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
New clutch works fantastic! My...
George Banman
New clutch works fantastic! My Yaris is ready for another 300,000 km!!
Date: June 3, 2023
Website: Google
I took my car for...
Brianne Miller
I took my car for repair. I had a transmission issue or so I thought and they ended up diagnosing my car and said it was an engine misfire not transmission problem really honest place they were professional and great customer service, didnt even charge me a diagnostic fee even provided me with shuttle their and back, I highly recommend Dan and this Mr transmission location
Date: June 2, 2023
Website: Google
Although it was an expensive...
Wing Chan
Although it was an expensive repair for my old work truck, but I do appreciate Ray and his team for kindness and considerate.
Date: June 2, 2023
Website: Google
Mister Transmission DIXIE Branch Was...
Danice Inc.
Mister Transmission DIXIE Branch Was very Professional and Knowledgeable
Date: June 2, 2023
Website: Google
I would highly recommend Mr...
Fred Tanton
I would highly recommend Mr Transmission and Chris and his team in Owen Sound they did a great job and had my truck done in no time with a better rebuild than the factory transmission that was in my truck for a decent price. Extremely nice and easy to talk too and excellent service
Date: June 2, 2023
Website: Google
Great place ,always been helpful...
Mathieu Roy
Great place ,always been helpful with some issues that I had with some vehicles
Date: June 2, 2023
Website: Google
Gary was so friendly and...
Greg Power
Gary was so friendly and helpful. Gave great advice and genuinely just wanted to help. Great experience and highly recommend
Date: June 2, 2023
Website: Google
Staff is extremely helpful. The...
Mallia MacDonald
Staff is extremely helpful. The receptionist is amazing explains things well. I’m very happy with the work that was done!
Date: June 2, 2023
Website: Google
Undeniably the best mechanic you...
Anjuman Bhuiyan
Undeniably the best mechanic you can visit, particularly if your car is having transmission issues. Ray and Gus are not only seasoned experts but incredibly honest as well. They will give you different options to resolve your issue in a timely manner. They also keep you in the loop on matters that save you money, ie. how you can get back money from a recall/class action lawsuit that you might not know about. They even have financing options. Mr. Transmission went the extra mile for me, thank you!
Date: June 2, 2023
Website: Google
My old car, a 2013...
Hugh Clark
My old car, a 2013 Dodge Charger developed a mid-shift that only happened when the car was cold and it was shifting up into 3rd or 4th gear for the first time each day - it would stumble badly, but then it would be fine for the rest of the day. My regular garage specifically recommended I go to this Mr. Transmission, so there I went. If they would have told me that it would be 5,000 for a rebuild I would have said “Ok”. But they diagnosed this car over a couple of cold cycle mornings and said “you may as well just drive it as long as you can put up with a minor mis-shift, otherwise you would be wasting your money to rebuild it”. So that’s what I did - I drove it for 18 months and it never got any worse and I ended up getting a great trade value for it. These guys are honest and have my deepest respect.
Date: June 1, 2023
Website: Google
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