Does frequently stalling a manual transmission car damage the vehicle?
2 Answers
Frequently stalling a manual transmission car can indeed cause some damage. When the engine, which was rotating normally, suddenly stalls, the crankshaft receives a certain impact. Additionally, after being forced to stall, more unburned gasoline remains in the cylinders, which can easily lead to carbon deposits, although the impact is minimal. Starting a manual transmission car is a rite of passage for every new driver, and starting is a basic operation that must be mastered. At low speeds or when turning at intersections, there are times when you need to brake to a stop. After stopping, when starting again, you might forget which gear you're in but still attempt to start with the clutch release force appropriate for first gear, which can lead to stalling. Even at traffic lights, drivers often pull up the handbrake and forget to release it when starting, which can also cause the car to stall.
When I first started learning to drive, I often stalled the car at intersections due to poor coordination between the accelerator and clutch, causing the engine to suddenly shut off. Initially, I was worried it might damage the car. After asking experienced drivers around me, I learned that frequent stalling can indeed harm the clutch, as each stall subjects the clutch plates to impact wear. Over time, this can lead to clutch slippage or shuddering, costing hundreds to repair. Additionally, frequent stalling puts a heavy load on the starting system, potentially causing the battery and starter motor to wear out prematurely. Now, with more practice and paying attention to the clutch engagement point, my starts are much smoother, and I rarely make mistakes anymore. In daily driving, especially in traffic jams, it's important to be patient and avoid abruptly depressing the clutch. Whether it's a new or old car, improper operation can affect its lifespan, so I recommend beginners practice the basics more.
