5 Ways to Keep Your Manual Transmission Working

By Mister Transmission

Avoid costly transmission repairs. Read our simple tips for keeping a car with a manual transmission running smoothly

Vehicles with manual transmissions aren’t as common on our roads as they once were. It’s estimated that about 5% of all new vehicles sold in Canada since 2013 have manual gearboxes, but if you’re driving one of them, it’s important to be mindful of manual transmission maintenance tips.

There is much to be said of the benefits of driving a vehicle with an automatic transmission nowadays, but stick-shift enthusiasts have their reasons for opting for a manual transmission. While most of the reasons cited are not rooted in fact – they’re more fuel efficient than automatics, you have more control of your car, or they’re a theft deterrent – there’s no denying cars with manual gearboxes are incredibly fun to drive.

In any event, here are five tips to help extend the life of your manual transmission and prevent a breakdown:

1. Completely lift your foot off of the clutch pedal with each gear shift. In other words, don’t ride the clutch. It’s a bad habit to get into when you’re driving and it puts undue strain on the clutch and the gearbox.

2. Have your engine’s cooling system serviced periodically. Your vehicle’s cooling system helps prevent the engine from overheating. But did you know it also ensures the transmission fluid pumping through the gearbox is cooled too? It’s more likely you’ll need a transmission repair before your engine completely overheats. Make sure your cooling system is in optimal condition.

3. Get your transmission flushed regularly. Changing the transmission fluid in your car is best left to a professional. Consult your car’s owner’s manual, but in general, get your vehicle’s transmission flushed once a year. How long the transmission fluid in your car will last depends on the vehicle’s operating temperature and how much driving you do.

4. Don’t downshift when you need to slow down. Contrary to popular belief, downshifting when you’re slowing your vehicle down or coming to a complete stop is not good for your engine or your manual gearbox. In fact, downshifting puts more wear and tear on your transmission. Stick to using your brakes to slow down and stop.

5. Have your transmission inspected annually. Having a certified transmission repair specialist conduct a diagnostic check of your transmission for leaks and other abnormalities at least once a year, as well as checking the transmission fluid’s level, colour, and smell periodically is smart preventative maintenance.

If you are in the Weston neighbourhood in northeast Toronto near the Humber River, or driving on Black Creek Drive south of Highway 401 and are experiencing transmission troubles or suspect you are, call us now at 416-249-1300, or visit us at 1677 Jane Street in North York. Stranded roadside because of a breakdown? Our tow truck is standing by. Our experienced team of transmission repair specialists will get your car back on the road again fast.

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Customer Reviews
Very friendly, honest, reasonable and...
Karen Oconnell
Very friendly, honest, reasonable and reliable service! If your car deserves the best, forget the rest, and have it serviced here! :)
Date: November 12, 2023
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Great staff interaction and work...
Art Dulmage
Great staff interaction and work made for a very good transaction.
Date: November 10, 2023
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Great service representative. Price was...
Annil Jaikishun
Great service representative. Price was good .had a transmission job done at this address and it was finesh on time as was said to be .I highly recommend going to MR TRANSMISSION FOR ALL UR SERVICE NEED.everyone there was polite and helpful and provide information .
Date: November 10, 2023
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So refreshing to be treated...
Jon D
So refreshing to be treated with respect, integrity, and best service practiced.very honest operation.
Date: November 10, 2023
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Very professional staff and great...
Ron Liscum
Very professional staff and great work
Date: November 10, 2023
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These guys are great! On...
Kenny Strub
These guys are great! On my way home from work pulling my travel trailer my transmission overheated, I called them to see if they could get me in and back on the road , within 2 hours I was in and out, problem was solved with minor troubleshooting and my transmission has been cool and shifting smooth ever since! I thank Jamie and everyone here for the quick fixing and knowledge they have about transmissions. I would highly recommend to anyone.
Date: November 10, 2023
Website: Google
Checked my car for FREE,...
Carl Waggett
Checked my car for FREE, exsplained the problem and even recommend another place that could help me!!! There needs to be MORE bussniess like this in Cambridge 😌🙏
Date: November 9, 2023
Website: Google
Top rate shop! After taking...
D F
Top rate shop! After taking my Civic here for transmission issues (noise, leaked out all its fluid), I was mentally preparing for the worst. The technician took time to answer all my questions and explain what had gone wrong. Turns out that they were able to repair the issue and get me going for a reasonable charge, and two days after they received the car by tow. They seem to be an honest and very knowledgeable shop, and I left feeling grateful to have chosen a good place. Thank you guys!!
Date: November 9, 2023
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Repair you can trust. Professional...
Ferdinand Cruz
Repair you can trust. Professional service.
Date: November 9, 2023
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Parkland Mr. Transmission was great...
Joel Foster
Parkland Mr. Transmission was great to deal with. I received same day service. They trouble shot my issue. Turned out to be a wiring problem. No parts needed and my truck was back on the road in 48 hours. Fantastic service and the shop is incredibly clean...just something I noticed while I was there. Thank you to Jamie and the team for helping me out.
Date: November 8, 2023
Website: Google
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