What is the most common mistake when changing gears in a car?

Even if it will not be today or tomorrow, it is a fact that manual gearboxes will disappear over time, designating as their great executioner the massification of electric cars. Just a few days ago, Mini dispelled all doubts in this regard, confirming that it would not offer a manual version in future products.

In an interview with Top Gear at the IAA Mobility motor show in Munich, Stefanie Wurst, director of the British company, said: “Unfortunately we won’t have a manual,” when asked if at least the combustion models would continue to retain the option. of a manual transmission.

And thanks to the technological progress made in recent years and the comfort they offer motorists – particularly in urban traffic – automatic transmissions are beginning to dominate the new vehicle market.

Of course, we are referring by this to the high-end and mid-range segments, since in the entry models there is still an offer marked by manual changes.

In Chile in particular, and according to Anac data, 57% of new vehicles sold this year are equipped with a manual transmission. In other words, out of more than 210,000 units sold between January and August, 119,581 of them – divided between passengers, SUVs, trucks and utility vehicles – have this type of lever.

As we have seen, even though the supply of automatic transmissions is increasing, the majority of cars still have a lever allowing the driver to manually select the different developments available.

Manual transmissions are designed to last the life of the vehicle, which in most current models easily exceeds 300,000 kilometers. Distance which involves having made several hundred thousand, even millions of gear changes.

To do this, the driver must disengage the engine by pressing the pedal, operate the lever to select the desired speed and release the clutch again. Friction mechanism by which the force produced by combustion inside the engine is transmitted to the wheels.

Managing the change well will not only allow you to make the most of the engine’s potential and consume less fuel. This will also prevent this complex mechanism from being damaged and causing damage that is sometimes very costly to repair.

According to Rodrigo Miranda, automotive mechanics and automotive electronics engineer at DuocUC, “the cost of a gearbox failure can vary depending on different factors, such as the make and model of the vehicle, the severity of the failure, the labor involved and the type of repair. transmission (mechanical or automatic)”.

“When it comes to mechanical gearboxes, the commonly replaced component is the clutch assembly, costs can range from approximately $150,000 to $600,000 including labor and spare parts, depending on the type of technology, the make of the vehicle and the expertise of the professional carrying out this repair,” he adds.

By following a few simple tips, you can get the most out of your vehicle and also keep it in good condition over time:

1.- Avoid constantly keeping your hand on the lever

It’s a habit that many drivers have and that you shouldn’t do, firstly because you always have to try hold the steering wheel with both hands for greater safety and also because the weight of the hand on the lever exerts a harmful pressure for the system.

This habit is not recommended, as it causes premature wear of intermediate elements, connecting rods, gears and bearings. This stress, in the long run, can lead to a malfunction of our gearbox, a loss of precision, an increase in play, difficulty in engaging certain speeds, or even cause them to shift out of their own accord when the consequences of the breakdown occur. are aggravated.

2.- Keep the clutch pedal pressed

When reaching a traffic light, many drivers hold the gear in gear and, instead of selecting neutral, depress the clutch while stopping. This is a mistake that should always be avoided because it accelerates the wear of this important component and also unnecessarily increases the temperature of the mechanics.

3.- Do not fully tighten the clutch when changing gear

If a gear is engaged without the pedal fully depressed, the gears and shift timing will suffer and wear. Full clutch pressure prevents gears from “scratching” during engagement and thus causing transmission failures.

4.- Start in second gear.

Starting from a stop in second gear instead of using first requires greater effort from the engine, the transmission in general and the clutch in particular. This is a bad habit which causes the system to heat up more and considerably accelerates its wear.

5.-Release the clutch abruptly.

Gentle driving is best for the comfort of the vehicle’s occupants, but also for its mechanics. Abrupt release of the clutch pedal causes violent jerks that damage the entire system and damage its components, such as the clutch itself, gearbox gears, differentials and connecting rod links transmission.

6.- Not changing at the appropriate speed

The changes in the gearbox are calculated to adapt to the speed of the vehicle and must be chosen as it increases or decreases otherwise.

Thus, as a general rule in six-speed cars and depending on the model, first gear must be maintained up to 15 or 20 km/h; go from second to third when reaching 30 km/h; engage fourth gear at 40 km/h; engage fifth gear after accelerating up to 50 km/h and use sixth gear from 100 km/h.

7.- Skip oil changes

For proper maintenance of the gearbox, it is essential that it operates well lubricated. A quality oil in good condition will not only prevent wear of its parts due to friction, but will also help cool the entire system by dissipating heat through the lubrication circuit.