Although not as common today, millions of Americans still choose to drive manual transmission vehicles. Here are a few maintenance tips for your stick shift. Clutch slips When a clutch slips, the engine will rev, but the car doesn’t move as it should or not at all. This often indicates a worn clutch or a clutch pedal that needs to be adjusted. Trouble getting into gear Just like when the clutch slips, trouble shifting gears is another sign the clutch may need to be replaced. According to industry experts, trouble shifting or staying in gear could be a sign that an internal or external transmission part is worn or damaged, or it could signal an electrical problem. Clutch sticks This usually means the clutch master or slave cylinder has an external seal leakage and needs to be replaced, which can generally cost $100 to $300.

A chip in a windshield occurs when a small rock or other object impacts it, nicking the glass and causing a small damaged spot. This often occurs when the tires of other cars fling debris behind them, and sometimes small rocks can fall out of dump trucks or other similar vehicles. A chip may be a very small spot that is barely noticeable, but most people know instantly when they occur because of the loud popping sound of impact.

Even though the damage seems very minor, it is important to repair the chip as soon as possible. If dirt and debris are embedded into the area of the chip, it will make the repair less effective or even impossible.

When a chip occurs, it is best to get it repaired immediately. But what if a driver has to wait a few days or weeks before seeking the repair? In this case there are a few things that can be done to ensure a quality repair can be performed, as well as preventing the chip from growing into a large crack.

1. Chip could be covered by a packing tape to keep dirt out. Only clear packing tape should be placed over the chip to keep out debris. No other type of tape should ever be used.
2. The car should not be washed, if possible, and especially not with very cold water.
3. The driver should be very conscious of internal pressure upon the windshield. Because of the way windshield glass is tempered, pressure from inside the vehicle is much more likely to cause a chip to grow into a crack. Even something as simple as pushing on the chip from the inside can cause it to crack.