It’s something nearly all of us do without thinking…
You’re driving along in your manual car, changing gears as usual, and then you leave your hand resting on the gearstick. Well, motoring experts are warning that this common habit could be doing serious damage to your vehicle and costing you a fortune in the long run.
Show Plates World, a trusted UK supplier of number plates and car accessories, has issued a warning urging drivers to keep both hands on the wheel when not actively changing gears. As specialists in everything motoring, the team has seen firsthand how seemingly small habits can lead to major problems.
The Hidden Damage You’re Doing
“Most drivers don’t even realise they’re doing it,” says a spokesperson from Show Plates World. “But resting your hand on the gearstick can put extra pressure on the gear selector forks inside your transmission.”
This unnecessary pressure can lead to premature wear, gearbox whining, stiff shifting – and in worst cases – full gearbox failure. Repairing or replacing a gearbox can cost anywhere from £500 to £1,500, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. To put it simply: if your hand isn’t changing gears, it shouldn’t be on the stick.
Real Insight from the Expert
To understand the risks, Show Plates World spoke to Tom Reilly, a seasoned mechanic with over 12 years’ experience under the bonnet. Tom says he regularly sees damage caused by this exact habit.
“It’s more common than people think,” he explains. “Drivers come in complaining about stiff gear changes or grinding noises. When I ask if they rest their hand on the gearstick, they usually say yes – without realising it could be the cause.”
Tom added that even a light resting hand can cause unnecessary contact inside the gearbox, leading to wear over time. And in modern cars, that’s not something that’s cheap or quick to fix.
Tips to protect your gearbox
Avoiding damage is easy once you know the risks. Here are some simple hacks to protect your gearbox and keep your car running smoothly:
1. Use both hands for better control
Once you’ve changed gear, return both hands to the steering wheel. This gives you better control and avoids applying pressure to your gearstick unnecessarily.
2. Rest your arm elsewhere
If you’re on a long drive, rest your left hand on your lap or on the armrest instead of the gear lever.
3. Listen for whining noises
If you hear a faint whining or notice your car isn’t shifting gears as smoothly, get it checked out early. Catching gearbox wear early can save hundreds in repairs.
4. Avoid aggressive shifting
Slamming the gearstick or yanking it too quickly can also cause damage. Shift with intention but be gentle.
5. Take it to a trusted mechanic
If you’re unsure whether your gearbox has been affected, have it checked during your next service. Prevention is always better than cure.
With the cost of living hitting many households hard, surprise repair bills are the last thing drivers need. Gearbox repairs are one of the most expensive jobs mechanics handle — and often one of the most avoidable.
What’s more, a failing transmission can reduce your car’s resale value and even cause your MOT to fail. That’s why experts are keen to raise awareness before more motorists find themselves out of pocket.
A spokesperson from Show Plates World:
“We know how much pride people take in their cars, but it’s often the little habits that cause the biggest issues. Resting your hand on the gearstick might seem harmless, but over time it can lead to real mechanical damage. Our advice is simple – change gears and get your hand back on the wheel. Your car (and wallet) will thank you for it.”
