In the know: Driving habits that can harm your transmission

mahindra-thar-transmission

Your vehicle’s transmission system is not immune to the harmful effects of wear and tear. However, your driving habits also play a role in the longevity of your tranny.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • What are the driving habits that can damage your transmission?

    The bad driving habits that can damage your gearbox include stomping on the gas, slamming on the brakes, not using the hand brake, and not stopping before shifting to reverse.
  • What other practices contribute to the wear and damage of your transmission?

    Other practices that affect your transmission's longevity include not checking the transmission fluid and delaying transmission maintenance.
  • Today, we’re looking at some of the driving habits that could prove to be detrimental to your transmission.

    hyundai-h100-transmission

    Stomping on your gas pedal

    Your transmission could overheat if you stomp on your gas pedal. Having a heavy foot on the accelerator can be harmful not only to the gearbox but can also hurt other driveline components.

    It’s recommended that you allow your transmission to cool down after creating excessive torque to avoid damage.

    Slamming on the brakes

    While slamming on the brakes is inevitable, it’s best to avoid this practice. Your car’s transmission mounts become susceptible to damage when you constantly pound the brakes.

    Not using the parking brake

    Parking brakes are there for a reason. They help reduce the stress on the transmission as the slushbox tries to hold your vehicle in place. Experts recommend using the parking brake in these situations to avoid putting excessive stress on your vehicle’s transmission system.

    Abruptly shifting to reverse

    Immediately shifting to reverse can also harm your transmission. Your car’s gearbox is at a greater risk of failure and is more likely to develop problems if you repeatedly shift from drive to reverse without stopping the vehicle.

    Neglecting to check your transmission fluid

    Your transmission fluids help maintain the bearings and metal parts inside a transmission through lubrication. Make sure to often check the level of your transmission fluid to help maintain the performance and longevity of your gearbox.

    Delaying maintenance

    Your vehicle’s transmission system is at greater risk of damage when you put off your car’s transmission maintenance. Having your vehicle checked regularly allows you to replace worn-out parts that can prevent major transmission damage.

    Photos from Hyundai and Mahindra

    Also read: 

    In the know: How to safeguard your vehicle during the rainy season

    In the know: Child safety lock

    In the know: Halogen vs. HID vs. LED headlights

    Read All

    Featured Articles

    Recommended Articles For You

    Read All

    Featured Cars

    • Upcoming

    Car Articles From Zigwheels

    • News
    • Article Feature
    • Advisory Stories
    • Road Test
    • Lexus highlights updated IS at 2026 Auto Focus Multi-Brand Summer Test Drive Fest
      Lexus highlights updated IS at 2026 Auto Focus Multi-Brand Summer Test Drive Fest
      Cesar Miguel . May 09, 2026
    • Kia EV5 makes attendance at 2026 AFSTDF
      Kia EV5 makes attendance at 2026 AFSTDF
      Paulo Papa . May 08, 2026
    • Lexus unveils TZ 3-row EV SUV
      Lexus unveils TZ 3-row EV SUV
      Cesar Miguel . May 07, 2026
    • G50 PHEV, MG5 Prestige speaheads MG PH’s showcase at 2026 AFSTDF
      G50 PHEV, MG5 Prestige speaheads MG PH’s showcase at 2026 AFSTDF
      Paulo Papa . May 07, 2026
    • In 7 pictures: Lexus introduces updated IS for PH
      In 7 pictures: Lexus introduces updated IS for PH
      Cesar Miguel . May 07, 2026
    • Denza D9: 3 reasons to buy
      Denza D9: 3 reasons to buy
      Paulo Papa . May 08, 2026
    • Toyota Urban Cruiser: 5 fascinating colors
      Toyota Urban Cruiser: 5 fascinating colors
      Paulo Papa . May 07, 2026
    • Check out 4 reasons to buy Kia EV5
      Check out 4 reasons to buy Kia EV5
      Cesar Miguel . May 05, 2026
    • 5 reasons to be excited about the Geely EX2
      5 reasons to be excited about the Geely EX2
      Paulo Papa . May 05, 2026
    • Check out the Jaecoo J5 SHS-H's 3 strong points
      Check out the Jaecoo J5 SHS-H's 3 strong points
      Paulo Papa . May 02, 2026
    • Tips on how to prevent vehicle fires
      Tips on how to prevent vehicle fires
      Cesar Miguel . Mar 17, 2026
    • How to prepare your car for summer
      How to prepare your car for summer
      Cesar Miguel . Mar 11, 2026
    • Avoid road trip horror stories this 'Undas' with these tips
      Avoid road trip horror stories this 'Undas' with these tips
      Ruben Manahan IV . Oct 20, 2025
    • Here are ways to avoid road rage
      Here are ways to avoid road rage
      Paulo Papa . Sep 23, 2025
    • How well do you understand traffic signs?
      How well do you understand traffic signs?
      Cesar Miguel . Sep 09, 2025
    • ELECTRIA: VinFast VF 6 is a well-equipped urban warrior
      ELECTRIA: VinFast VF 6 is a well-equipped urban warrior
      Cesar Miguel . Apr 20, 2026
    • BYD DM-i lineup conquers Southern Luzon
      BYD DM-i lineup conquers Southern Luzon
      Cesar Miguel . Mar 10, 2026
    • Hyundai Creta Premium: balancing engaging drive,comfort
      Hyundai Creta Premium: balancing engaging drive,comfort
      Cesar Miguel . Feb 13, 2026
    • First drive: 4th-gen Changan CS55 Plus
      First drive: 4th-gen Changan CS55 Plus
      Paulo Papa . Feb 09, 2026
    • Changan CS15: small upgrades makes the difference
      Changan CS15: small upgrades makes the difference
      Cesar Miguel . Feb 06, 2026