Does frequent stalling in a manual transmission car cause significant damage to the vehicle?
2 Answers
Frequent stalling in a manual transmission car can indeed cause damage, particularly to the engine. When the engine stalls due to being overloaded, the crankshaft may experience some impact, and unburned gasoline can remain in the cylinders. Over time, this can lead to an increase in carbon deposits within the engine. To prevent stalling when starting a manual transmission car, it's advisable to use the half-clutch technique. This method gradually reduces the speed difference between the clutch plate and the engine flywheel, allowing the car to start smoothly. When starting, first engage the first gear, then slowly lift the clutch pedal with your left foot. Pause briefly when the clutch reaches the engagement point, then continue to lift the pedal slowly while gently pressing the accelerator pedal with your right foot. This helps prevent the engine from stalling.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for over a decade. Frequent stalling does cause some damage to the car, mainly wearing out the starter motor and clutch plates. Every time you stall and restart, the starter motor has to work, and doing this too often puts excessive strain on it, making it prone to failure. Also, if the clutch isn't engaged properly, frequent friction in the semi-clutch state will wear the plates down faster. Especially when stalling on a slope, the car may roll back, putting extra stress on the gear linkage. I've seen some novice drivers stall frequently and end up replacing parts within a few years, which is quite wasteful. Honestly, occasional stalling is normal—don't worry too much. The key is to practice clutch-throttle coordination regularly, apply gentle throttle when starting, and avoid rushing. Maintain routine checks and upkeep, like lubricating the clutch pedal periodically, to minimize damage. A car is like an old friend—treat it well, and it'll last longer.
