2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Owner Manual - Page 304

302 STARTING AND OPERATING Fully depress the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelerator pedal. Use each gear in numerical order - do not skip a gear. Be sure the gear selector lever is in FIRST gear, (not THIRD), when starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch can result from starting in THIRD. For most city driving you will find it easier to use only the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light accelerations, FIFTH gear is recommended. Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, or try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the clutch. Never shift the gear selector lever into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Five-Speed Shift Pattern NOTE: During cold weather, until the transaxle lubricant is warm, you may experience slightly higher shift efforts. This is normal and not harmful to the transaxle.