Why do truckers extend their shifters?

A longer shifter column provided more leverage when having trouble getting the gears to mesh together. Today's transmissions are much smoother and easier to shift.

Why do truckers float gears?

These drivers believe that this is the correct way to shift as it is best for the longevity of the transmission. Floating Gears – Other drivers prefer to shift gears without the use of the clutch, other than when starting out or upon occasion.

Why do you double clutch a semi?

Operating a manual transmission in a big rig isn't like the stick shift you're probably used to. For one thing, semi-trucks require that you double clutch when shifting gears. This means engaging the clutch to pull the gear out, letting the clutch out, and then engaging it again to shift into the desired gear.

What does it mean to granny shift?

Simply put, granny shifting is when you upshift or downshift through the gears of a manual transmission normally. This means that there's not rev-matching or double clutching happening through your shifts, which also means that the car will likely bog when you downshift.

Is it OK to float gears?

If done improperly, it can damage or destroy a transmission. Some truck (lorry) drivers use this technique with the higher gears when at work.

156 How to shift an 18 speed transmission

Why do truckers honk when you pass them?

This helps traffic flow and helps avoid cars from unexpectedly appearing in the blind spots of truckers. Passing a truck on the right can be very dangerous if he is trying to get over and doesn't see you.

Why are truckers so rude?

Truck drivers are often perceived to be rude for one simple reason: inertia. Trucks have a lot of inertia and therefore take a lot longer than cars to safely slow down, speed up, or change lanes. Such slow responsivity can seem like rudeness to other drivers. Public Domain Image, source: OSHA.

Why do truck drivers use toothpicks?

Truck drivers – who are among the drugs most popular users – often soak their toothpicks in liquid methamphetamine, which gives them a mild dose as they chew on it while driving down the road.

Why are semi transmissions not synchronized?

On a heavy truck with all the shifting, if there were synchros in the transmission, drivers would still shift without using clutch and probably shorten the life of the transmission considerably.

What rpm do you shift a semi?

For the higher gears, add the two digits of the speed and that tells you what gear you should be in for 1300 engine RPMs. For example, at 15 MPH, 1+5 is 6, so you should rev the engine to 1300 and shift into 6th. For 25 MPH 2+5 is 7 so shift into 7th at 1300 rpm.

Can you single clutch a semi?

Yes, most of the time you can time it pretty good and effectively reduce the power so it will slid out and in, but eventually you may time it wrong, and chip a tooth. One other reason to use a clutch. Most chipped teeth in transmissions will NOT be warranty.

How do you annoy a truck driver?

What do truck drivers hate?

3 Cars Annoy Truckers: Driving In Truck Lane

As much as car drivers hate it when big rigs go slow in the fast lane, big rig drivers hate it when cars go fast in the truck (or climbing) lane. Climbing lanes are generally put in place on long highway stretches that experience high traffic and mountain grades.

Why do semis flash their lights when you pass them?

The Flashing Lights You DO Want to See

More than two consecutive flashes from oncoming traffic means that there is another type of danger ahead and you should proceed with caution. You can also use your headlights to communicate with trucks, a common signal is for lane change clearance.

Why do truckers flash their trailer lights?

If you are a driver behind a semi trying to go in front of you, quickly flash your headlights when the semi's trailer clears your car and there is room for them to move back into the driving lane. Often times a truck driver will flash his trailer lights as a “thank you” for your courtesy.

How do you say thank you to a truck driver?

What is a money shift?

Money shifting happens when you accidentally miss the gear you are intending to shift into or aggressively downshift, so instead of shifting into 4th gear maybe you shifted back into 2nd gear. It's called a money shift because when it happens, it will cost you a lot of money to repair.