One of the most used techniques in the world of car competition consists of what is known as heel-toe. This technique, in case you’ve never heard of it, is based on slowing down while braking while the speeds of the primary and secondary shafts are equalized. It is used in manual cars to enjoy sporty driving; and it is not advisable if you want to save fuel
The purpose of this technique is to carry out the elimination of the strong retentions of downshifting at high speeds. Although this retention is less noticeable at low revs, it is more noticeable when driving at high revs. Likewise, it also makes it possible to reduce the time required to reduce various speeds before entering a curve. For this reason, it is not surprising that it is used in cars with a manual transmission or with a sequential clutch pedal when competing.
In this case we are going to explain how to do the toe-heel in the car well through a series of tricks that you can put into practice to achieve this technique. However, remember that you should always drive safely and that you should not test it in places where you could endanger other road users.
How to make the toe-heel?
Before talking about tricks so you can carry out this driving technique, the first thing is to know how it is done. Heel-toe takes place when the clutch pedal is depressed, thus freeing the engine from the transmission; and then you touch the accelerator with your heel so that the revolutions do not drop.
At the same time, the tip of the right foot must press the brake pedal, and proceed to lower one or more gears. Before taking your foot off the clutch, you must step on the accelerator again in another stroke so that the revolutions are equal. It is something that requires some practice to master.
Tricks to do the tip-heel well
Once we have already indicated what the technique is like, all you have to do is practice, but also follow this series of recommendations that will help you to master it:
Use the outside of the foot
When doing the toe-heel, to activate the accelerator while driving you can use the outside of the foot instead of the heel of the right foot. In this way you will be able to hit the gas while the area of the fingers is responsible for applying pressure to the brake.
Thanks to this you will be able to have greater control over the brakes, and to hit the accelerator you will not require as much sensitivity.
Distance between brake and accelerator
On the other hand, you must be aware of the distance between the brake pedal and the accelerator, so that it adjusts to you. Depending on the size of your foot, the space in the area of the pedals and the separation of the pedals themselves, you can use only the tip of the foot and the sole or do the classic method.
Know the speed of rotation
You must evaluate the speed of rotation of the engine and the gearbox. You must know this detail to be able to carry out this technique in the best possible way and with the greatest precision. It will be key to achieve a satisfactory result.
Coordinate the movements
The toe-heel is a technique that is more complex than it may seem. That is why practice is essential, so that you can perfectly coordinate both your feet and your hand when making speed changes. The sequence when doing the whole process must be perfect or, otherwise, you will not be able to achieve the effect you are looking for with this technique; and for which it is carried out in the world of competition.
Practice and more practice
Pressing the brake too much or too little, not applying enough force on the accelerator or making the foot stop pressing the clutch too soon are common mistakes among those who are learning to carry out this technique. As you practice, you will surely master it, so you should not despair even if you do not see progress.
Make an effort and you will end up getting it done perfectly. The key is in practice.
Be careful with consumption
If your intention is to save fuel, this technique is not for you, since it will be necessary to rev the engine at no load, and this increases consumption. Therefore, in that case it will be preferable that you avoid trying to carry out this technique.
Practice in a safe place
If you are going to practice or perform the heel-toe technique, make sure you always do it in a safe place, where there are no other vehicles or people and always at low speed.
