First Manual Transmission | Any Tips?, First Post Noob Stuff Options

[CWC3]

Just purchased my first manual transmission (and first hyundai) and was wondering if you folks have any good tips?

I have nothing to hide, stalled it 3 times just driving to the other side of town (maybe 5 miles?) my first night owning it. My stalls are mostly slow speed stuff like at a McDonald's drive through, a creep ahead after a full stop to get better vision, or just being stupid and starting the car off in 3rd. I learned a few years ago the basics on a 4 speed, poor clutch, suv. A couple things have carried over, but I was not good at shifting that vehicle either. I spent a couple hours this morning trying to improve, I seem to be getting a little better. My later shifts are getting smoother but not great. Struggling a bit to find the right gas/clutch combo.

Please don't chew me out for spending $18000 to learn a stick, and possibly ruin the transmission. It was really my Fiesta with its HORRIBLE dual clutch auto that has scared (and scarred) me away from automatics for a while. This car is 1 day off the lot and I feel like I don't own it yet, mainly because I can barely drive it. I swear I am not a bigger danger then your avg mom on the phone, I know how to stop, and I give it extra gas to make sure I don't stall in traffic. I want to get less jerks aka smoother shifting. Embarrassing

I will probably be thinking of more questions, but the basic one for now is: What are some good tips I should try?

Oh, and what causes the "clutch to burn"? That way I can dodge that on this poor new car.

thanks ahead of time

This post has been edited by CWC3: Aug 1 2013, 04:04 PM