Does parking affect the clutch? what do you think about subaru impreza?

Hi Paul, I drive a Honda CRV RD1 1999 model with a 5-speed manual transmission. I read the owner’s manual. It says if you park the car for long periods, do not use the parking brake but park it with Reverse gear engaged.

I travel often. On three occasions, I have followed the recommendations. However, on all occasions (three weeks, two months and three months respectively), I found that the clutch pedal had ‘gone down’. I had to get a mechanic to work on it. He says the pressure was lost over time. On the last occasion, I did not follow the manual. I left it with parking brake engaged and in free (no gear engaged). When I came back, I found the clutch working normally. Why?
Simon Peter

Hello Simon Peter, with all due respect I need to advise that you misread the instructions in the Honda CRV user manual. Honda actually recommends that you engage the parking brake (hand brake) every time you park your CRV with a manual transmission. However for additional safety when you park facing an incline, in addition to engaging the parking brake you ought to engage the gear number 1.

The reverse is true if you park on an incline facing downwards, engage both the parking brake and reverse gear to help secure the vehicle. When parked on a flat surface the parking brake alone is enough. Parking your car and securing it with the reverse gear puts an unnecessary toll on the gearbox.

Read the instructions again in the user manual on page 387 and see if what I am saying makes sense: “Always use the parking brake when you park your vehicle. Make sure the parking brake is set firmly, or your vehicle may roll if it is parked on an incline. If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, set the parking brake before you put the transmission in Park. This keeps the vehicle from moving and putting pressure on the parking mechanism in the transmission”.

Simon, feel free to contact me for further clarification.
If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn the front wheels away from the curb. If you have a manual transmission, put it in first gear. If the vehicle is facing downhill, turn the front wheels toward the curb. If you have a manual transmission, put it in reverse gear. Make sure the parking brake is fully released before driving away. Driving with the parking brake partially set can overheat or damage the rear brakes.
Avoid parking the car in gear over extended periods such as three months. It is not necessary especially if parked on a flat ground.

I would also use the opportunity to find a mechanic to check that your clutch cylinder kit is not leaking clutch fluid, a situation which often leads to a drop in clutch fluid and pedal pressure.

Dear Paul, I am planning to get my first car, I’m looking at Subaru Impreza 2005 and VW Golf 5. But my friends have advised me against the Subaru. Kindly advise me in terms of fuel consumption, average price, maintainability, comfort, safety among others and, if possible, a mechanic who can help me in inspection. Brian.

Hello Brian, the Subaru Impreza and Golf 5 have street versions that are high performance cars, which are a thrill to drive. When you choose these sort of cars, there is a delicate balance between the thrill and adrenaline rush of a high performance car and the concern for fuel economy. The 2005 Subaru Imprezza comes in two body shapes sedan and wagon. I recommend the manual transmission, which gives you more control and arguably better fuel economy if you are a good driver. I recommend the 2.5 litre engine, which has a reasonable fuel economy of 8.5km per litre in city traffic and 11.48km per litre on the highway. Interestingly, the smaller and less fun-to-drive Imprezza with a 2.0 litre petrol engine delivers the same fuel economy. This is because the bigger 2.5 litre engine’s 227 horse power is balanced with the Imprezza’s weight and power demands. So, the power and torque curves are achieved at lower engine revolutions than the 2.0 litre petrol engine.

Genuine Subaru parts are now readily available because there are more Subaru enthusiasts and ‘rally chasers’. Subaru recommends that you use higher octane fuel such as Shell V-Power, which has slower burn for more explosive performance as well as reduced engine cylinder knock or ping during combustion.
It will also prevent accumulation of harmful gunk (fuel sludge) and corrosion of the fuel lines and injectors. Choose high performance fully synthetic engine oil such as Shell Helix Ultra.
A rally car is not a comfortable car because it is fitted with bucket seats designed to protect you ‘from yourself’ in the unlikely event. So, they are built safe. Some enthusiasts even retrofit roll cages, but you need training before you follow your passion.

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