Using Incorrect Fluid

Every manual transmission system requires a specific type of fluid and grade to run effectively. This fluid works by surrounding the gears and transferring the heat that enables them to move smoothly without causing wear in the process. Using incorrect fluid due to a leak or maintenance could alter the shifting feel and cause slippage. The result could be too little or too much heat, which will ultimately lead to parts wearing down faster than usual, leading to failure.

How to Maintain Your Trucks Manual Transmission System

The following are tips that will help you maintain your truck’s manual transmission system, potentially preventing a breakdown.

• With each gear shift, completely lift off the clutch In simpler terms, do not ride the clutch. Riding on the clutch is a bad habit since it puts undue strain on the clutch and gearbox.
• Service your vehicle’s cooling system periodically. Your truck’s cooling system prevents your engine from overheating, but what you might not know is that it also ensures that your transmission fluid pumped through the gearbox gets cooled too.
• Schedule a routine transmission flush. A professional mechanic will best conduct a transmission flush service. Check your owner’s manual for more information, but in general, your vehicle’s transmission needs to be flushed once a year. It also depends on how often you use your truck in general.
• Avoid downshifting when you need to slow down. Despite popular opinion, downshifting as you slow down is not good for a manual transmission truck. Downshifting puts a lot of strain on the transmission, instead, use your braking system to slow down.
• Schedule a routine transmission maintenance service. Getting a qualified professional auto service center to check your transmission for leaks and other abnormalities once in a year, as well as observing transmission smell, color, and level is a smart preventive maintenance habit for your manual transmission truck.