Gearbox Maintenance

It is important to be aware that many breakdowns, some of them very costly, are caused by poor driving practices. Despite the robust appearance of the vehicle’s mechanics, some systems are very delicate. Among them is the gearbox, which is responsible for allowing the transmission of power from the engine.

Gentle and efficient driving will avoid many problems in the future. In addition, it will mean a considerable economic saving, both in repairs and in fuel. Therefore, we are going to see some tips for the maintenance of the gearbox.

Take care of the position of the foot and the clutch

To begin with, it is important to take into account the position of the driver in the clutch. In this sense, there are several negative behaviors that should be avoided in order not to deteriorate the operation of the gearbox and accelerate its wear:

• Put your foot completely on the clutch when not necessary.
• Do not fully depress the clutch when changing gear.

• Taking your foot off the clutch too quickly once you’ve gotten into the new gear.

All these gestures related to the position of the foot can gradually wear down the clutch system, negatively affecting the gearbox.

Although they seem unimportant details, they are movements that are repeated thousands of times during the life of the vehicle. This produces an effect that is always tried to be avoided or minimized in mechanical systems, fatigue.

Check the clutch point

Not controlling the vehicle’s clutch point well is common among drivers, especially as beginners. In particular, problems often arise when having to park or start the car while on a slope.

Little by little, practice will improve the way the driver controls the clutch, so that the pedal can be depressed just right.

In addition, it is important to be able to control the brake and accelerator well, pressing and releasing them when necessary and in an agile way.

Failure to do this may cause the clutch system to overheat and increase wear. However, many modern vehicles have driving and parking aids to facilitate these types of maneuvers.

Gearbox lever operation

A good tip is to use the engine brake to slow down without pressing the clutch. This will not only improve the life of the system, but will allow more efficient use of the brakes, which will also help prevent failure of these components.

The basic principle is to use the force of opposition to the movement that occurs inside the engine so that the car reduces its speed.

In addition, when the traffic light is red, it will also be advisable to put neutral. This will avoid keeping the clutch depressed during the seconds in which we are stopped at the traffic light, reducing wear on the clutch.

On the other hand, in the same way that it is advisable not to press the clutch excessively or keep your foot on it for too long, it will also be advisable not to touch the gear lever excessively. Therefore, we must try not to put our hand on it for no reason.

Valvulin leaks in the gearbox

Valvulin is a lubricating liquid used in the gears of a car’s gearbox. Allows the system to move properly and reduces friction and wear. In the gearbox system there may be leaks through which this fluid is lost, which can lead to future failures. These leaks can occur for several reasons:

• A poor condition of the gearbox plugs can cause valvulin to leak.
• An excess oil can also cause we exceed the manufacturer ‘s recommended limit. This can also lead to a valvulin leak, as well as unnecessarily wetting items.
• The fastening of the screws can be lost over time, due to the movement of the gears in the case. The compartments can be opened and allow leaks from each other.
• There may also be deterioration in the joints that cause losses of the valvulin. These items should be checked frequently and replaced when necessary.

By regularly checking all these elements and being careful when changing gears while driving, we can avoid engine breakdowns that lead to costly repairs.

The gearbox is a mechanical element in constant movement, very exposed to deterioration and that can cause serious problems if it is not kept in good condition.