If you’ve been driving a manual transmission for some time, you can probably shift gears effortlessly. However, you may have developed some habits that will hurt your ride in the long run. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to pay attention to the next time you fire up your vehicle.

Do:

Schedule regular maintenance.

If you want to keep your transmission in good shape, schedule regular transmission services with an auto shop as often as your owner’s manual recommends. The clutch and gears should be inspected to identify any damage. In addition, a manual transmission uses engine oil as opposed to automatic transmission fluid, so a mechanic should check the levels.

Engage and depress the clutch pedal.

When you shift gears, press the clutch pedal to the floor. This step will allow your manual transmission to shift smoothly without causing damage. The same goes after shifting. Make sure the clutch pedal is depressed to increase the longevity of your transmission and avoid shifting problems.

Shift to neutral at a traffic light.

If you keep your transmission’s gears engaged at a traffic light, you’re damaging your transmission since the vehicle is stopped. Shift into neutral each time you’re at a traffic light, even if it’s just for a minute.

Don’t:

Rest your foot on the clutch pedal.

This is also known as clutch driving. Resting your foot on the clutch pedal results in unnecessary damage. Since the clutch comes in contact with metal parts, the weight of your foot will cause the clutch lining to wear down and burn. Instead, remove your foot once you’ve shifted gears.

Coast while in neutral.

Coasting in neutral might appear to be beneficial since it can lead to higher fuel efficiency. However, you could end up in an accident. If you suddenly have to stop your vehicle, you have less time to react since your gear stick isn’t engaged. In addition, avoid driving in neutral while going down a hill since it can cause premature wear of the brakes. Instead, shift to a lower gear.

Rest your hand on the gear stick.

While it’s convenient and comfortable to rest your hand on the shifter, both hands should be on the steering wheel. It gives you more control over the vehicle. Develop a positive habit of only using the gear stick when you shift.

Does your manual transmission need professional attention? Quality Transmission Service is the go-to car repair shop for drivers in Anchorage, AK, for everything from oil changes to manual clutch services. They’re proud to have ASE®-certified technicians who perform the highest quality work in the industry. They’re also dedicated to offering affordable repairs that come with a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty. Call (907) 561-8767 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to read testimonials from their customers.