Before manufacturers started putting automatic transmissions in vehicles around the country, manual transmissions were the only choice available. Today, it seems as if less and less people are driving vehicles with this type of transmission. Even though the number of vehicles that have these transmissions will probably continue to decline as more people switch to automatic transmissions, there are still people who love being able to shift through the gears on the open road. If you are leaning how to drive stick, you'll want to avoid these common mistakes.

1. Downshifting when braking.

If you end up downshifting, you will notice your car slowing down and your engine getting louder and louder. In doing so, you are putting added stress on the vehicle's transmission. Continuing to do this over and over is going to end up wearing the transmission out far quicker than wearing out your brake pads. 

2. Shifting the wrong way.

When going forward, you don't want to shift your vehicle into reverse. This is one of the worst things you can do to your vehicle. Another thing that will tear your transmission up is shifting without actually using the clutch the right way. If you do try to do this, you will probably hear a horrible grinding noise letting you know you are hurting your vehicle up with every passing mile. Your vehicle requires a lot of moving parts. You need to work with your vehicle, not against it. By working together with your vehicle, you can make sure your transmission doesn't end up needing repairs before its time.

3. Riding the clutch.

Even though you have to shift through the gears quite often with a manual transmission, you still need to release the clutch with each shift of the gears. When you ride the clutch, you are essentially applying unnecessary pressure to the pedal and destroying your transmission. Keep doing this and you will find yourself having to replace parts long before they are due. Make sure to release the clutch fully to extend its lifespan. It's best to practice driving stick shift in a parking lot before you get on the road. That way, you can annilate bad habits before throwing traffic rules into the mix.

If you have a manual transmission in your vehicle, you can keep it in good shape by not making one of the costly mistakes above. In the event you do need your transmission replaced, take your vehicle in to a licensed repair shop, like Pro Transmission, to get back on the road quickly.