Drive your stick shift car more efficiently with these easy tips

 When was the last time you got behind the wheel of a stick shift car? Whether you own one and are an old pro or are just starting out and trying to learn how to drive a manual transmission, you know it's not quite as simple as driving an automatic car. Driving a stick shift car requires a fair amount of finesse so you don't damage the gears, clutch, or any other important parts. Toyota of N Charlotte is here with tips! 

Five tips for driving a stick shift

Driving an automatic car has its benefits - after all, the car does all the work for you when it comes to shifting and all you have to do is press the brake and gas. However, driving a manual transmission car does have its benefits. Although you have to shift manually using a shifter and clutch pedal, it's typically more fuel-efficient, cheaper to purchase, and more fun to drive. After all, if you're doing the shifting, you have complete control over your RPMs and acceleration. 

However, this also leaves more room for errors (and repairs). Check out these five N Charlotte Toyota tips for driving a stick shift car efficiently. 

Tip #1: Make sure you're using your clutch when you're supposed to. When you drive a stick shift car, you should ALWAYS push in your clutch before shifting. This allows the gears to smoothly change; if you don't clutch first and shift second, you can do serious damage to your car over time (and that means expensive repairs). Similarly, remember to use the clutch when you're braking - if your RPMs drop too low and you're not using the clutch, you can stall out. 

Tip #2: Use your RPMs wisely when driving a stick shift car. Make sure you're in the right gear and working with your RPMs, not against them. For example, if you're in a high gear and want to accelerate rapidly, don't just slam on the gas pedal - this can cause engine issues. Instead, downshift AND accelerate so you can get to the right speed. 

Tip #3: Put your stick shift car in neutral when you stop. When you pull up to a light, it may be tempting to leave your car in first gear so you can immediately move when the light turns green again. However, this actually is bad and puts more wear and tear on your gears and engine. Shift your car into neutral when you reach a red light and NEVER use your clutch pedal to rock your N Charlotte Toyota back and forth (you know who you are). 

Tip #4: Use your parking brake. When you park your stick shift car, you're going to shift into neutral before you turn the engine off. Make sure you also pull your parking brake! If you don't, it's more than likely that because it's in neutral, your car will roll right out of its spot. 

Tip #5: Take your hand off the shifter when you're not shifting. A lot of drivers tend to rest their hand on the gear shifter when they're at stoplights, parked, etc. This actually puts unnecessary stress and weight on the shifter, so avoid it. 

Get answers for your manual transmission questions at Toyota of N Charlotte 

If you have questions about driving a stick shift car, don't hesitate to reach out! Toyota of N Charlotte is open seven days a week for all of your concerns and questions at (704) 875-9199. We're also conveniently located at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville.