Chill out

Taking the car through rush-hour traffic in the city centre? In that case you’d better either have a very relaxed nature – or have nerves of steel! A recent survey by the German Insurers Accident Research organisation UdV (Unfallforschung der Versicherer) has once again shown that driving behaviour on Germany’s roads is becoming increasingly aggressive. Nevertheless, those who brake suddenly, block others or drive erratically simply because they are in a bad mood, are feeling irritated, annoyed or spiteful are not only trying everyone’s nerves. They are also not doing their own a favour.

Because anyone who grabs frantically at the gear knob to vent their frustration is also tugging at the manual transmission’s cables, which could then possibly even snap at some point. In addition, the surface and mechanics of the gear lever are affected, and the shift bag, which is usually made of imitation leather, can become cracked and porous. Not a good look.

But even with gentle treatment and a relaxed driving style, the ravages of time gnaw away at these and other vehicle parts.

When the time comes: AIC has further expanded its range of cables for manual transmissions and gear levers. We currently offer 84 cables and 3 gear lever knobs for 11,028 and 234 applications, respectively. Just take a look at the spare parts catalogue.