Understanding automatic and manual transmissions
When buying a car, whether new or pre-loved, a critical decision you have to make is what type of transmission to get.
With a manual transmission, the driver is responsible for shifting the gears. On the other hand, with an automatic transmission, the car does the shifting for you.
Manual transmission
In vehicles with a manual transmission, the driver uses a gear stick or gear lever to manually shift to the gears as they accelerate and decelerate their car. A clutch pedal is essential in a manual transmission to engage the gearbox and prevent power from going from the engine to the transmission, enabling you to change gears.
Pros of choosing a manual transmission car
- Lower purchase price.
- It gives the driver the feeling of being in control.
- Fuel efficient.
- Superior acceleration.
- Less expensive to service.
Pros of choosing a manual transmission car
- Requires practice to learn how to use.
- Driver must coordinate clutch, accelerator, and shifting.
- Lower resale value.
- It can be challenging to drive in stop and go traffic.
Automatic transmission
The driver simply selects D on the shifter with an automatic transmission, and the car does all the hard work. Using fluid pressure within a complex gearset known as a torque converter, the vehicle automatically completes gear changes on its own.
Pros of choosing an automatic transmission
- Easy to use.
- Higher resale value.
- Widely available.
- Great in stop and go traffic.
- Good for beginners.
Cons of choosing an automatic transmission
- Higher purchase price than manual.
- Higher repair costs.
- Historically less fuel-efficient than manual, although this may be changing with new technology.
Which transmission is best for you?
The transmission type you choose really comes down to preference. Both are equally matched in terms of servicing and acquiring new or secondhand spare parts.
Contact Drew’s Auto Spares
Drews Auto Spares is a specialist provider of services, repairs and Audi and VW parts. We specialise in several Audi and VW replacement parts, both new and reconditioned. In addition to this, our team can provide a full range of services and repairs. For more information about transmission repairs offered by Drews Auto Spares, get in touch with our team today.
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