Safe Driving: Things You Should Not Do When Driving A Manual

When it comes to driving a car, two different transmission types can change how you operate the vehicle: Manual and Automatic. The automatic transmission allows you to shift gears automatically, while manual transmission requires you to use shift gears using the gear shift and clutch pedal. Depending on your preference, using either transmission offers a set of advantages and challenges for the driver.

For manual driving tips, there are a number of things that manual drivers have to do differently to have a safe and comfortable driving experience. With the need to constantly shift gears while driving, it is important to avoid actions that can affect your vehicle’s performance. A wrong move can cause you and your vehicle problems.

What are the things you should not do when driving a manual?

When driving a manual transmission vehicle, one of the things that you need to do is to shift gears while pressing on the clutch pedal. This is to keep your speed at the optimal level. While the process of shifting gears is something that an adept driver can get used to, there are a number of habits that can cause vehicles to have problems. With that in mind, here are some of the things that many manual transmission drivers do that must be avoided.

Don’t Rest Your Hand On The Gear Shift

While it is important to keep your hand at the ready when shifting gears, a common mistake that many drivers tend to make is resting their hand on the gear shift. Shifting your gear means that the selector fork on the gearbox needs to move around, coming into contact with rotating parts and causing friction.

Resting your hand on the gear shift means that you are causing too much friction that can wear out your gears, which can make the shifting process much harder. It is best to keep your hand off the gear shift after changing gears to keep your gearbox in optimal condition.

Do Not Rest Your Foot On The Clutch Pedal

Similar to resting your hand on the gear shift, it is also important to avoid resting your foot on the clutch pedal. The clutch is a crucial component in the gear shift process, allowing the vehicle to change gears effectively. Resting your foot can cause your car’s gears to slip and wear out the clutch itself. This can cause drops in your car’s fuel efficiency and cause damage to your clutch, which can be very costly. Make sure you keep your foot away from the clutch when not shifting and adjust your seat position to find a comfortable spot for your foot to rest.

Stop Releasing Your Clutch Early

Another common thing that many manual transmission drivers do is releasing their clutch early while shifting gears. Releasing your clutch early can cause strain on your car, thus overheating your clutch and putting more pressure on your engine and transmission. To prevent this from happening, it is important to learn the right clutch application of your car to shift as smoothly as possible.

Don’t Stay In Gear During A Stoplight

Another common manual driving mistake: staying in gear during a stoplight will only cause more wear and tear to your vehicle. Your car’s gears will keep rotating while driving, which means that they can wear out easily. Always make sure to switch to neutral during every stoplight to prevent your gearbox from wearing out.

Stop Coasting Your Car While In Neutral Gear

Coasting is a habit that many people do as they believe it would help them save more fuel. Coasting your vehicle while in neutral gear is something that you should not do. Most fuel systems are now more efficient, which means that you can save up more fuel without having to go to neutral gear. Driving on neutral also lessens the control you have on your car, which can be unsafe and can cause accidents.

Key Takeaway

Driving a manual requires you to shift gears accordingly while driving, keeping your speed at the right level. By following these helpful tips, you will be able to avoid doing actions that can affect the performance of your vehicle and find ways to break negative driving habits.