If you’re the proud owner of a manual transmission car, you’re part of an exclusive club that enjoys the thrill of driving through the control of gears. However, this privilege also comes with a responsibility to handle your vehicle’s transmission with care. The manual transmission, while robust, can still suffer from unnecessary wear and tear if subjected to bad driving habits. Replacing a damaged transmission is a costly and labor-intensive endeavor, making it crucial to steer clear of these detrimental stick shift driving practices.
1. Resting Your Hand on the Shifter
One common yet damaging habit that manual transmission drivers should break is using the shifter as a hand rest. When you shift gears in your car, a selector fork is pushed against a rotating collar, which engages with the chosen gear. Resting your hand on the shifter adds extra weight and can force the fork to remain in contact with the collar for an extended period, causing unnecessary wear on both components. To avoid this, keep your hands on the steering wheel and refrain from constantly touching the shifter.
2. Riding the Clutch
The clutch pedal is designed to disengage and re-engage rapidly to facilitate smooth gear changes. However, some drivers have the bad habit of “riding the clutch,” which involves keeping their foot on the clutch pedal after shifting gears. This constant pressure on the clutch pedal can make the clutch disc slip and prevent it from engaging fully. To prevent unnecessary wear on the clutch assembly, make a conscious effort to keep your foot away from the clutch pedal when it’s not in use.
3. Leaving Your Car in Gear at Red Lights
Leaving your car in gear at red lights is another habit that can harm your manual transmission. While the clutch is designed to engage and disengage quickly, it’s not meant to be constantly disengaged. When you keep your car in gear while stopped at red lights, you force the clutch’s release bearing to remain pressed against the springs and diaphragm. This constant pressure can lead to damage similar to what occurs when riding the clutch. To protect your transmission, it’s advisable to shift into neutral at red lights and engage the clutch when it’s time to move.
4. Slamming into Gears and Popping the Clutch
Some drivers have a habit of slamming into each gear and then popping the clutch, believing it will lead to faster acceleration. This practice, however, can result in premature wear on the shifter forks, clutch, and synchronizers. Not to mention, it creates an uncomfortable and jerky ride for your passengers. Instead, aim for smooth and controlled gear shifts. Shifting smoothly from gear to gear will not only preserve your transmission but also provide a more comfortable and enjoyable ride.
In conclusion, maintaining a healthy manual transmission requires diligence and the avoidance of these bad stick shift driving habits. By refraining from resting your hand on the shifter, riding the clutch, leaving your car in gear at red lights, and slamming into gears, you’ll extend the life of your transmission and ensure that your driving experience remains smooth and enjoyable. So, next time you get behind the wheel of your manual transmission vehicle, remember to treat your transmission with the care and respect it deserves.
