Five mistakes that harm a manual transmission and the same mistakes that “kill” an automatic transmission

Edited by: Giorgos Palikaris

There are fanatics who support manual transmissions, but there are also drivers who opt for the more relaxed driving that only an automatic transmission can provide.

Today we will not point out what is better or worse, but rather about the mistakes that “eat” years of the transport system and bring the workshop closer. Workshop that if the reason for the visit is the gearbox, the final price will be very high.

Manual

• Never shift into reverse while the vehicle is moving or the engine is running.
• Are you at a traffic light, which is still red, but in your haste you have come to first place and you are waiting with the clutch pressed? big mistake.
• The right hand, instead of being on the steering wheel, rests on the lever. Pressure is applied unconsciously causing wear and tear over time.
• Excessive clutch use is normal and almost expected for a new, inexperienced driver who is afraid of stopping. But for a driver who has been behind the wheel for more than 6 months, clutch contact should be as minimal as possible.
• When overtaking, it is better to shift the transmission lower than to keep the transmission already in place and sink the accelerator pedal to the floor. Pressing the gas harder in the “pinned” gear creates stronger pressure on the gearbox.

automatic

• Neutral should never be selected while the vehicle is in motion.
• As with the manual, we only choose reverse when the car comes to a complete stop.
• We don’t lay down “dead” while at traffic lights.
• The “P” position should only be selected if the vehicle is completely stationary.
• As with the engine, the transmission takes a few minutes to warm up if the car is parked. Wisely the first 1-2 km. Driving to avoid sudden acceleration.