VIDEO: Heel and toe technique explained in detail

If you drive a car with a manual transmission and frequent this website, chances are that you’ve heard of the term “heel and toe” before. It’s equally likely that you’ve attempted the technique at least once in your life. Some do it better than others, of course, while the rest of us barely have a clue if what we do is right.

For those of you eager to learn the downshifting technique or want to understand why it’s good for your vehicle’s drivetrain, Engineering Explained has put together yet another one of its very helpful clips.

As explained, the technique is basically used to downshift your vehicle as you brake for a corner. The goal is to achieve a smooth transition between the gears and to avoid unsettling your car in a corner, thus engaging the right gear when exiting a corner. The video also explains what goes on inside your gearbox, highlighting how you can extend the lifespan of you clutch in the process.

Once you’re done watching the tutorial above, feel free to watch the technique applied flawlessly by Formula 1 legend, Ayrton Senna, in a Honda NSX at the Suzuka circuit in Japan – if you haven’t already seen it.

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Chris Aaron

With an equal passion for fast cars and everyday workhorses, Chris Aaron maintains a passion for European makes, Formula 1, playing the electric guitar and spending endless hours on the PlayStation - first-person shooters and the Gran Turismo franchise are his favourites. He also finds it strange to have written this in the third person.

 

Comments

  • Nice.... on Apr 08, 2016 at 4:25 pm

    Nice demo, i guess a lot of us would give it a try after work.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • Aero (Member) on Apr 08, 2016 at 4:35 pm

    I like this guy’s channel, learned so much from it… even if you’re well versed with car mechanics, you might still learn a thing or two from Engineering Explained. If you like to get down and dirty, there’s also Scotty Kilmer’s channel, I strongly recommend both channels for all car guys out there, especially for teens and young adults.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 26 Thumb down 1
    • yup. his explanation & drawings makes it easy to understand.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • bunny on Apr 08, 2016 at 9:05 pm

      Cant get enuf of scotty!!! Just love him! N check out mightycarmods too.. #teamWasaabi

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • For DIY videos can also browse ChrisFix’s channel

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • gaviny on Apr 08, 2016 at 4:36 pm

    good thing there’s no smell o vision on that blue sneakers

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
  • Teropong on Apr 08, 2016 at 4:45 pm

    that sound…so jizz…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • heybadigol (Member) on Apr 08, 2016 at 5:31 pm

    Nice that EE’s video gets posted here. Anybody who’s into cars should check out his channel. And that Senna/NSX video. I’ve seen it many times, but it still amazes every time I watch it.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • rosdi on Apr 08, 2016 at 5:57 pm

    Head and shoulder.. heel and toe… heel and toe…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
    • Abg Rongak Waknan on Apr 11, 2016 at 8:27 am

      Damn it…now I’m singing the wrong version, your version…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • OldRB1 on Apr 08, 2016 at 6:10 pm

    How I miss so much the best motoring videos in the 90’s. They come back via youtube though nowadays.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Apr 08, 2016 at 11:49 pm

    just tried this in my 230e…only problem is my car is an automatic…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 5
 

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