If you are in the market for a new or used car, the question of whether to purchase a manual or an automatic car may be on your mind. Each has its own pros and cons.
So, before making your final decision it is wise to do your homework, familiarize yourself with the benefits associated with the two different kinds of transmission.
What are the differences between the two transmissions?
The major difference between these two transmission models is that a manual transmission requires you to do more work when you are on the road. A manual transmission expects you to physically shift the vehicle into different gears (hence the word “manual”), using a clutch pedal and shift knob. In order to move your vehicle forward and reach higher speeds, you have to manually shift gears to get to your desired speed. An automatic transmission, on the other hand, does the shift for you, changing gears fluidly as you just push on the gas pedal.
While the manual sounds like it could be pain there are some benefits in choosing it. Let’s see the advantage and disadvantages of choosing either of the transmissions.
Pros and Cons
Pros of Automatic Transmissions For a lot of everyday drivers, and especially for those first learning to drive a car, an automatic transmission represents the simplest driving experience. There are several benefits associated with driving an automatic:
Ease of driving Because of how an automatic transmission does the shifting for you, it can add for an easier drive. You don’t constantly worry about shifting gears, as it does it for you. For some drivers, an automatic is less distracting. Giving drivers a chance to focus on the road, making it safe for you and others.
Less likely to stall in Traffic Another advantage of an automatic transmission is the reduced possibility that your car will stall in traffic, such as when you’re waiting at a stop sign or light. Though it can happen with an automatic car that needs maintenance, it’s not as likely as with a manual car.
Speed Differences With Automatic Transmission In newer automatic transmissions, the car will shift itself faster than you could shift a manual. This can be helpful anytime you need to accelerate quickly, such as when you merge onto a freeway.
Better for hilly areas If you’re a less experienced driver, you may find that navigating steep inclines in a manual transmission is difficult, especially if you’re attempting to do so from a dead stop. Automatic transmissions take care of this issue, enabling your car to operate efficiently no matter how steep the hill might be.
The disadvantage of driving an Automatic
They’re generally more expensive to buy and maintain compared to their manual counterparts.
Learning how to drive automatic-only can be a problem if you come across an area where there are only manual transmissions available and you are put in a situation you can’t choose.
They may cost more in fuel economy but this will vary by vehicle.
Advantages of Manual Transmissions Just as some people love their automatic transmissions, there are also die-hard fans of manual cars. Even though manual transmission vehicles can be more complicated to drive, there are several important advantages that go along with owning a stick shift.
Budgetary Benefits of a Manual Transmission When you buy a new car, a manual transmission is generally a cheaper option. Manual transmission cars can get better gas mileage though this is frequently becoming less the case with new improvements on automatic car technology. This is because the driver is in control of the RPMs of the engine, the car uses less gas. It is less expensive to repair your manual transmission car. Automatics represent more complicated technology, so they often cost more to service.
Better handling and vehicle Control Driving a manual transmission gives you more ways to control your car. If you want to slow down without using your brakes as much, you can downshift and let the engine help slow the car. You will always feel at ease knowing that you have control over the vehicle that has your life and others on the line.
Speed Because a driver has more control over the vehicle, an experienced drive can go faster, which is why manual transmissions are most often used by racecar drivers. Manual cars are also often lighter than automatics which can be a factor in increased speed of the vehicle.
Less likely to be stolen With the increasing number of automatic transmissions finding their way onto roads. A lot of people want to be part of this evolution. There’s an entire generation that has never learned the finer points of manual transmission operation. This means that, if a car-thief decides to give your car a closer inspection in preparation for stealing it, there’s a fairly good chance that simply having a manual transmission will be enough to deter the criminal.
The disadvantage of driving a manual
They are harder to learn how to drive and require more concentration and hand/feet coordination. They may not be the best choice for new drivers or drivers who become physically tired faster, such as older adults or people who need to drive long hours for work.
They’ll have less resale value than automatic, as fewer people will know how to drive a manual car and won’t want to spend the time to learn.
It is good to know the major differences between automatic and manual, but your buying differences with depending on your personal preference. If you choose to buy an automatic, you may want to learn to drive a manual car as well. Knowing how to drive a stick shift is an important life skill that comes in handy in emergencies.
Drive safe and smart by taking care of your car, we are auto parts seller company based in Ethiopia, Addis Abeba. if your looking for auto parts for your car please contact us and we will get back to you.
