Any car enthusiast knows the ultimate difference between a manual and automatic transmission, based on a number of factors. But for those who are simply content on driving around without giving so much thought about their car's components, these two terms can simply be considered as jargons.
So what are the differences between manual and automatic transmissions?
Operation
Perhaps you've encountered various technical definitions between manual and automatic transmissions that you can hardly understand their generic functions. Simply put, manual transmissions mean you have full control with your gears while with automatic you can limit your choices between two pedals. These alone already provide their basic distinction. Manual transmissions work well if you like to be the ultimate master of your vehicle. It gives you more freedom when it comes to maneuvering your car on steep hills or curves. It will also allow you to combat tough weather conditions more comfortably than when your auto has automatic transmission.
It doesn't mean, however, that automatic transmission is futile. Because it's very convenient to operate, you can breeze through traffic more easily compared to using automatic transmission. Second, it won't take you much of a long time to determine how to navigate with automatic transmissions. It's even like driving your own go-cart.
Costs
Though automatic transmissions mean ease of use, they do eat up too much fuel; thus, if you're trying to save on fuel, make sure that you're not settling for automatic transmission. You can save at least 10 percent in fuel economy if you go for manual transmission. Besides, automatic transmissions are known to be ultimately expensive. They have a starting market price of $700.
When it comes to repair and maintenance costs, manual transmissions appear to be more superior. They don't need too much refining, so you can definitely save huge bucks in your maintenance and repair budget. In fact, there are a number of car manufacturers who believe that manual transmissions don't need too much in the way of fluid changes. On the other hand, if ever manual transmissions go haywire, they don't cost a lot to get fixed. The clutch, which is one of the most expensive components of a car and the most labor intensive when it gets damaged, is more maintained easily in manual than in automatic transmission. To make matters worse, if your automatic transmission breaks down somewhere, you have to bring jumper cables with you. Otherwise, you won't be able to restart your engine. If this doesn't work, your last recourse will be the towing company.
The Birth of Manumatic Transmissions
During the onset of the twenty-first century, there's a new transmission method that was introduced by automobile manufacturers. It's referred to as the manumatic transmission. It is an automatic transmission that possesses certain manual-transmission features. A good example are the luxury cars of Chrysler. It's definitely automatic, only that you have more control in shifting your gears.
Shopping for the Right Transmission
When you have chosen your own car, make sure that before you actually buy it, you've already performed a test drive. This is to ensure that it suits your taste and your current need. You may also have to check on the EPA rating of your vehicle for both manual and automatic transmission. Keep in mind that this is not completely accurate, but at least it can provide you of a good idea on how much fuel your car can use.
Choosing the Right Transmission
In the end, when it comes to choosing which is which, you shouldn't limit your decision based on pros and cons of each. Rather, think of your car and what you truly need. For example, if you're going to get an Audi for maximum performance, you may want to consider getting a manual transmission so you can have control over its power. If you like to minimize your movements while you're driving, especially in the midst of traffic, automatic transmission is your best choice.