Manual transmission service and repair is less expensive than automatic transmission service and repair, but this doesn’t mean that you should damage your clutch prematurely. You might be doing so without even realizing if you engage in the six driving habits that Ultimate Auto Repair lists below.
1. In-Gear Idling
Many people put their automobiles into first gear while they’re stopped, so they’ll be ready to go when the light turns green. The constant foot pressure on the clutch while idling wears it down. Put your vehicle in neutral and take your foot off the clutch until it’s time to put the car into first gear and go.
2. Gear Lever Pressure
Many people rest their hands on the gear lever whether they drive a manual or automatic. Leaving your hand on the gear lever applies constant pressure on the gear forks. This pressure slows down the rotating collar, which damages it. Put your hand on the gear lever only when you’re shifting gears.
3. Engine Lugging
When we say engine lugging, we mean that you’re driving your automobile in a gear that is too high for the speed you’re driving. If you’ve done this, you’ve probably heard and felt your engine protest. Always drive in the gear recommended for the speed in which you’re going to prevent damaging the clutch.
4. Shift Lugging
Are you a slow shifter? Do you take your time shifting from first gear to second gear and so on? If you do, you’re wearing down your clutch prematurely. Slow gear shifts keep the clutch engaged much longer than it should be and damages it. Press down on the clutch, shift the gear, and release it quickly.
5. Launching
Auto commercials boast zero-to-60 in however many seconds but this doesn’t mean you should actually attempt this. This is rhetoric used to sell cars. Putting the pedal to the metal from a dead stop and flying through the gears spins the clutch wheel way too fast, which wears it down way before its time.
6. Clutch Riding
Finally, resting your foot on the clutch while you’re driving, or “riding” it, is just as bad (if not worse) as resting your hand on the gear lever. You may think you aren’t putting pressure on it but you are. This constant pressure, no matter how light, will wear down the clutch quickly – very quickly.
Ultimate Auto Repair in Jackson, MI, would be happy to inspect your vehicle to make sure it isn’t wearing down too fast. We can replace smaller parts before the entire clutch needs replacement.
