Dean (and wife),

I've always have tried to follow the words I saw inscribed on a little plaque
and mounted on the dashboard of US Army Reserve Unit's troop/cargo truck when
I was a little kid. All it said was "The Clutch Peddle Is Not A Foot Rest!" Of
course, on a slope (read hill) I would do as you do and have the clutch
engaged and brake also. But on a fairly level surface it isn't needed and yes
it will wear more on the friction disk and may overheat (with time and use)
the springs. This is one thing both my wife and I agree on!    ; )

Tyrone
Bif Pine Key, FL

87 GL Syncro
85 Westy
85 Brown Brick
87 VW Fox

Dean Forshee wrote:

> I have an ongoing debate with my wife regarding the proper way to drive our
> Vanagon.  I am in the habit of waiting at a traffic light or stopsign with
> the Van in first gear, with the clutch fully engaged.  My wife says that
> that is hard on the clutch and that I should take it out of gear and put it
> in neutral.  I've owned a number of standard shift vehicles in the past and
> don't recall any problems resulting from my (allegedly) bad habit... so I
> put it to the listee group - is there any downside to waiting at a traffic
> light or stopsign in first gear with the clutch all the way engaged?  I'd
> love for the list to help settle this debate.  Thanks.   -Dean.