MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MG Y Type - driving methods old cars vs. new

Yesterday I had a very enjoyable day taking part in an advanced driving course.
A real eyeopener for me was that I discovered I had a lot of peculiar driving habits that in my view root from driving old cars. Good habit was keeping good distance from the car in front of you. Bad habits were not steering and braking aggressively enough. ABS for instance won't work properly if you don't ram the brakepedal to the floor and keep it there.

My point is that a modern fwd-abs car requires a TOTALLY different driving technique than an old MG. That may be obvious but with me it was made very clear yesterday. Please think about it, when you switch vehicles the next time?

The driving school also offers courses for classic-cars. I should take the Y, but somehow don't like the idea, yet.
Willem van der Veer

Any driving course is a positive addition. Best add to my road skills, was the Jim Russell school a group of us MG Vintage Racers took in the 80's. While we were used to racing our T-Types, getting into formula Fords was an eye opener. More importantly was the school's emphasis on safety items; mirrors, spacing, anticipation, etc.

Came away a better race course driver, but most importantly a better street driver. As I drive in expressway traffic everyday, I am constantly amazed at how EVERY day, I can find & match the pulse of the traffic and with moderate anticipation, end up after 20 miles or so, only a few seconds behind the other chaps/chapettes, who drove like it was Pike's Peak.

As to ABS, don't like it. I want as much personal control as I can retain. With the exception of unanticipated ice glazing, ABS might only save the fellow who was driving over his head. Also have found too many drivers now overly-rely on those engineering add-ons; ABS, airbags, cruise, etc. and in doing so, do not; develop true driving skills, pay attention, drive at a reasonable speed, or understand that they can still be injured.

Too long, but, I recomend anyone that they take a professional course some time in their driving career, regardless of the level and nature of their auto useage.

Safet Fast
Paul
Paul

Sounds fun to take a Y-Type to an advanced driving school but personally I would be terrified of rolling it over! A MGA would be a much better choice in my opinion. :)
Steve Simmons

Steve, maybe this is Y we should all go?

I certainly amof the opinion that modern gizzmos in the automobile have detracted from driver skill and have in some instances actually made driving a more dangerous occupation - the VDS factor (Volvo Driver Syndrome) of I am alright, but I feel sorry for anyone or thing I hit comes to mind!

Paul
Paul Barrow

Willem
Despite almost daily use, one of the front brake cylinders jammed up on my TF last week. I am sure it was caused by my gentle use of the brakes. From now on I will be more aggressive with my right foot!
John
John James

The big difference I find is in the brakes on a modern car which are servo assisted etc and those on my YB which you have to stand on by comparison....anyone ever fitted a servo and if so what one.
David Mullen

Having thought I had reasonable brakes in my YA for ages, I bled them the other week - I now have fresh fluid ... and fantastic brakes!

Paul
Paul Barrow

This thread was discussed between 24/09/2004 and 27/09/2004

MG MG Y Type index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG MG Y Type BBS now