5 habits to avoid when driving a manual transmission car

Nowadays, manual transmission cars are not as popular as before when automatic transmission cars have helped users see the convenience and ease. Not to mention the birth of electric cars and hybrid cars are also causing the manual transmission car line to be at risk of disappearing.

However, manual transmissions are still popular with drivers who value the feeling of control they provide. Unlike automatic transmissions, manual transmissions give the driver complete control over how the engine responds, and shifting gears yourself can add to the excitement of driving.

So, if you are one of those people who enjoy the proactive shifting feel of a manual transmission, here are 5 habits you should avoid to keep your car running smoothly and safely.

Put your hand on the gear stick

It may feel natural to keep your hand on the gear stick when driving a manual car, especially when driving long distances or waiting for the next gear to shift. However, keeping one hand on the gear stick can actually be a bit risky when driving. Ideally, you should keep both hands on the wheel at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions to have better control of the car, especially when you need to react quickly to unexpected situations.

Additionally, resting your hand on the gearshift lever, even lightly, can put pressure on the internal components of the transmission. Over time, this pressure can cause wear and tear, leading to costly transmission repairs.

The gear stick is designed for shifting gears, not for resting your hands. So try to keep both hands on the wheel and only touch the gear stick when it's time to shift gears, getting into the habit of holding the steering wheel with both hands can help your car's components last longer.

The vacuum does not leave the clutch (clutch pedal)

If you have a habit of resting your left foot on the clutch, it is time to change that habit. Resting your foot on the clutch pedal can wear out the clutch pressure plate over time because the force of your foot is likely to keep it in contact with the moving parts inside the transmission.

Furthermore, keeping your foot on the clutch pedal and applying the gas can also cause overheating of the clutch pressure plate, which reduces the effectiveness of the clutch and makes the vehicle more difficult to control. In addition, keeping your foot on the clutch can easily cause the clutch to disengage while the vehicle is moving. To avoid wearing out or burning the clutch, make sure to lift your foot off the clutch completely after shifting gears.

Do not use the handbrake

When stopping on a slope, avoid using the clutch alone to hold the car in place, as this can increase clutch wear. Instead, shift to neutral (neutral) and use the handbrake to steady the car. If you want to keep the car moving, accelerate gently and slowly release the clutch while lowering the handbrake. By doing this, you reduce clutch wear and gain better control of the car on slopes.

Using the handbrake on steep terrain is also safer for your vehicle’s braking system, as it prevents you from over-using the brakes when stopping on a slope. So, whenever you are stopping on a slope, remember to use the handbrake as this will help to maintain the life of the clutch and brake system, thereby saving on maintenance costs for these parts.

Let the car drift in neutral

While it may seem like idling your car in neutral saves fuel, this habit can actually reduce your control of your car and increase your risk on the road. When you let your car idle, the engine is no longer sending power to the wheels, which limits the car's ability to react quickly if you need to accelerate or decelerate.

For example, if you encounter an obstacle or stop suddenly, you will need more time to downshift before reacting, making it harder for you to avoid an accident. Rolling downhill in neutral can put more pressure on the braking system, causing the brakes to overheat, which can lead to locking or even losing power, creating a dangerous situation. Instead, use lower gears to allow the vehicle to receive more braking force from the engine.

Ignore the rpm

RPM stands for revolutions per minute, and it tells you how fast the engine spins in each gear. Paying attention to your RPM will help you know the best time to shift gears in a manual car. Each time you press the accelerator, the RPM increases, making the engine work harder. Shifting in the right RPM range will help your car run better and smoother, use more fuel efficiently, and avoid unnecessary wear and tear on the engine.

When driving a manual transmission, you should not press hard on the accelerator when the engine rpm is too low. Doing so will put pressure on engine components and can lead to problems over time. Instead, if you find the rpm is low and you need to accelerate, the thing to do is to shift down to a lower gear. The ideal range for shifting in most cars is around 2,000-3,000 rpm in normal driving, but this range can vary depending on the car's engine and road conditions.

Although automatic transmissions have become more common and have improved the disadvantages of slow shifting and fuel consumption thanks to dual clutches and other advanced systems, manual transmissions have a special place in the hearts of many drivers. The reason for this is simply that they bring driving pleasure.

If you like driving a manual car, give up the above 5 habits because it can help you drive more safely and keep your car in better operating condition.