Bad driving habits are easy to pick up, and tricky to unlearn. It’s worth taking the time though – some driving habits can drastically increase the wear and tear on a manual car, especially when they’re putting pressure on crucial parts like the clutch or brakes. Here at RAW2K, we supply a huge range of manual cars in our online car auctions, so we know a thing or two about what makes them tick. With that in mind, here’s what to avoid!
Over-revving the engine
Over-revving the engine is of the most common bad habits that can lead to significant damage in a manual car. This occurs when the driver-revs the engine excessively, especially when shifting gears. Although some drivers can do it carelessly, it’s actually also quite easy to do accidentally if you’ve not had a tonne of experience behind the wheel.
The consequences for your car can be severe though. Over-revving puts unnecessary strain on the engine components, leading to premature wear and tear. It can also cause overheating and even engine failure in extreme cases. To avoid this, focus on shifting gears smoothly, and avoid revving the engine beyond its recommended limits. If you’ve not been driving very long, try not to get yourself too worried about it – it’s one of those skills that comes with time!
Riding the clutch
Riding the clutch is another harmful habit that lots of drivers tend to develop, and again it’s annoyingly easy to find that you’ve been doing it without realising.
Essentially, this involves keeping the clutch partially engaged while driving – often to maintain control over the vehicle's speed on inclines or in heavy traffic. However, this constant friction between the clutch plate and flywheel can cause the clutch to wear out quickly. It also puts strain on other transmission components, such as the release bearing and pressure plate. To prevent clutch damage, it’s worth making sure you’re using the clutch only when necessary, and avoid resting your foot on it while driving.
Skipping regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for any vehicle, but it’s especially crucial for manual cars due to the nature of their transmission system. For various reasons though, it’s not uncommon for people to overlook or postpone routine maintenance tasks – the cost of living is obviously one of the biggest current pressures. Oil changes, clutch adjustments, and gearbox inspections are often amongst the first to get deferred.
Unfortunately though, neglecting these maintenance tasks can lead to various problems, including transmission issues, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased risk of breakdowns – often making the situation a bit of Catch-22 for cash-strapped drivers. But it’s worth biting the bullet on those preventative maintenance tasks when you can – it may be expensive in the short term, but it could end up saving you big sums later on.
Neglecting the gearbox
The gearbox is one of the most critical components of a manual car's transmission system, responsible for shifting gears and transferring power from the engine to the wheels. Neglecting the gearbox can have severe consequences, including gear slippage, difficulty shifting, and transmission failure. To avoid these problems, it’s a good idea to regularly check the gearbox fluid levels and ensure that it is clean and free from contaminants. Additionally, don’t forget to ensure you’re gentle when shifting gears, and avoid forcing the gearbox into gear, especially when the vehicle is moving. If you’ve ever heard the phrase “If you can’t find it, grind it”, well – don’t do that.
Ignoring unusual sounds and sensations
Finally, ignoring unusual sounds or sensations coming from the manual car can be a recipe for disaster. Strange noises, such as grinding, whining, or clunking, can indicate underlying issues with the transmission or other components. Similarly, unusual sensations, such as vibrations or difficulty shifting gears, should not be ignored. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to more significant problems down the line, resulting in costly repairs and potentially even leaving you stranded on the road.
There’s a good reason why so many people tend to assign personalities to their vehicles – cars are quite vocal when it comes down to it, and when there’s something wrong, it normally won’t hesitate to let you know. So when it does, make sure not to delay acting on it!
And of course, if you ever need any spare parts to repair your car – or even if you’re looking at replacing it entirely – you’re in exactly the right place. Here at RAW2K, we take pride in providing you with a huge range of salvage cars to choose from in our online car auctions, including not just models from the likes of Ford and Volkswagen, as well as a range of other world-famous brands like Mercedes, Honda, and Peugeot. Our auctions are refreshed on a daily and weekly basis, so there are always bargains to be found. Why not take a look around, and see what you can find?
