"wropt in mystery" and being only necessary occasionally, gear changing is too often left severely alone in the hope that the next hill may be climbed in top, or if not then may the manipulation of the gear lever be attended with the best of luck.

THE "CHANGE DOWN" (i.e. from top to 3rd, or 3rd to 2nd etc.)

Ability to change down properly at any car speed not only increases the pleasure of driving but also the sense of security. It is an art therefore, that is well worth learning. Do not, however, wait for a hill: all the essentials for gear-changing practice are available on any piece of road, in fact, the best conditions are provided by a slight down grade of sufficient slope to keep the car in uniform motion while the gear lever is in neutral.

With the gear in neutral and the clutch in, the best condition for a silent change can be obtained by accelerating the engine to suit the car speed and the particular gear that it is desired to engage. The driver has nothing but the speedometer and his own judgement to guide him as to the amount of acceleration that is necessary, but the best drivers seldom make a mistake because their experience is adequate. This experience, however, is solely due to practice and is, therefore, within reach of anyone who will take the trouble to make a practice gear change every few yards along any ordinary road.

The most common cause of failure on the part of the novice is insufficient acceleration when changing down: at fairly high car speeds it may be necessary to hold down the accelerator for several seconds while the gear lever is in neutral and the clutch is in. The clutch is then quickly disengaged and the gear lever moved silently into position.

When about to change down be sure to pull upon the gear lever before pressing upon the clutch pedal. This is in order that the gear may be disengaged immediately the clutch is released. Any tendency for the gear to stick is invariably caused by over running consequent upon the clutch being disengaged before the hand is ready to move the lever. There is no need to move the clutch pedal far forward when changing down and it is important not to move it so far as to bring the clutch stop into action.

When changing down at very low car speeds the lever can be moved right through to the next position without intermediate acceleration, but under all ordinary circumstances intermediate acceleration is essential to a silent change down and is best per-