Using the 6MT shifter as a hand rest
Thread Starter
Team Camel, VP for Zaino
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 480
Likes: 0
From: Madison, NJ
Using the 6MT shifter as a hand rest
I once heard that you shouldn't rest your hand on an MT shift (when you're not actually shifting), because it would wear out the linkage or a bearing or something.
Is this true? I sometimes find myself inadvertently leaving my hand on the shift, then when I realize what I'm doing move over the parking brake.
Is this true? I sometimes find myself inadvertently leaving my hand on the shift, then when I realize what I'm doing move over the parking brake.
SOLD
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 0
From: Lakehood, CO
On my ex car (Merc C-class) I constantly rested my hand on the leather shifter (AT) out of habit. After one year of driving (when I traded the car in) I noticed there was considerable wear on the leather. It looked bad. I make sure not to rest my hand there on this car now
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 574
Likes: 5
From: Southern MN
Wears out the synchros
Yeah, if you rest your hand the shifter you can cause abnormal wear on the synchros and gears. Same principle as not resting your foot on the clutch pedal to keep from wearing the clutch out.
My dog thinks I'm Elvis!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 363
Likes: 6
From: Santa Barbara,CA
Originally Posted by Pug
I once heard that you shouldn't rest your hand on an MT shift (when you're not actually shifting), because it would wear out the linkage or a bearing or something.
Is this true? I sometimes find myself inadvertently leaving my hand on the shift, then when I realize what I'm doing move over the parking brake.
Is this true? I sometimes find myself inadvertently leaving my hand on the shift, then when I realize what I'm doing move over the parking brake.
If you ain't shiftin...your hands otta be on the wheel.
If your hands ain't on the wheel and you ain't shiftin...you're cruisin, not drivin.
If your cruisin, not drivin...why'd you buy a 6MT?
nough said...
Trending Topics
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 232
Likes: 3
From: Salisbury, MD
The manual for my first car, a 4 speed 78 VW Rabbit, specifically warned about not resting your hand on the shifter due to wear issues with the transmission (I believe it was synchro's). While obviously it is not a problem if you are actively shifting or preparting to shift (as in driving in city traffic), you should avoid using the shifter as a resting spot as you cruise down the interstate.
Thread Starter
Team Camel, VP for Zaino
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 480
Likes: 0
From: Madison, NJ
Originally Posted by SBTL
If your hands ain't on the wheel and you ain't shiftin...you're cruisin, not drivin.
Originally Posted by SBTL
If your cruisin, not drivin...why'd you buy a 6MT?
Mmmmmm... Anthracite
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 847
Likes: 1
From: Little Rock, AR
Originally Posted by 93SHOcar
The manual for my first car, a 4 speed 78 VW Rabbit, specifically warned about not resting your hand on the shifter due to wear issues with the transmission (I believe it was synchro's). While obviously it is not a problem if you are actively shifting or preparting to shift (as in driving in city traffic), you should avoid using the shifter as a resting spot as you cruise down the interstate.
My VW manual had a similar warning. Its good advice don't do it. Do everyone a favor and keep both hands on the wheel when not shifting.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 45
Likes: 2
From: Brooklyn, NY
If we put both hands on the steering wheel, wouldn't that put alot of wear on the leather there? Darn it, there's no getting around wearing out something in the car.
Interesting info though. I'll start changing my habit of driving MTs from this point on.
Interesting info though. I'll start changing my habit of driving MTs from this point on.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mlody
5G TLX (2015-2020)
85
Dec 4, 2019 02:11 PM
guyvelella
2G TL (1999-2003)
8
Sep 30, 2015 11:02 PM
