Comparison of the Two Transmissions: Manual Vs Automatic

Are you thinking about switching cars but can’t decide between manual or automatic transmissions? You’ve come to the right place! Just like you, many have been troubled by situations where they wish for a smooth manual shift or perhaps crave the convenience of an automatic ride.

However, before you decide on a transmission type, there are quite a lot of factors to take into consideration.

This blog will cover everything you need to keep your car transmission woes at bay, including the key differences between manual and automatic transmissions.

What Is Transmission?

Before jumping onto the transmission types, let’s go over the basics.

Transmission is what makes your car move forward and backward. It transfers the power generated from the engine to the car’s drive axles and wheels. This process controls how fast the car moves, allowing the driver to reach the desired pace.

Transmission controls the speed by shifting gears. This is to ensure that there’s no extra strain on the engine. The main goal of this mechanism is to ensure the passengers get to enjoy a smooth drive.

The inner workings of a transmission can be a bit tricky to understand. To make it easier, let’s break it down using an analogy.

How Transmission Works: Using a Light Dimmer Analogy

Think of your car’s transmission as a light dimmer switch. When you turn it up, more electricity flows to the bulb, making the light brighter. When you turn it down, less electricity flows, dimming the light.

Just like the electricity in the dimmer example, the engine creates power for your car, and the transmission controls how much of that power reaches the wheels. When you speed up, the transmission lets more power flow. When you slow down, it reduces the power.

Now that you understand the basics of transmission, let’s get into more details now.

A Closer Look at Transmissions

The transmission is basically the second name of “gearbox.” This set of gears in a metal casing spins at a set ratio. When a driver sets foot in the car, the transition from low speed to high speed is done by shifting from a lower gear to a higher gear.

All this is done while keeping the engine’s revolutions per minute (RPM) low. If the RPM gets too high, it causes excessive heat and friction. This can lead to engine damage, and let’s be real—nobody wants to face the nightmare of a seized engine!

The Transmission Types

Modern cars are available in two types of transmissions.

• Manual

• Automatic

Manual Transmissions

Cars with a manual transmission require the driver to shift gears manually. The gear changes are controlled using a gear stick, which controls the car’s acceleration and deceleration. The gear stick, located in the center console, is mechanically connected to the transmission.

A manual transmission also requires a clutch pedal. The clutch pedal is situated right beside the brake pedal. It stops the power flow from the engine to the gearbox, allowing you to shift gears.

When drivers want to speed up or slow down, they press the clutch pedal. Then, they choose the appropriate gear and move the gear stick into place. After that, they gradually release the clutch. Once the clutch is back in its original position, the power from the engine going into the transmission is restored. 

Mastering a manual transmission takes time. If the clutch is released too quickly, the engine might stop, and the car would have to be started again. If the clutch is released too slowly, it can damage the car parts.

Once perfected, the transition is quite smooth. It eventually feels like second nature to the driver.

Automatic Transmission

Automatic transmission makes the transmission process more manageable for the driver. They simply must select “Drive” (D) mode on the gear shifter. After that, the car handles the rest of the hard work on its own.

The gears are shifted automatically using hydraulic pressure. The driver just has to be in control of the accelerator.

 At the core of the automatic transmission is a planetary gear system, which controls all the gear ratios used to change speeds.

A torque converter replaces a clutch in a manual transmission. It is connected to the drivetrain, which connects the drive axles to the gearbox. The gear shifts occur on their own, requiring no action from the driver.

In the US, 95% of cars sold have automatic transmissions.

Manual vs. Automatic: What You Need to Know

 Manual:

With manual transmissions, drivers have more control over their cars. The extra controls can make quick decisions harder. Inexperienced drivers might struggle with operating it in high-pressure situations.

• Low maintenance

Manual transmission fluid breaks down slower than automatic fluid. They also use less fluid, so the maintenance cost is usually lower.

• Low Cost

The use of fewer components in manual transmissions makes them cheaper than automatics. Only racing and premium manual cars are more expensive than automatic.

• Performance

Performance-wise, car enthusiasts always put more weight on manual transmission. The reasoning behind their favor is simple: with a manual, the driver can push the engine to its limit before shifting the gear. However, this logic is true only for older, basic transmissions.

• Fuel efficiency

In the past, manual transmissions were known for being more fuel-efficient than automatic transmissions. However, advanced technology has made it possible to rely less on a torque converter by adding more gears. As a result, the advantage of fuel economy in manual transmission is questionable at present.

Automatic:

•      Commonly available

Automatic transmissions are now common, with most cars offering them as the only option.

• Fuel efficiency

Strict Emission guidelines have now pushed manufacturers to improve fuel performance. The addition of more gears to automatic transmissions has greatly improved fuel efficiency.

• Performance

Most drivers today can’t drive a manual car. Even if they knew how to drive a manual, driving an automatic car is just easier. However, this ease comes with a critique that easy-to-drive cars allow drivers to be distracted in activities like texting.

No matter what kind of transmission your car has, safe driving should always be the priority!

Which Transmission Is Right For You?

Choosing the right transmission for your car depends on your personal preference.

An automatic transmission might be more practical if you’re part of hustle-and-bustle urban life. But a manual transmission could be a good fit if you’re all about that classic driving feel.

Don’t forget to consider whether others who might drive your car know how to drive a manual.

Automatic Transmission – The Clear Winner for Foreign Auto Imports

The advantages provided by automatic transmission make it a clear winner. With obvious investments and development favoring automatic transmission, manual vs automatic are no longer warriors on the same battleground.

Investing in an automatic option is a smart and long-term fruitful decision.

What are you waiting for? Explore unbeatable offers on pre-owned cars from reliable brands. Visit Foreign Auto Imports today to find the perfect car for you!