Blocking tactics

I am in the motor trade and was on road test in a customer’s car the other day. He was driving and block changed from 2nd to 5th at about 35mph going UP the gearbox. I was horrified, believing this would labour the engine and prematurely wear the clutch, crankshaft, etc? He told me he was taught to drive this way by the Institute of Advanced Motorists about 10 years ago and proudly showed me his IAM membership card. I have been known to block change going down the box but never up. Surely this has to be wrong?

Asked on 3 July 2010 by SW, North Muskham

Answered by Honest John

It's fine to block change up or down. It's a police technique and I was taught it by a police instructor. Okay to block change missing one gear, like 3rd to 5th. Extreme to go from 2nd to 5th.

Tags: driving driving techniques

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