Drivers of manual vehicles have been urged to stop resting their hand on this part of the vehicle or face paying hefty costs
Drivers have been told to stop touching a certain part of their vehicle or end up paying hefty costs.
We all have certain habits while driving, such as the way we sit and how we configure our hands on the steering wheel.
A common habit among drivers of manual vehicles is to rest your hand on the gear stick.
READ MORE: Police descend on Telford as drivers ‘turn roads into racetrack’ during car meet
Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp, click the link to join
We can leave our hand here after changing gears or when navigating through slow speed areas that require quick gear changes.
But this habit could be putting serious wear on your vehicle and potentially cost you a fortune in the long run.
A UK supplier of number plates and car accessories, Show Plates World, has urged drivers to keep both hands on the wheel when not actively changing gears.
A spokesperson for Show Plates World said: “Most drivers don’t even realise they’re doing it.
“But resting your hand on the gearstick can put extra pressure on the gear selector forks inside your transmission.”
The unnecessary pressure can lead to premature wear, gearbox whining, stiff shifting – and in worst cases – full gearbox failure, the company said.
And it can cost anywhere from £500 to £1,500 to repair or replace your gearbox, depending on the model.
Tom Reilly, a seasoned mechanic with over 12 years’ experience under the bonnet, said: “It’s more common than people think.
“Drivers come in complaining about stiff gear changes or grinding noises.
“When I ask if they rest their hand on the gearstick, they usually say yes – without realising it could be the cause.”
A spokesperson from Show Plates World added: “We know how much pride people take in their cars, but it’s often the little habits that cause the biggest issues.
“Resting your hand on the gearstick might seem harmless, but over time it can lead to real mechanical damage.
“Our advice is simple – change gears and get your hand back on the wheel. Your car (and wallet) will thank you for it.”
