Drivers across the UK are being advised by the RAC to reconsider certain common driving habits that could inadvertently cause premature wear to their manual transmission vehicles. With over 13.6 million personal and business members relying on its breakdown assistance and motoring services, the RAC emphasises how the way manual cars are driven can significantly impact their longevity.
One widespread habit the RAC points out is leaving the car in gear when stationary, such as at red lights. This practice places unnecessary strain on the clutch components, particularly the release bearing, while also tiring the driver’s leg muscles. Instead, the RAC recommends shifting into neutral and applying the handbrake to keep the car stationary. This approach reduces clutch wear and can save drivers from costly repairs over time. While some drivers keep the car in gear to prepare for a quick start, the RAC notes that it only takes a moment to engage the gear again when the lights change.
Another frequent error involves resting one’s hand on the gear lever while driving. Each gear change involves selector forks moving inside the gearbox, and resting a hand on the gearstick can exert pressure on these parts, accelerating wear. This may result in noisy or grinding gears and difficulties in selecting gears. The RAC advises drivers to remove their hand from the gear lever and keep it on the steering wheel after changing gear.
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When stopping on an incline, some drivers attempt to balance the clutch at the biting point to prevent rolling back. However, this causes the clutch disc’s friction material to wear prematurely, as the clutch partially slips during this manoeuvre. Besides accelerating clutch wear, this technique risks rolling back into vehicles behind or stalling the car. Instead, the RAC recommends using the handbrake to hold the car stationary until ready to set off. Many modern manual cars also come equipped with hill-hold assist systems which temporarily hold the vehicle after releasing the brake, allowing drivers time to move to the accelerator without rolling back.
Additionally, the RAC cautions against the habit of resting a foot on the clutch pedal while driving. This continuous contact causes friction between the clutch release bearing and the clutch cover, leading to excessive wear, noise, and eventual clutch failure. This behaviour is notably common among learner and novice drivers.
A further point highlighted by the RAC concerns the clutch biting point. Releasing the clutch too early causes the car to jerk and puts strain on the engine and transmission. Conversely, holding the clutch at or below the biting point while moving can overheat and wear out the clutch. With practice, drivers typically master finding the biting point and controlling the vehicle smoothly, though occasional errors can still happen even among experienced drivers.
By adopting these recommended practices, manual drivers can help preserve their vehicles’ mechanical components and avoid unnecessary repairs, ultimately enhancing their car’s lifespan and improving driving comfort.