Why Does a Manual Transmission Car Shake When Starting?
2 Answers
Manual transmission vehicles may shake when starting due to insufficient engine power, loose connections between the transmission and chassis, or uneven engagement of the clutch pressure plate and friction disc. If not addressed promptly, this can lead to increased carbon buildup in the engine, damage to the spark plugs, and accelerated aging of engine components. More information about manual transmissions is as follows: 1. Manual transmissions primarily transfer power through the clutch, with the clutch pressure plate being responsible for transmitting kinetic energy. Prolonged partial clutch engagement or the engine operating under abnormal load conditions can accelerate wear on the clutch pressure plate, reducing its service life. 2. When the pressure plate wears to a certain extent, power engagement becomes less smooth, resulting in noticeable shaking and unstable engine RPMs.
I've been driving a manual transmission car for several years and often encounter the issue of jerking during starts. When I first started learning to drive, I also had this problem—not pressing the accelerator enough and releasing the clutch too quickly, causing the car to jerk violently a few times. Later, I learned to find the clutch's biting point, that moment when you gently press the clutch and slightly release the accelerator, feeling the car slightly move. Then, gradually adding throttle helps the car start smoothly. If the car still jerks despite correct operation, it might be due to uneven wear of the clutch plate, requiring a check at the garage, or poor spark plug ignition affecting power. Jerking during starts is no small matter—it affects driving mood and damages the car. Practicing smooth operations can help avoid it. Remember not to panic; treat the clutch gently, and the car will respond well. Watch more driving videos to learn small tricks, practice starts and stops when parked, and gradually, it will get better.
