A manual transmission is fun, as it provides access to your car’s soul and gives you full control over it, unlike an automatic, where most of the job is done by a computer sitting beside you. However, driving a manual is quite a delicate process, and incorrect techniques can result in hefty repair bills. So, here are 15 things you should avoid to maximize the life of your manual vehicle.
Continuous Clutch Engagement
The function of a clutch is to disengage the engine from the transmission for smoother gear shifts without stalling it. So, unless the driving conditions force you to operate the clutch frequently, it makes no sense to make a habit of it as the clutch overheats and wears out over time, later becoming a burden to your pocket.
Dropping the Clutch Quickly
During acceleration, be a smooth operator while releasing the clutch. Dropping it too quickly will stall your engine, which is a safety risk. On the other hand, if you plan on flooring the accelerator, it may lead to burnout and increased tire wear. Make sure your clutch release is steady.
Using a Clutch to Hold You on a Hill
Are you going uphill and want to stop? Relying on your clutch to keep your car stationary in such conditions is risky, as all of this load can toast it. Putting your vehicle in neutral and pulling the parking brake is a much more sane idea. This video may come in handy as Dane gives some useful tips to deal with this scenario.
Resting Foot on a Clutch Pedal
A clutch pedal is not a footrest. During longer runs, try resting your foot on the floor other than the clutch, as it will put unnecessary pressure on the pedal, causing extra wear and decreasing its lifespan.
Staying in Gear at Red Light
Rest your foot and let go of the clutch pedal after putting your car into neutral at a red light. Keeping the clutch engaged will make the thrust bearing work overtime, costing you a lot in the future. Hold the brake pedal instead.
Using Clutch and Brake Simultaneously
In situations where instant braking is required, anyone is likely to apply the clutch and brake at the same time to prevent a potential accident. However, the reality is a bit different. It may lock the wheels and mess up with overall traction, especially if you’re a novice driver. In other words, your car doesn’t stop; it skids its way towards the threat.
Keep Driving With a Faulty Clutch
Are you noticing signs that are likely to be associated with clutch issues? Get them fixed as soon as possible. In many cases, a car may continue operating even with a faulty clutch, but doing so risks damaging the engine, transmission, and related parts. So, don’t be lazy and visit your mechanic.
Dragging Your Engine on High Gears
Let your engine breathe. Trying to push it so it can maintain 4th gear at 20 miles an hour is like forcing a horse to race without being fed for a couple of days. We all have heard that this technique aids gas mileage, but it can seriously damage the internal components of not just your engine but even the whole drivetrain. So, gear down to 3rd, then 2nd, and give that engine a rest.
Immediate Switch Between Gears
An instant shift is not considered ideal when driving a manual, as it may hurt your transmission, engine, and, eventually, your pocket. Additionally, the jerks can cause your passengers to spill their coffee.
Putting Your Car in Neutral While Downhill
While modern cars are smart enough to shut off their fuel injectors when going downhill, putting a car in gear to use engine braking is a good idea. It’s because applying the brakes too much in such situations may result in overheating and, ultimately, failure.
Resting Your Hand On The Gear Knob
Resting the hand on the gear knob while driving a manual is common among drivers. However, in terms of safety, your hand on the gear means you are driving with one hand, making you vulnerable to losing control. So, please just don’t do that.
Adjust The Clutch Properly
Come on, you can push the clutch properly. The unpleasant grind from your transmission means that you partially engaged your clutch and changed gear. It is bad news for your transmission, particularly the gears themselves.
Money Shifting
If you lack enough juice to execute rev-matching, then don’t bother. Money Shifting, as the name suggests, is probably going to cost you a lot of money if the race car driver inside you accidentally shifts from 5th to 2nd. It can result in severe damage to the car’s engine and transmission.
Parking In Neutral
Parking brake failure is scary. However, if your car is in neutral, it can be scarier as it will be free to move, with a risk of ramming into nearby vehicles or objects, so it’s better to leave it in gear. If the nose is uphill, keep it in 1st gear, and use Reverse for downhill.
Taking Maintenance For Granted
It applies to every car, whether manual or automatic. You have to respect your car, or it will not be so respectful to you. Neglecting crucial maintenance, such as transmission fluid and engine oil replacement, doesn’t end well.
Final thoughts?
Manual transmissions are great compared to automatics, but being durable doesn’t mean that these silly mistakes can be ignored. Avoid these problems by changing your driving habits. Your car and pocket will thank you.
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Zainab Noor is a motoring journalist. Childhood rides in Nissan Almera fueled her love for cars. After graduating from AIOU in 2021, she steered her passion into freelance writing. You can find Zainab on LinkedIn.
