While the popularity of automatic transmission cars is increasing by the day, and manual transmission cars are reducing in number, many Nigerians still drive and own manual transmission vehicles. Also, many seasoned drivers love manual transmission vehicles more than automatic vehicles.
If you love the excitement of being at the wheel of a manual car, then this article is for you as it discusses the five bad habits you must avoid if you own a manual transmission vehicle and love driving it.
Bad Manual Transmission Habits to Avoid
- Avoid using the shifter to rest your hand
Many drivers use the shifter as a convenient handrest. However while doing so, they unconsciously harm the transmission by continuously causing pressure on the shifter fork and the rotating gear. This will in turn bring about premature wear because it activates the selector fork. The selector fork’s life will last longer if you don’t form the habit of resting your hand on the switch. Instead, you are advised to keep both hands on the steering wheel. Remember the shifter is made for switching gears only.
- Avoid Resting Your Foot on the Clutch at All Times
With your foot on the clutch all the time, the pedal is slightly pressed, making the clutch slightly disengage and slip. Consequently, this causes the clutch to wear. The clutch is supposed to be used only when you switch gears.
- Avoid Using Clutchs on Inclined Terrains
Some drivers are used to mixing the throttle and clutch when they stop in inclined terrains such as a hill or a slope to keep a stationary position. By doing this, your clutch will be more likely to be prematurely worn out.
It is recommended to depress the clutch fully and use the handbrake instead. Apply the handbrake until you can engage the clutch to move forward the car.
- Avoid Keeping First Gear with the Clutch in Traffic
As the clutch pedal gets pressure, the release bearing is pressed against the clutch plate. However, this is a hard job for the release bearing because it is not supposed to be in continuous use. The advice to better maintain your release bearing is when in traffic, select the Neutral mode, no foot on the clutch, and use the handbrake if necessary.
- Avoid Slamming into Gears and Popping the Clutch
People do this thinking they may accelerate faster but in fact, this backfires them by bringing the clutch premature wear. Not only the clutch but also the synchronizers as well as the shifter fork will suffer premature wear if you do this due to driveline shock. Plus, occupants won’t love to experience a jerking ride.
Conclusion
If you are a manual car lover, always avoid the above-listed bad habits and adopt good ones to help your manual gearbox gain a better lifespan.
