Need a possible myth dispelled. Is it true

that if you keep your hand on the gear shift on a 5 speed it wrecks your gears? I love keeping my hand on the gear shift.

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toddr13 · 46-50, M

Resting your hand on the transmission can create excess wear on transmission components in a manual transmission. I was always taught never to hold the gear shift for that reason because subtle pressure causes problems with the shift fork, etc., basically accelerating wear.

Jeephikelove · 46-50, F

@toddr13 Thank you, that’s what I thought, I try not to but it’s comfortable

toddr13 · 46-50, M

@Jeephikelove Yes, your hand acts as a damper and when the transmission vibrates, the subtle forces do tend to cause wear. In a non-paddle manual, I tend to force myself to drive favoring the right hand to combat the temptation to want to rest my hand on the shifter. I drive with both hands, obviously, but have trained myself that the right hand is critical so it's second nature to shift and then go back to the wheel.

Jeephikelove · 46-50, F

@toddr13 Thank you, I don’t want to have any expensive repairs so I’ll stick to trying to not rest my hand on my gear shifter. I see some people think making fun of my question and my possible lack of knowledge of cars is funny. I happen to know a lot actually. 😁

toddr13 · 46-50, M

@Jeephikelove It's actually a very good question, since it can contribute to premature wear, and is totally preventable by remembering to leave the shifter in gear. Some cars have tighter tolerances than others, so it may not be as damaging in the short term, but it can definitely cause a problem.