Helped an american

gmc · Post by **gmc** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 11:56 am

tourist today by showing her where reverse was on her hire car. Was walking past a line of cars when I heard this american voice calling to me - tourist in a manual hire car who couldn't find reverse. No I'm not about to crack any jokes about women drivers. You have to wonder why the hire company didn't have the common courtesy to show her the basics. Said she was used to manuals at home but in audis made for the US market do you not have to lift up the switch on the gear lever to put it in reverse? I know we joke about americans but if you don't drive a lot of different cars it can be a bit confusing getting in a hire car. Automatics we call granny cars cos it's mainly OAP's that buy them.

tude dog · Post by **tude dog** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 1:19 pm

Sometimes we just don't ask.

Last time I rented a car. drove it three days till I figured how to control the seat position. It was in a most annoying position.

Like my dad would say,

IF ALL ELSE FAILS, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS.

In such a hurry we are.

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 2:59 pm

I don't know anything about lifting a switch, all the stick shifts I've driven looked like this:

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 3:12 pm

My first car was Volvo with a stick shift. I'm glad I learned how to drive a standard transmission, but it was rough going at first. :wah: You almost feel like you have to dance inside your car with the clutch and the shift.

:driving:

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 3:48 pm

Lucky for her she found a kind soul that didn't think poorly of her for asking.

tude dog · Post by **tude dog** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 4:54 pm

:yh_worshpSnoozeAgain;1425261 wrote: Lucky for her she found a kind soul that didn't think poorly of her for asking.

gmc · Post by **gmc** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 1:18 am

SnoozeAgain;1425261 wrote: Lucky for her she found a kind soul that didn't think poorly of her for asking.

Any passer by would have done the same. Ended up being quite entertaining, they had got off a plane hired a car to drive in to one of the most congested cities in europe driving on the wrong side of the road, everything was on the wrong side in the car within a mile of the hire place they had gone through through two roundabouts - I gather you don't them have in the states - got stuck in a one way system which is why they ended up stuck in a queue for a car park. At least we both spoke the same language I find if you speak slowly enough Americans can understand quite well.

I can empathise, driving abroad for the first time you come off the ferry straight on to a five exit roundabout with everybody going the wrong way round gesticulating at you in a funny foreign manner if you show any hesitation. .

Google Image Result for http://www.etyres.co.uk/images/audi-gearshift.jpg

To put it in reverse there is a small lever on the gear stick you lift you so you can it across in to reverse - most german made cars have the same feature presumably so you can't out it in reverse accidentally.

In the UK you can't drive a manual if you passed you test on an automatic, or rather you can but your insurance would be invalid in the event of a claim and it became apparent. I wonder if the hire company actually checks or if they need to. I'm assuming it would invalidate any car insurance in the event of a claim.

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 3:19 am

I've only seen one back East but apparently we call them something else. RoundaboutsUSA | Photo Gallery

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 4:03 am

I remember learning to drive in Japan on the wrong side of the road. The military vehicles were American, so the driver's side was closest to the curb. That really took some getting used to. But then when I got my own car, steering wheel on the right, shifting with the left hand, it was a whole new learning curve again.

By the time I was stationed in England I was comfortable enough driving that roundabouts were pretty easy to navigate, but I can imagine someone being a bit overwhelmed with all of it at once.

I'm just glad that everybody agrees to accelerate with he right foot and clutch/brake with the left. Can you imagine the fun if that was reversed as well? :wah:

tude dog · Post by **tude dog** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 7:30 am

I know of two roundabouts in Kansas. They are made barely big enough to accommodate an 18 wheel semi-truck. I am glad the center part doesn't have much of a rise. I know more than once going through my trailer did quite clear the center.

tude dog · Post by **tude dog** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 7:33 am

Accountable;1425287 wrote: I'm just glad that everybody agrees to accelerate with he right foot and clutch/brake with the left. Can you imagine the fun if that was reversed as well? :wah:

geeze, Hard enough just to imagine any of your experience.

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 12:53 pm

tude dog;1425299 wrote: geeze, Hard enough just to imagine any of your experience.
It's easy when you are in traffic. You just go with the flow. The hardest part is when you pull out of a parking lot onto an empty street.

gmc · Post by **gmc** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 1:04 pm

Today, the number of modern roundabouts in the USA has jumped to around 2,300 (as of December 2009).

Crikey I think Edinburgh has that number just on it's own.

posted by accountable

I'm just glad that everybody agrees to accelerate with he right foot and clutch/brake with the left. Can you imagine the fun if that was reversed as well?

That was cadillac that came up with that wasn't it? Sure I read that somewhere.

Why do americans prefer automatics? Must be some reason for it.

posted by tude dog

I know of two roundabouts in Kansas. They are made barely big enough to accommodate an 18 wheel semi-truck. I am glad the center part doesn't have much of a rise. I know more than once going through my trailer did quite clear the center.

That is just so weird. I know of two half a mile from where I live. There are so many roundabouts where I live the nearside tyres (left hand) wear out before the offside becasue of them.

What you call semi trucks we call articulated lorries. Biggest problem is idiots trying to pass on the inside when you are going round a roundabout so they straddle the lanes to prevent them being able to. You're not supposed to do that but you wouldn't believe the stupidity of some people. - or maybe you would.

tude dog · Post by **tude dog** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 2:22 pm

gmc;1425335 wrote:

Why do americans prefer automatics? Must be some reason for it.

Just cause it's easy.

I have owned four cars in my life. Only one was automatic, just cause it was a situation where it made the most sense at the time. Mrs.Dog only likes the automatic. We can't afford much in the way of luxury, and she likes luxury.

gmc;1425335 wrote: That is just so weird. I know of two half a mile from where I live. There are so many roundabouts where I live the nearside tyres (left hand) wear out before the offside becasue of them.

What you call semi trucks we call articulated lorries. Biggest problem is idiots trying to pass on the inside when you are going round a roundabout so they straddle the lanes to prevent them being able to. You're not supposed to do that but you wouldn't believe the stupidity of some people. - or maybe you would.

There is one roundabout I had to negotiate numerous times. I just got used to is as a challenge to my skills.

Doing a Google, found out there are several roundabouts in Kansas.

This picture isn't the exact one I am familiar with, but it looks the same.

Try passing on the inside here.

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 2:29 pm

;)

PS...Thank you, gmc, for being a good samaritan. I was once assisted by a kindly stranger when I had a flat tire. I also ran out of gas a few feet from a gas pump, and some guys helped me push my car to the pump. (My gas gauge didn't work in my Fiero). Both these incidents happened in broad daylight along a busy road.

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 4:32 pm

gmc;1425335 wrote: That was cadillac that came up with that wasn't it? Sure I read that somewhere.

Why do americans prefer automatics? Must be some reason for it.Bill Cosby explained it years ago:

gmc;1425335 wrote:

That is just so weird. I know of two half a mile from where I live. There are so many roundabouts where I live the nearside tyres (left hand) wear out before the offside becasue of them.
I really like roundabouts. Much more sensible than stop signs that make you stop no matter if there is other traffic or not.

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 5:51 pm

I prefer manual but I drive better on icy roads with an automatic. Safety wins out.

Post by **LarsMac** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 8:32 pm

tude dog;1425348 wrote:

There is one roundabout I had to negotiate numerous times. I just got used to is as a challenge to my skills.

Doing a Google, found out there are several roundabouts in Kansas.

This picture isn't the exact one I am familiar with, but it looks the same.

Try passing on the inside here.

That looks like the one near Fredonia. I always hate going through there. Someone is always getting confused and stopping in the middle of it.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 3:50 am

My American son in law drove from my town to the nearby coast, every roundabout was an exciting experience.

gmc · Post by **gmc** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 3:51 am

along-for-the-ride;1425350 wrote:

PS...Thank you, gmc, for being a good samaritan. I was once assisted by a kindly stranger when I had a flat tire. I also ran out of gas a few feet from a gas pump, and some guys helped me push my car to the pump. (My gas gauge didn't work in my Fiero). Both these incidents happened in broad daylight along a busy road.

Crikey talk about complicating things, my present car has a tachometer but you just listen to the engine and put it in the gear you need. That gear shift is exactly the same in european audis, lift the lever and push to the left, or pull if it's left hand drive.

posted by snoozeagain

I prefer manual but I drive better on icy roads with an automatic. Safety wins out.

I wouldn't have an automatic - imo they're useless on ice you have far more control in a manual than you do an automatic especially on a a windy road you can select the gear to suit the bend and have more engine engine braking. I also have a prejudice against rear wheel drive cars for the same reason, they're crap in snow and ice. we don't get that much snow but icy roads are fairly common. Just what you are used to I suppose.

Driving Tips For Roundabouts, How to Handle Roundabouts - YouTube

Actually a lot of people don't know how to take roundabouts I've lost count of the number of near misses I've had - well not really near misses more watch for the idiot and avoid.

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 7:13 am

Bruv;1425385 wrote: My American son in law drove from my town to the nearby coast, every roundabout was an exciting experience.

Loads of roundabouts in Massachusetts.

Wandrin · Post by **Wandrin** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 8:57 am

AnneBoleyn;1425398 wrote: Loads of roundabouts in Massachusetts.

And many of them can be very exciting.

tude dog · Post by **tude dog** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 10:35 am

gmc;1425386 wrote: Crikey talk about complicating things, my present car has a tachometer but you just listen to the engine and put it in the gear you need. That gear shift is exactly the same in european audis, lift the lever and push to the left, or pull if it's left hand drive.

I once put a tach in a car just for the heck of it. Never really needed it.

gmc;1425386 wrote: I wouldn't have an automatic - imo they're useless on ice you have far more control in a manual than you do an automatic especially on a a windy road you can select the gear to suit the bend and have more engine engine braking.

+1 on that.

gmc;1425386 wrote: I also have a prejudice against rear wheel drive cars for the same reason, they're crap in snow and ice. we don't get that much snow but icy roads are fairly common. Just what you are used to I suppose.

To really drive safe on ice requires chains/cables. 4WD is good for snow, mud.

gmc;1425386 wrote: Actually a lot of people don't know how to take roundabouts I've lost count of the number of near misses I've had - well not really near misses more watch for the idiot and avoid.

I was lucky with my experiences mostly because it was in low traffic area so I just took my time. Also doesn't hurt having the biggest vehicle on the road.

tude dog · Post by **tude dog** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 10:53 am

AnneBoleyn;1425398 wrote: Loads of roundabouts in Massachusetts.

One time we were assigned to make a delivery to Boston. As the company we worked were not reliable for directions my partner called the recipient for confirmation. The guy mentioned "roundabout" and we had zero idea what he was talking about.

Anyway, that trip got cancelled, and we were sent to the other left coast.

minks · Post by **minks** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 12:08 pm

Oh Accountable that Bill Cosby clip brings back some good memories, I think my brother and I have all his skits from back then memorized.

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 1:34 pm

minks;1425421 wrote: oh accountable that bill cosby clip brings back some good memories, i think my brother and i have all his skits from back then memorized.
Noah!

minks · Post by **minks** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 1:56 pm

buck buck

minks · Post by **minks** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 1:57 pm

"come on downnnnnnnn FAT ALBERT!"

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 2:06 pm

:wah:

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 4:13 pm

The title to this could be "Helped a learning-impaired hydrocephalic" and gmc's OP would still work.

gmc · Post by **gmc** » Sat Apr 27, 2013 12:42 pm

SnoozeAgain;1425435 wrote: The title to this could be "Helped a learning-impaired hydrocephalic" and gmc's OP would still work.

Yeah but somebody would probably have accused me of being anti-american:-3

Never heard bill cosby doing stand up on the other hand

French Taunting - Monty Python and the Holy Grail - YouTube