Huh. I got into an argument with a friend who insisted the handbrake thing was only if you were learning stick and otherwise shouldn't be used, whereas I said it was a good technique to use on steep hills even if you were experienced at driving stick.

I never used it until I got to SF, but there are some hills here that are so steep that there's inevitable roll-back no matter how well you engage the clutch.

I wonder if Subarus are extra popular in SF because of that nifty clutch system.

Just the other day in Pac Heights, I saw a guy in a BMW roll back pretty significantly, followed shortly by that lovely burning smell.

done. yeah I never have sound on at work so I never know.

Thanks!

I do the handbrake thing if I'm on a steep hill and there's a car right behind me.

I learned on stick -- my parents insisted. Came in handy over the years.

I learned on stick -- my parents insisted.

Ditto. I kept whining at my mom, who just smiled and pointed at the car. "Get in and drive!"

I would never own an automatic now. I want that (illusion of) control.

Panko-crusted goat cheese rounds from Whole Foods are of the devil's hands.

And very, very nummy.

Screw illusion of control. I want that need to pay attention to the car's current state to keep me from distractifying off to la-la land.

Panko-crusted goat cheese rounds from Whole Foods are of the devil's hands.

And very, very nummy.

I don't know about those, but the same can be said of the tortilla chips made with chocolate. Will my willpower be enough to keep me from eating the entire bag today? Who knows?

When I learn to drive later this summer, I am going to learn on an automatic. It will be easier.