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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 even damage the transmission.
2. Put the car in neutral when you come to a stop
This is another common habit that can actually be dangerous. When you put the car in neutral when you come to a stop, you’re taking away the engine’s ability to help slow the car down. This can make it more difficult to stop in a timely manner, especially if you’re going downhill or if the road is slippery.
3. Roll back on a hill
Rolling back on a hill is a common problem for drivers who are new to driving a manual transmission vehicle. It happens when you don’t give the car enough gas when you’re starting from a stop on a hill. To prevent rolling back, make sure to give the car enough gas to overcome the force of gravity. You can also use the handbrake to help hold the car in place.
4. 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 engine’s pistons and connecting rods. This can cause the engine to overheat and even seize up.
5. Rest your foot on the clutch pedal
This is another habit that can damage the transmission. When you rest your foot on the clutch pedal, you’re putting pressure on the clutch release bearing, which can wear out prematurely. Additionally, if you accidentally press the clutch pedal down while you’re driving, you could disengage the transmission, which could cause the car to stall.
By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your manual transmission vehicle and avoid costly repairs.