Clutch Care for Manual Transmission Drivers

Posted: Jun 10, 2019
Author: Country Town Tire & Auto Service Center

Do you drive a manual transmission car? There are several benefits of driving a manual transmission car, just one of which happens to be that it can make the driver feel like a race car driver! Other benefits can include a smoother ride and even better gas mileage. However, manual transmission drivers need to be careful with their clutch to keep this part from wearing down prematurely. Here are a few things to keep in mind for clutch care if you are a manual transmission driver.

First, be a gentle shifter. Even though it can be fun to think of yourself as a race car driver with a stick shift (no judgement here, by the way!), slamming through the gears is rough on your clutch. Instead, shift with careful precision.

Second, don’t use your clutch for purposes besides shifting. Many people think that because lower gears will slow down their vehicle, they should use the engine to slow down instead of the brakes, saving their brake pads. However, this just means that you are using your expensive clutch instead of your inexpensive brake pads. Which would you rather replace on a regular basis?

Finally, make friends with your handbrake on steep hills! Driving a manual car can be unnerving if you live in a hilly area -- that slight slip backwards at a stop can be downright scary the first few times! Instead of allowing the clutch to keep you at a standstill, try putting on your handbrake, revving the engine to about between 1200-2000 rpms, and then let off the handbrake while engaging the clutch.

For more helpful clutch tips, come and see us here at Country Town Tire & Auto Service Center.