, moving the throttle pedal while shifting can “confuse” the computer, as it is trying to sync the throttle, clutch and transmission. The computer does its throttle modulation back at the engine and I believe that it slows down the shift when the throttle pedal is in a different position as the clutch is re-engaged vs. when it was dis-engaged.
I believe that, given the chance, the Smart does a very good, consistent job of shifting under MOST circumstances.
I have to agree with the above. The computer is synchronizing the thottle with the clutch, disengaging the transmission at the specified RPM rate. I was also told to lift slightly of the accelerator pedal to make the shifting "smoother," but as a race car (F1) enthusiast I would say that most people will not have the finesse to out "Smart" the computer. The computer might only become "confused" from the incorrect readings brought by the mild adjustment to the throttle and might not engage the next gear reliably.
As a smart brand specialist, I've found that the "lifting the foot" method only really is necessary in Drive mode, not in the manual. In manual, you can just keep your foot down. However in Drive, there's no way I wouldn't ease off the gas. Now, actually lifting your foot off of the pedal isn't a good method either, but rather just ease up and stop applying the same pressure. That's what I generally tell people to do, not because of instruction from smart, but because it's what works. If you ease off slightly, it is a much, much smoother shift transition in Drive mode.
Use auto mode to drift about town, and you’ll hardly ever notice the “nodding-dog” problems of old. Change with the lever when driving harder, and you’ll actually enjoy the performance. The ‘box even blips nicely on downchanges.
I have to agree with the first part; I started off lifting slightly as the car shifted but now just keep a constant throttle position. If you're at about 1/4 throttle you do get some "nodding dog" action at slower speeds. However, it's my experience that at 1/2 throttle or better the shifts are much smoother. To each his (or her) own, but I've stopped the slight lift on the throttle and haven't resorted to the manual mode much at all. The car will do whatever you want in "D" - all you have to do is let it know via the throttle.
As a smart brand specialist, I've found that the "lifting the foot" method only really is necessary in Drive mode, not in the manual. In manual, you can just keep your foot down. However in Drive, there's no way I wouldn't ease off the gas. Now, actually lifting your foot off of the pedal isn't a good method either, but rather just ease up and stop applying the same pressure. That's what I generally tell people to do, not because of instruction from smart, but because it's what works. If you ease off slightly, it is a much, much smoother shift transition in Drive mode.
Manual though? Let loose and keep 'er down.
- Nathan
Nathan-
did Smart train you to tell customers to lift up on the gas pedal? If so, why? Seems if it isnt necessary, (and better without this move), then why bother?
Is there some engine saving benefit from lifting up when shifting?
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1976 Rover Mini
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