From downshifting to towing tips, our Car Doctor can help

Driving Advice

Can the clutch wear out if you place your foot on it while driving?

If a driver rests their foot on the clutch pedal while driving, this will cause premature wear on the clutch and increase fuel consumption. Placing your foot over the clutch pedal without touching it will obviously not cause the clutch to wear prematurely, and is often required when the gear changes are regular, such as driving in heavy traffic. However this may cause the driver’s foot to become sore during long trips, and affect the driver’s ability to control the vehicle. When the driver’s left foot is not operating the clutch regularly, such as during highway driving, it is recommended that the driver rests their foot on the footrest or ‘dead pedal’ if there is one, or to the left of the clutch pedal.

Does downshifting semiautomatic gears to slow the car down cause undue wear to the transmission?

The automatic transmission has inbuilt protection features that will not allow you to downshift if it would exceed the engine’s maximum RPM or exceed the abilities of the transmission. Most vehicles will also now “rev match” the change by disengaging the transmission, lifting the revs and then reengaging the transmission. If you are driving sensibly, then this style of active driving would be of no harm.

Is the brake rating applicable to downhill as well as uphill for towing?

The maximum weight of a trailer able to be towed by your vehicle will be outlined in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. This will specify weights for trailers with brakes and without brakes. These weight limits take into account the effect of the trailer on the vehicle’s overall safety performance and durability. If the trailer is within the vehicle’s specified towing weight limits and the vehicle is properly maintained, your vehicle will be able to handle the loads of a trailer that is within the appropriate limits. Of course, extra care is always required when towing, such as using the appropriate gearing when descending and ascending hills.

Is it beneficial to turn an automatic car off while waiting at traffic lights?

It is important to note that it is illegal to switch your car off while in traffic. Start stop vehicles are exempt to this due to the safety systems involved, ensuring that the vehicle will be able to restart and will do so immediately as you take your foot off the brake. Automatic cars are designed to be able to sit at idle and in gear. This ensures the transmission’s oil system is at full operation pressure and allows for instant movement when you need to accelerate. It’s advisable to let the engine revs on automatic cars stabilise before and after engaging another gear, prior to accelerating. If you are turning the car on and immediately changing gears, you are likely to prematurely wear your transmission.

Do stop-start vehicle features cause extra strain on components?

Most stop-start vehicles require a number of criteria to be met before the feature initiates. Usually, the car has to be stationary with the foot brake applied and the battery is required to have a certain amount of charge. Both the battery and the starter motor have been modified so the vehicle is able to run this way. The batteries in stop-start vehicles are designed to handle these extra loads. The starter motor is also designed with these duties in mind. Switching the feature off will neither prolong nor decrease the life of these components.

Why do I need to switch off traction control for soft off-road surfaces?

Conventional traction control systems will brake the spinning wheels and direct the power only to the wheels that have traction. When driving in soft sand there is potential for all four wheels to lose traction at once, so leaving traction control on is not always ideal. In these situations it is usually preferable to have power going to all four wheels to maintain momentum.

Is it better to use brakes or downshift manual gears to keep from picking up speed downhill?

When encountering road conditions such as hill descents this will always create faster wear and tear on a vehicle’s brakes and braking system. In most circumstances and with no additional load (such as a caravan, trailer or loaded vehicle) using the brakes to slow down the vehicle will suffice. When you are carrying additional loads and are descending a steep hill, keep your speed down. Continue to use your brakes as the primary way of managing the vehicle’s speed. The transmission may provide some retardation, however it should not be relied upon in this way.

Do I need to 'warm-up' my car?

Most modern vehicles are designed to be driven normally from a cold start-up. This doesn’t mean accelerating hard or towing immediately after a cold start, just regular driving. This will help the engine reach normal operating temperature in reasonable time.

However, older vehicles such as those with carburettors, may need to be warmed up, particularly in cold weather. Generally speaking, idling a modern car for several minutes before driving it will just burn more fuel and cause more exhaust emissions.

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