in Automobiles Trucks & Tractors

5 Things You Should Never Do With A Manual Transmission Vehicle

2k Views

Driving a car with a manual transmission can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to know how to operate it properly to avoid damaging the vehicle or causing an accident. Here are five things you should never do with a manual transmission vehicle:

1. Rest your hand on the gearshift

This is a common habit that can put unnecessary wear and tear on the transmission. When you rest your hand on the gearshift, you’re applying pressure to the shift lever, which can cause the synchronizers to wear out prematurely. Additionally, if you accidentally bump the gearshift while your hand is resting on it, you could shift the car into the wrong gear, which could cause the engine to stall or the car to lurch forward or backward.

2. Put the car in neutral when you come to a stop

This is another common habit that can damage the transmission. When you put the car in neutral when you come to a stop, you’re taking the weight of the car off of the transmission gears. This can cause the gears to grind and wear out prematurely. Additionally, if you forget to put the car back in gear before you start driving again, you could roll backward or forward, which could cause an accident.

3. Roll back on a hill

If you’re driving up a hill and you have to stop, it’s important to use the parking brake to keep the car from rolling back. If you don’t use the parking brake, the car could roll back and hit another car or object behind you. To prevent rolling back on a hill, follow these steps:

  1. Come to a complete stop.
  2. Put the car in first gear.
  3. Apply the parking brake.
  4. Release the clutch pedal slowly until the car starts to move forward.
  5. Give the car some gas to keep it moving forward.

4. Drive on a steep hill without using the proper gear

If you’re driving up a steep hill, it’s important to use the proper gear to avoid putting too much strain on the engine and transmission. If you use too high of a gear, the engine will have to work harder to pull the car up the hill, which can cause it to overheat or stall. If you use too low of a gear, the car will go too slowly and you could lose control. To drive on a steep hill, follow these steps:

  1. Choose the proper gear before you start driving up the hill.
  2. Accelerate slowly and smoothly.
  3. Don’t let the engine rev too high.
  4. Shift gears as needed to keep the engine in the proper RPM range.
  5. Use the parking brake to help you stop if you need to.

5. Floor it at low engine RPM

This is a surefire way to damage your engine. When you floor it at low engine RPM, you’re putting a lot of stress on the pistons and connecting rods. This can cause them to bend or break, which can lead to a costly engine repair. To avoid this, always accelerate slowly and smoothly.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your manual transmission vehicle and avoid costly repairs. If you have any questions about how to operate a manual transmission vehicle, be sure to consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic.