Learning to drive a manual car can seem daunting at first, especially when you’re getting to grips with the clutch. It’s all about developing a feel for the car, understanding the clutch’s bite point, and knowing how much gas to give it to move smoothly. While it might sound tricky initially, with practice, operating a manual car becomes second nature. One common mistake new drivers make is prematurely wearing out the clutch, which can lead to costly repairs, sometimes reaching into the thousands. To help you avoid this and ensure your clutch lasts well over 100,000 miles, here are some essential tips for driving a manual car effectively.
Avoid Riding the Clutch on Hills and at Junctions
It’s tempting when waiting at traffic lights, junctions, or on a hill to keep the car stationary by balancing it at the clutch’s bite point. This allows for a quicker start when you need to move. However, this habit causes unnecessary wear and tear on the clutch, especially if you do it frequently.
Instead, when you need to stop, apply the handbrake and fully release the clutch pedal. Only engage the clutch when you are actually ready to pull away. This simple change in technique can significantly extend the life of your clutch.
Don’t Hold the Clutch Down When You’re Stopped
Another common mistake is to keep the car in gear with the clutch pedal depressed while stopped in traffic. While it might feel like you’re ready to move instantly, this practice puts considerable pressure on the clutch release bearing.
Continuously holding the clutch down, even for short periods, can lead to premature wear of this component. It’s always better to shift into neutral and release the clutch when you’re stationary for more than a very brief moment.
Keep Engine Revs to a Minimum When Pulling Away
Many drivers, particularly when starting on an incline or during slow maneuvers, tend to over-rev the engine to prevent stalling. While a certain amount of revs is needed to get the car moving, excessive revving causes unnecessary friction and wear on the clutch plates.
With a gentle touch and developing a feel for the car’s bite point, you’ll find that most cars can start moving with minimal or even no accelerator input on a flat surface. Mastering this gentle approach will not only save fuel but also significantly reduce clutch wear over time.
