D Car — July 2004

If you scrape often, adjust the coilovers or raise the car. A slammed ride height with a full aero kit looks great, but cracked aero is not. Raising the car or installing air suspension is the best solution. It may cost less than replacing damaged aero. We raised the ride height of our Civic, too. With air suspension, a single switch could return it to its original height.

Downshift immediately after the “vroom!”

Just as you lift off the throttle to reduce engine speed before an upshift, raising the revs during a downshift helps the next gear engage smoothly.

Lift off the throttle and release the clutch.

Once in gear, release the clutch and throttle. If you need to slow further, downshift one more gear with heel-and-toe. If you are accelerating, move your right foot to the throttle.

Release the brake and prepare to accelerate again.

Even if the car has slowed, you can accelerate again right away because you downshifted. That is the essence of using the power band.

Heel-and-toe is difficult to master all at once. Start by practicing accurate shifts and pedal operation, even at low speed. You can practice during everyday driving, such as when stopping at a traffic light. Always pay attention to the traffic behind you.

If you can do this motion in half a second, you pass!

Technique

Did you know pedal positions can be adjusted? If the gap between your heel and the throttle is too wide while braking, heel-and-toe becomes difficult. In that case, adjust the height using the rod behind the pedal. Be careful not to make both pedals exactly level, or you may press them together.

Adjust carefully!

Only the brake pedal needs adjustment; with the right tools, it can be done without installing parts. A repair shop can handle it.

Lesson 3

Sport Compact Academy

PART.3

When going uphill

Approach a bump diagonally. This is the golden rule!

If you scrape, never back up. Keep moving forward.

Approaching at an angle reduces the slope angle between the tires, bumper and direction of travel. If you scrape, do not stop or reverse: backing up may tear the bumper off.

Use the shallowest angle possible!

This hill is

steep, too!

Even after one wheel clears the bump, do not accelerate suddenly! Avoid compressing the suspension; creep up at a steady, slow speed.

If several bumps come in a row, adjust your steering so that you can approach each one diagonally. Plan your route ahead.

Use the full road width while watching for oncoming traffic. To protect the aero, applying tape underneath the bumper is one option.

When going downhill

Actually, downhill is more dangerous than uphill! Go slowly here, too.

Take it slowly.

For a downhill bump, plan your ideal line in advance. The basic approach is to brake and creep over at a very low speed.

Going downhill shifts weight forward, so the chance of scraping is higher than when climbing. Take a wider, more diagonal approach.

Stay alert until the very end. If the car seems at risk, raising its ride height can be a useful solution.

BEFORE

Clear bumps with diagonal technique and ride-height adjustment. Some people call aero bumpers consumables, but a cracked bumper ruins the whole look. Use a diagonal approach and adjust ride height to minimize damage. Crawling over a bump may feel embarrassing, but destroying your aero is worse. Protect your car by taking bumps diagonally!

Have you learned the basics of sport-compact driving?

D Car — July 2004

About this issue

Page 109 — English draft translation