Many stick shift drivers enjoy the additional control they have over their vehicle, but owning a car with a manual transmission requires extra auto maintenance precautions. By driving more carefully and following the other tips below, you’ll avoid auto repairs and give your car the best chance at years of smooth operation.

3 Auto Maintenance Steps for a Manual Transmission

1. Eliminate Common Driving Mistakes

If you’re driving incorrectly, you may be slowly damaging your transmission without even realizing it. Some drivers will downshift when they need to slow down, but this puts extra strain on your transmission and can lead to premature failure. Instead, put the car in neutral and slow using the brakes. You should also avoid riding the clutch—remove your foot completely after you’ve shifted to prevent grinding.

2. Know the Signs of a Failing Clutch

Even if you limit harmful driving habits, your clutch may wear out over time. If an issue starts, you’ll notice that the clutch pedal feels soft or too difficult to depress. You may also find it hard to shift, and the clutch may pop out of gear. While these problems may seem minor at first, they indicate a bigger issue, and you should have your auto maintenance provider inspect the transmission for excess wear.

3. Get Regular Inspections & Transmission Flushes

The best way to preserve your transmission is having it inspected annually. You should also get transmission fluid flushed and replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendation—it may vary from yearly to every 30,000 miles. If you ever notice a reddish fluid staining the ground underneath your car, you may have a transmission fluid leak, and should have your car inspected immediately.

Whether you need a transmission tune-up, oil change, brake pad replacement, or other auto repair and maintenance, visit Gill’s Automotive in Foley, AL. Their team of certified technicians can perform AC and heat repairs, work on your suspension, and perform computer diagnostics to pinpoint any other issues. To learn more about their services, visit their website. You can also schedule an auto repair appointment by calling (251) 943-8814.