[Gunter]

John Cramer hits on something that has amused me for years: Down-shifting when you come to a stop anyway on a red light or stop sign. It's a stupid habit that will prematurely wear out your clutch and related components. Two types of people seem to do it: The ones who don't know how a clutch works, and the ones who want to look macho. Then there is the bad habit of riding the clutch by using it as a foot rest or using the clutch to hold the car on a hill instead of using the emergency brake. Double-clutching is another abuse; a fully synchronized transmission in good working order for street-driving does not need it. Poor things; repair shops love them!