Most Drivers Do This at Traffic Lights, Unknowingly Wearing Out Their Cars

Drivers of manual cars often keep the clutch pressed and the transmission in first gear while waiting for a traffic light to turn green. A few seconds will not cause serious damage, but longer waits of 30 seconds, a minute or more keep the release bearing under load for no reason.

A simpler approach is to shift into neutral after stopping, release the clutch fully and hold the car with the brake. When the light changes, the driver can press the clutch again, select first gear and move off.

There is no need to panic if this has been a regular habit. The clutch system can withstand many cycles, and a few seconds in first gear will not mean an immediate replacement. The effects may appear only over the long term, particularly in cars used mainly for city driving, where hundreds or thousands of traffic-light stops can accumulate over several years.

Drivers should also avoid resting their hand on the gear lever throughout a journey. Although it may seem convenient, constant pressure can be transferred to internal transmission parts. Occasional contact is unlikely to cause a failure, but after changing gear, the better practice is to return the hand to the steering wheel.