Is It Correct to Hold the Gear Shift for a Long Time?
3 Answers
Holding the gear shift for a long time is not correct. Here is an introduction to the related content of the gear shift: 1. Function: The gear shift can change the meshing of gears in the transmission, thereby altering the vehicle's driving speed and driving force; it is a tool used to change the speed of moving parts from one speed to another. 2. Concept: By operating the gear shift to change the engagement and disengagement of transmission gears with different ratios, the car can achieve acceleration, deceleration, or reversing. For manual transmission cars, the number of gears in the transmission varies with different models. The transmission gears are divided into neutral, forward gears, and reverse gear. The forward gears are further divided into low-speed, medium-speed, and high-speed gears.
I remember when I first started driving, I always kept my hand on the gear lever, especially during traffic jams or long drives, feeling it was more relaxing to have a place to rest my hand. But later, when I went to the doctor for arm soreness, they warned me that maintaining a fixed posture for long periods can lead to fatigue and even joint damage. More importantly, from the car's perspective, the gear lever is connected to the transmission, and constantly holding it increases pressure on internal mechanical components, such as wearing out those small bushings faster. A friend of mine had a loose gear lever, and the mechanic said it was due to habitual pressure. Now, I only touch it lightly when shifting gears, keeping my hands on the steering wheel or my lap the rest of the time—much more comfortable. Developing good habits protects both the car and yourself, especially staying more focused on highways. Actually, gear levers are designed to be durable; there's no need to force them.
As someone familiar with automotive details, I'd like to point out that the gear shift lever is designed for brief contact during gear changes. Keeping constant pressure on it with your hand can exert additional stress on mechanical components like bushings or cables at the connection points, accelerating wear over time. While this won't cause immediate failure, after tens of thousands of kilometers, you might experience looseness or unusual noises. During repairs, I often hear experienced drivers complain about rough shifting, and the root cause is usually accumulated minor issues. I recommend touching the gear lever only when necessary while driving and keeping your arm relaxed at other times. This habit also helps reduce driving fatigue and makes the entire driving process smoother. Safety comes first – don't let small habits lead to big problems.
