Science: Shiftless Auto

The modern automobile is a cranky, fussy thing. Like cranky, fussy old men, it makes a great to-do over its middle parts. While the motor functions regularly and the wheels go round obediently, the gears between them demand constant nursing. Before the car can run smoothly, these gears must be coaxed from first speed to second, then to third, and in some makes, even into a fourth forward speed. Before they will yield to coaxing, the clutch must be pushed down and let up, the foot accelerator released and pressed down again and the...

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