Automatic or Manual Transmission which one to choose
Before buying a new car or used car first thing come’s in mind; that is, which transmission to choose: manual or automatic. It is evident that we need to know the differences between these two by educating ourselves. After that, it will be much easier to decide which will best suits your needs.
There are few steps which you should follow to get your answers.
Those steps to choose manual or automatic
- The first thing is the basics of manual or automatic transmission. The automatic transmission’s primary job is to allow the engine to operate in its narrow range of speeds. Without a transmission, cars would be limited to one gear ratio. That ratio would have to be selected to allow the vehicle to travel at the desired top speed. If you wanted a top speed of 125 km/h to 135 km/h, then the gear ratio would be similar to fourth gear in most manual transmission cars. But if you ever drive manual car’s then you will find the differences between these two accelerations.
- Identifying your needs is another step. Which type of transmission should be chosen makes a huge difference the engine that your car is equipped. To explain, if you are looking to buy a new or used car with a 1.5 liter 4-cylinder that pumps out 62 horsepower, and 75 lb-ft of torque you will most likely want to go with a manual transmission. In this case, power is extremely limited; you will need to make the most out of your engine for hill climbing, passing power, etc. On the other hand, if you’re looking to purchase a car with a V8 or V6 that offers plenty of power at both high and low revs, then going with a manual transmission is more of a preference than a necessity.
- Another task is you should know that are you a multitasker or not? If you are a multitasker then you are qualified for manual. But if you are not a multitasker then you should go for automatic. Manuals transmission need you to concentrate on keeping your car on track, shifting the gears on time, and road hazards.
- If you are thinking about fuel consumption issue, then going with a manual transmission is probably going to be your best. Maybe this is far from your own choice. Many newer cars with automatic transmission have an EPA rating of only 1 or 2 MPG less than the same model car equipped with the manual. Some vehicles get better mileage as an automatic compared to the manual. The majority of drivers do not manually shift for economics, the 1 or 2 MPG that is lost with the automatic can easily be gained.
- You need to think about maintenance/repair costs. Even though the automotive world has come extremely far with refining automatic transmissions, most automatic transmissions still need to be serviced far more often than manual transmissions. Some auto manufacturers state that their manual transmissions never have to be serviced with fluid changes, etc. Manual transmissions are also usually slightly cheaper to fix. This is not always the case, but on average, a manual transmission will cost you less to repair than an automatic in the same type of vehicle. Clutch replacement is often a labor intensive task and can cost several hundred dollars if performed at a repair shop.
- Decide first that are you willing to own a vehicle with a manual or automatic? Some people can’t own a vehicle with a manual transmission for many reasons. They might be unwilling to learn to use one. They might have a physical handicap. They might need to share the car with someone who doesn’t know how to operate a manual. If this is the case, then search for an automatic that combines both good shift patterns, and good fuel economy. If you are willing to drive a manual transmission, there are a few features to look. Manual transmissions all have their unique shifting characteristics. Many are geared for fuel economy, others are geared for sports driving, and then many offer the best of both worlds. If you prefer to have your right hand available at all times to multitask then, you will prefer an automatic transmission. Bear in mind however that multitasking is, for a variety of reasons, awful driving practice – not to mention illegal in some places.
Question to ask when choosing manual or automatic cars
- First what you are capable?
- What are you looking for in a car?
- Do you think about fuel consumption?
- Do you want higher acceleration?
- How good are you at multitasking?
By asking these questions, it will be easier to take action.
So which transmission you are thinking to choose?
It’s interesting that a manual transmission typically gets better mileage than an automatic one. My cousin loves cars, and has even been thinking of building his own custom one. Because of this, I think he’d love to learn more about different transmission types and their benefits.