Not just what are your autistic traits, but what are some of the silly things or compulsive things you do that you feel is unique/possibly related to your autism?
I always keep a 12’ measuring tape on me which is kind of a new thing in the past year. I fuckin love measuring things, and it makes me feel good to have JUST in case.
Heel-toe downshifting everywhere. The brake pedal is lava.
What is heel toe downshifting? Are you doing it on a manual vehicle?
I do this too, I love driving manual. It is engine braking. You put the car into a lower gear and allow the resistance in the system to slow the car down. To do this, you need to rev the engine to match the speed for the lower gear (the toe part), then engage the clutch and let it wind down. I do also use some brake pedal, though, depending on the situation. It’s a balancing act, but it’s enjoyable to be so engaged in the driving process.
Yeah. The “heel-toe” comes from pressing the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time with the same foot. It uses the brakes much less, if at all.
Nobody else seems to ever do it. It’s something that keeps me on the task of driving, and it effectively blocks out all distractions.
I particularly love dropping into second early (actually well-timed) before turning into a street and being right there with the revs at the optimal RPM to accelerate out of the corner in the power band.
I’m the same. It feels good when you get it right After 2 decades of doing it, I always get it right and it still feels good. So, I do it every time without even thinking about it.
Most people are perfectly OK with coasting around a corner completely off-balance, missing the apex by a full metre and accelerating two full seconds past the apex. It drives me insane being behind them.