I have a 2005 Rx-8 MT with 84K on the chassis and 10K on the motor. I will be driving from Oklahoma City to Chicago in a couple weeks. So, I will be entering a snow biome type of environment. As far a what gear to stay in with highway travel 60-75 MPH, which is best? I am a beginner with driving stick shift as my previous vehicle was a 2003 Eclipse AT. Also, when traveling at a high rate of speed, perhaps, 5th gear and I come to a halt. Would I downshift 5th ->1st if I brake and clutch at the same time or slowly ease into halting as in 5th -> 4th -> 3rd -> 2nd -> 1st. Again, I'm a beginner at this and obviously just started based on my profile and where this is posted. Thank you.

 

It really depends on how you're comfortable driving it. I personally like slowing down with the downshift+clutch+brake, but some people do prefer the neutral+brake method. It doesn't really make a difference when it comes down to it, either way you slow down and you still have a solid ABS system.

As for cruising, I use 6th as an "overdrive" type of thing. So its 1-5 at anything below 60mph, then 6th if I'm going to be cruising above 60 for a while. It only effects gas mileage and noise. Truthfully the engine would be happy doing that speed at anything above 2nd gear. Just drive the way you feel works for you and it will be fine.

 

In 2009-2011 when I lived in the US, I had a 2006 RX8 GT that I drove in the snow and I once got caught in a major blizzard. IF you're going to drive your RX8 in the snow, make sure you invest in a great set of snow tires or you'll be struggling.

Also be careful when you're driving stick in the snow, especially when you downshift. If you downshift when the RPM's are too high, you might end up locking the rear and send you into a tailspin. I personally wouldn't downshift at anything more than 3500 RPM, in fact, downshifting when you're rolling on snow is generally a bad idea especially if you have low traction.

Good luck,
Serge

 

I live about an hour from Chicago and good snow tires are a must, if NOT you will be putting you and your 8 at risk. It can still be a bit of a challenge to drive even with good snow tires.

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Agreed, it really does depend on your driving style and how much (minimal) gas you want to save. There's no "right way" to drive a stick!

 

But, if I clutch and brake. Can I downshift from 5th to 1st? Or go in order? Or just straight to first?

 

Why not do something in the middle like 3rd? Lol. Have fun trying to shift into first at anything more than 10-15mph. It takes a bit of muscle.

 

Everyone misunderstands my question with this. Imagine driving in 5th gear doing 80 mph, then putting the foot on the break and clutch and going to 0 mph, stopping. Then can I got to first gear? Also would this put a toll on my engine?

 

People aren't understanding your question because that question sounds like you have no idea how to drive a manual transmission car, even the basics.

If you come to a stop, you will HAVE to go to 1st gear. Some cars can get going in 2nd, but it's pretty difficult in an 8 unless you have a lot of experience with MT. So no one understand why you are asking if you are allowed to go to 1st. If you don't you won't move the car again.

 

I agree, it's a really weird question. If you're new to it there's no way you'll get the 8 moving from 0mph in anything but first gear. We lack the torque at idle for that kind of thing.

Just another quick tip: if you're stopped at a light or in traffic or something go to neutral. It takes less of a toll on your clutch bearing, your leg, and it removes the possibility of accidentally rear ending the car in front of you.

 

Well, because I genuinely don't. And it's stop as in at a red light type of stop.

 

It's really not hard, and it's far more intuitive than driving an automatic. There are some good videos on YouTube to learn how to drive an MT. Check there for the basics.

 

Frankly, you need someone to actually teach you in person how it all works. Your knowledge level is far too low for any of us to really be able to help you via text over the forum. Not flaming you, just pointing out a truth here. Who do you know that knows manual that could teach you?

I know of one inactive club member in Normal OK, but unknown if she would be willing.

 

I am a kinesthetic learner to also top all of this off. I am perhaps preparing myself for the actual, beneficial, hands-on learning that awaits me in two days.

 

I believe I understand what you're saying. If I'm going to be coming to a dead stop (from any gear) I push the clutch in > push the shifter to neutral > let off the clutch >brake to 0 > Clutch > First gear > take off. If it's anything over 5 mph shift to 2nd instead of first

 

Well, as someone else said, one easy thing to remember: if you're cruising along at 60mph+, stay in sixth gear. Unless you need to accelerate (to pass someone or to quickly up your speed) or need more "grunt" (to climb a hill), there's no advantage or reason to cruise in fifth or below at those speeds. You'd be just wasting fuel.