Understand Why Your Car's Manual Transmission Needs These Preventive-Maintenance Jobs Done
The transmission system is one of the most important parts of the car, since it ensures that the power generated by the engine reaches the car's tires. Some people think that an automatic transmission is more fragile than a manual transmission, but this doesn't mean that the manual transmission doesn't require maintenance. Here are two forms of preventive maintenance that every manual car should undergo.
Adjusting the Clutch Pedal
In manual-transmission cars, the clutch transfers power from the engine to the gearbox. The clutch also interrupts power transmission when the gear is being changed. However, the clutch system can only do this if it has the right amount of clearance or play in the connection between the foot pedal and the release arm. An incorrect amount of play will damage the clutch and also cause transmission difficulties.
The clearance between the foot pedal and release arm changes with time; the more you use the transmission, the more the clearance is affected. Therefore, you need to adjust the system regularly before it causes a serious problem. Most clutch systems need to be adjusted every 6,000 miles, but the manufacturer's advice should be your guiding principle.
Changing the Transmission Fluid
Some people assume that the transmission fluid is only essential in automatic cars since it powers the hydraulic system of the automatic transmission. The transmission fluid doesn't transfer power in a manual car; instead, it lubricates all the moving parts of the transmission system, including the gears. The more you drive, the more the transmission fluid gets contaminated. The main contaminants are metal shavings from moving parts of the transmission system, such as the bearings and gears. The metal shavings reduce the lubricating capacity of the oil, and after some time, the metal parts can grind against each other and the particles and experience damage.
Again, your manufacture's manual should be your go-to document for advice on fluid-change intervals. However, in most cars, the fluid needs to be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Cars that experience heavy use, for example, those involved in towing or those that frequently cover hilly terrains need their fluids changed more frequently than those that are restricted to light duties.
Talk to a car mechanic, preferably one with experience in manual transmission repair, for further services your car's transmission should have. Don't forget that preventive maintenance is always better and less expensive than waiting to fix a problem after it occurs.
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