3 Ways You Can Protect Your Manual Transmission

More and more people choose buy new cars with automatic transmissions, but there will always be the appeal and value of a manual. Manual (aka "stick shift") transmissions are simpler in design and often less pricey to acquire and to repair. However, there are still a few things they need to stay in good shape, so you can enjoy your vehicle for years to come. Here are three ways you can keep your manual transmission smooth and reliable.

1. Don't offer it up to teach a new driver

Many charitable drivers are happy to let a friend or family member learn how to drive a manual transmission using their personal vehicle, without thinking of the damage they may cause. The abrupt starting and stopping, stalling, and gear grinding can actually wear down your vehicle quickly, resulting in things like clutch plate burnout, chipped gears, or worse. Instead, use a rental car or a driving school fleet for practice.

2. Get it regularly serviced

Too often, people keep driving well past their regularly scheduled maintenance dates, or even in the face of strange noises or smells coming from their cars. Always take your vehicle into your local transmission shop in Houston to see a qualified mechanic at regular intervals.

3. Drive it properly

There are a few tricks to driving with a manual transmission, and they include: don’t skip gears while accelerating, keep your foot on the brake (off the clutch) at red lights, and always depress the clutch fully when switching gears.

When you need a Houston mechanic you can trust to take good care of your manual transmission, come see us at Mr. Transmission!