general question

[moviewatcher]

I was at the car wash today and while waiting to pay I let the clutch out while in first thinking I had it in neutral and of course there was the lurch and stall. I have a 2006 Mazda 3 GT and was just wondering how hard is this on the transmission and or engine. It is my new baby and I don't plan on making a habit of doing that. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[MazKid]

Don't worry, I've done it in both of my cars and new cars at work. It really isn't hard on your car. Since it was at idle it didn't burn your clutch and the sudden jerk isn't any worse than a hard up shift that you might do while going flat out getting on the hghway.

Not really hard on the engine either. Think about people learning how to drive a stick and the number of times they've stalled out. Same thing.

So nope, no harm done except maybe embarrassment.

 

[moviewatcher]

Don't worry, I've done it in both of my cars and new cars at work. It really isn't hard on your car. Since it was at idle it didn't burn your clutch and the sudden jerk isn't any worse than a hard up shift that you might do while going flat out getting on the hghway.

Not really hard on the engine either. Think about people learning how to drive a stick and the number of times they've stalled out. Same thing.

So nope, no harm done except maybe embarrassment.

Thanks for the reply MazKid....definitely embarrassed as everyone turned to look as I reacted by saying rather loudly, Oh sh**t...kind of funny now....

 

[MazKid]

LOL. I did this at work in a B6 Miata when I was first working in the service drive through, moving people's cars. I had to give this key to my boss and he showed up as I was moving the car out. So I pull the parking brake and hop out, still in the drive through, and unfortunately still in gear. It jerked forward then died, and my boss, to add insult, said "Ryan do you need help with that?". Customers standing around too(not the owner of the car though).

 

[easygoer66]

EPA question on my 2006 Mazda3

I just pruchased a 2006 Mazda3 iT. I drive mostly in the NY city. I have not been able to get more than 15.5MPG. I reported it to the dealer and they insist that I drive the car for more than 1000 miles, it is not a problem, it's a new car, etc. I currently only have 600miles, and has since filled up more than 4 times.

Just a note, this car shifts at 7, 17, 27 for the 2, 3 & 4 gears. is this ok?

Any advise?

 

[MazKid]

It shifts depending on the amount of throttle you're giving it as I gather it's an auto.

Just drive the car and if you think there's a problem after the break in period then go to your dealership and have them check it out. Most likely there is no problem and you're getting that mileage due to driving habits/conditions.

 

[jiranz2]

A little stall in your new car won't cause any problems, just don't try it too regularly.
As for mileage, keep driving carefully and it may improve with time. you should be getting at least 25 around town and 35 on the highway.