8 Tips for Owning a Car With Manual Transmission

CarMax reveals that there’s only about 4% of cars sold each year in the US with manual transmissions. That’s why owning a car with a stick shift is something special — not many motorists can lay claim to the expertise. You may require a set of tips to ensure your ride remains smooth and efficient for years to come. Reach out to Eastern Shore Hyundai to explore our collection of manual transmission cars.

Here are 8 tips for owning a car with manual transmission:

1. Don’t Put Your Car in Gear When You Park

The first and most important tip is to never leave your car in gear when you park it. The problem with doing this is that it puts stress on the transmission and can cause it to slip out of gear or lock up when you’re not expecting it. Put your car in neutral, pull up the parking brake, and leave it until you’re ready to drive again. The only exception is when you park on a hill. Engage the first gear to avoid rolling.

2. Don’t Use Neutral Downhill

When going downhill, it can be tempting to switch into neutral in order to save fuel and give the car a break. However, this is a risky move because it takes away your control over the vehicle. Without power from the engine, you lose control of the brake system, so you should stick to using the gears instead. Engage the lowest gear possible to maintain control over your speed. Experts say coasting downhill doesn’t save you any fuel either, so it’s best to stick with the gears.

3. Observe Your Maintenance Schedule

Manual transmission cars have a lot of moving parts that need regular maintenance and upkeep to work smoothly. Make sure you observe your maintenance schedule as recommended by the manufacturer. Also ensure the cooling system is working properly as it’s responsible for cooling the transmission fluid. Take your car for a transmission inspection and get the oil changed regularly. This will help to ensure that your car is running smoothly and reduce the risk of any mechanical failure. Additionally, make sure to replace worn-out clutch plates when needed to keep everything in top shape.

4. Become Familiar With Your Car’s Specifications:

Manual transmissions are available in a variety of models, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the specifications of your particular vehicle. This includes knowing the type and viscosity (thickness) of oil that is appropriate for your vehicle. Additionally, understand the gear ratios and how they work together with your car’s engine. This will help you to select the right gear when driving and make sure that you are taking advantage of your car’s full power potential.

5. Be Mindful When Shifting Gears:

When shifting gears, it’s important to pay attention to the revs and be mindful of how fast or slow you are moving between each gear. If you shift too quickly, then your car may jerk or stall, whereas if you shift too slowly, then the car will be underpowered and can cause further problems down the road. Take your time to get a feel for shifting and remember to always double-check that the gear is fully engaged before releasing the clutch.

6. Never Drive With Your Left Foot Always on Clutch:

Driving with your left foot always on the clutch can put unnecessary stress and strain on the system. This can lead to premature wear and tear of the transmission components, resulting in shorter service life and more expensive repairs down the road. Therefore, it’s important to never drive with your left foot always on the clutch.

7. Minimize the Revs

Revving your engine higher than necessary is not only bad for the engine performance but also produces heat or friction that affects the clutch system. When accelerating, start at a lower gear and shift up as you gain speed. This will minimize the revs of your engine and put less stress on the clutch system.

8. Know Your Go-To Mechanic:

Having a trusted mechanic for your car with manual transmission is essential. Scheduling regular maintenance checkups can help prolong the life of the transmission and keep it running in optimal condition. Having an experienced mechanic who understands how to work on manual transmission cars will be invaluable if any issues arise. With the right mechanic, you can get advice and learn more about the car, ensuring a long and happy life for your vehicle.

Buy or Service the Car of Your Dreams With Eastern Shore Hyundai in Daphne, AL

Owning a car with manual transmission can be rewarding but also challenging. With these tips, you’ll be able to get the most out of your vehicle and keep it running like new for years to come. Taking the time to learn about how a manual transmission works, getting the right parts and maintenance, and understanding its capabilities are all keys to owning a car with this type of transmission. At Eastern Shore Hyundai in Daphne, Alabama, you can find the perfect manual transmission car (new and used) that fits your needs. Our knowledgeable team is here to answer any questions you may have so you can make the most informed decision.