A manual transmission requires different care and techniques than an automatic vehicle. You’ll need to know different gears and when to use them, which will guarantee a smooth ride and reduce the chances of costly auto repairs. To prepare you to drive a manual car, here are some tips that’ll help you take care of it when you hit the road.

Tips for Operating a Manual Transmission

1. Choose the Correct Gear

If you’re operating a manual transmission, you need to know what gear the car needs for different situations. Everything from highway driving to slowing down at a corner needs separate shifts. Higher gears have lower engine revolutions, which have better fuel mileage, but limit acceleration. Switching gears is always easier when you keep up with auto repairs and maintenance, which ensures your vehicle rolls smoothly.

2. Avoid Clutch for Holding an Incline

Using the clutch on a hill or other incline will wear it out prematurely. There are better, safer ways to navigate a slope without engaging it. Some vehicles have hill assists that prevent you from rolling backward, but you’ll still need to pull the hand brake. To move again, shift to first gear and press the accelerator, lift the clutch to its biting point, then slowly release the hand brake.

3. Don’t Rest on the Clutch

Letting your foot rest on the clutch pedal causes it to engage partially, which can cause it to slip, wear out, or reduce your fuel efficiency. Without the clutch, your manual vehicle will have trouble changing to the correct gear. The throwout bearing, which temporarily disengages the engine from the transmission, will also wear down.  

4. Downshift at Low RPM

Trying to gun the gas pedal at a low RPM can cause damage to your engine. When you’re in fifth gear, downshift instead of laying on the gas pedal to pick up speed. Easing into your acceleration and shifting will help you avoid premature auto repairs.

5. Engage the Clutch When Shifting

To switch gears, the engine must disconnect from the transmission with the help of the clutch. If you shift without using it, both the transmission and engine will be damaged. For braking, don’t disengage until the very end of the stop, which helps you reduce wear on your brakes.

To keep your manual transmission vehicle in top shape, head to Craig’s Towing & Repair in La Crosse, WI. Their professional auto repair team is proficient in an array of makes and models, fixing everything from brakes to batteries. Their Baraboo location also provides professional towing services, including semi and heavy-duty truck towing. Visit them online to see what they can fix, or call (608) 784-1638 to schedule service.