Automatic cars are becoming increasingly popular in the country, but the number of cars with manual transmissions is still very high. While driving a car with a manual gearbox, many people make mistakes that can be harmful to both the vehicle and the driver. Here, we are highlighting five common mistakes that should never be made while driving a car with a manual transmission:
Do not use the gear lever as an armrest
Most people who drive manual transmission cars tend to keep one hand on the steering wheel and the other on the gear lever. The gear lever should not be used as a handrest. During manual transmission, we only see the gear lever, but we don't see its internal functioning. When changing gears using the gear lever, a selector fork rotating collar moves towards it, and the collar pushes the gear into the desired position for driving. Placing your hand on the gear lever can interfere with the movement of the selector fork rotating collar, potentially causing difficulty in shifting gears. Therefore, it is advisable to keep your hand on the steering wheel while driving. This ensures both your safety and the smooth operation of your car.
Do not keep your foot on the clutch pedal at all times
Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal of the car. Doing so can result in higher fuel consumption, as it may cause unnecessary wear to the transmission. Additionally, if you need to suddenly apply the brakes, there's a risk of mistakenly pressing the clutch instead of the brake in a moment of panic, potentially leading to an accident. Therefore, it is advisable to use the dead pedal, which is located next to the clutch pedal and is commonly found in most cars today. This pedal provides a stable surface for your foot without affecting the clutch or brake functions.
Do not keep the car in gear at a stop signal