Gear lever on stalk
Discussion
dkatwa said:
Is it possible to accidently move the gear lever whilst driving, mistaking it for an indicator stalk or windscreen washer? I have other cars and they are not consistent in their use or placement of the stalks. Thanks.
Yes.I've always thought the stalk idea was a bad one (e.g. on the current A class).
Ergonomics say it's wrong.
A-class drivers always look down at the lever and the dash-indicator when selecting.
Those of us with proper selectors can do it by feel, so keeping our eyes on the road. That's what the button's for. Or the sideways spring, if that what you have. Amazing how many people don't know that!
Those of us with proper selectors can do it by feel, so keeping our eyes on the road. That's what the button's for. Or the sideways spring, if that what you have. Amazing how many people don't know that!
I've hit the park button a couple of times when I really wanted the windscreen wash. At speed it just beeps and puts a warning on the dash, but if you're going very slowly it will go in to park with a fair jolt.
I find the stalk really natural - to me it makes a lot more sense than a rotary dial and frees the space for cup holders. I used to drive forklifts and tractors which use a similar setup.
I find the stalk really natural - to me it makes a lot more sense than a rotary dial and frees the space for cup holders. I used to drive forklifts and tractors which use a similar setup.
quinny100 said:
I've hit the park button a couple of times when I really wanted the windscreen wash. At speed it just beeps and puts a warning on the dash, but if you're going very slowly it will go in to park with a fair jolt.
I find the stalk really natural - to me it makes a lot more sense than a rotary dial and frees the space for cup holders.
Your mistakes would suggest otherwise.I find the stalk really natural - to me it makes a lot more sense than a rotary dial and frees the space for cup holders.
More cup holders, hallelujah!
What is it with this necessity for cup holders in cars nowadays.
I have never understood it myself and honestly couldn't give a rats arse about them!Fast Bug said:
Why would you out an auto in neutral?
Yes quite right...it is much better to leave in drive and use the hold function which will have the brake lights constantly illuminated for the duration of each and every stop....even if it is for minutes on end.I used to hate it when parked behind a driver who sits with his foot on the brake while stationary, but now they have a lazy technology for that.
Fast Bug said:
I pop it in park, never used the hold function for the reason you mention
In that case well done you. 
I wrongly assumed you were one of these drivers who never take an auto out of Drive.
P.S. My car is an auto and I always knock it into neutral and flick the electronic handbrake on when thinking i will be stopped for more than a few seconds, just like i always did with previous manual cars. For me it just makes for a more relaxed experience.....
donkmeister said:
(Ok Ron, tell us all why you don't like cruise control now )
Oh I absolutely love cruise control and use it virtually every time I am in my car. )I wouldn't buy a car without cruise control now, although thankfully it is pretty much a standard feature nowadays. I remember as recently as 2014 when I had to specify it as an optional extra on a Focus ST3.
I've never knocked one into neutral whilst i was driving, or knocked it at all for that matter. It is a bit different from the norm, but i found it didn't take long at all to get used to. The newer stalks are a little bit slimmer than the earlier ones in the likes of the W212 E class.
Just found this topic randomly! I LOVE the stalk, it means you can select forward and reverse so much more easily and you can kee your hands on the wheel. I've never once hit it by mistake, it's set back so you'd have to be retarded to hit it. More cars should have it, I know Tesla do but not sure who else
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