Automatic Transmission vs. Manual Transmission Which One Should You Choose?

A car’s transmission is what allows the vehicle to run smoothly by letting you change gears. It is vital to the car, and manual transmission vehicles greatly different from vehicles with an automatic transmission.

Even if you have never driven a vehicle with a manual transmission, it is easy to recognize it from the interior as it has a clutch pedal to switch gears and gear shift stick that sits between the driver’s and passengers’ side. This allows the driver to have more control over the car’s inner mechanisms.

A vehicle with an automatic transmission has an individual gearbox that most commonly includes P-Park, R-Reverse, N-Neutral, and D-Drive. The car is constantly switching gears. A manual transmission vehicle lets you choose the gear, only changing them when necessary.

There’s a lot to consider before deciding on a manual or automatic transmission vehicle. The guide below will help layout what both types of vehicles offer to help make your decision easier.

Automatic

Easier-to-use: An automatic transmission car is much easier to drive because the gearbox is extremely straightforward. The gears do not require constant changing, allowing both hands to be on the vehicle when driving.

Handles traffic better: You can easily drive through stop and go traffic, hilly roads and steep roads without worrying about the gears. Automatics do not have a clutch and will not judder when the light goes from red to green.

Performance: As technology becomes more advanced, so do cars. Many cars now offer transmission that is computer-controlled and can shift faster than a manual.

Manual

Less Costly: Manual vehicles are usually less expensive to purchase and maintain than an automatic. If maintenance is required, it is significantly less costly than an automatic vehicle.

Fuel Efficiency: A manual vehicle can save drivers up to 15% on their fuel expenses because the car usually weighs less and the engines are not as complex.

Better Control: You have complete control over a manual transmission vehicle which can make driving much more enjoyable and engaging. Drivers are able to do more with their manual car, including downshifting which an automatic can’t do.

With that being said, as technology advances and automatic transmission vehicles become more fuel-efficient, the demand for manual transmission vehicles is rapidly declining. The resale value of manual transmission vehicles is considerably lower than automatic. With fewer sales, fewer dealers are stocking manual transmission vehicles and fewer automakers are manufacturing them.

Alberta Drive-Line Rebuilders Ltd. has achieved a reputation as a friendly and reliable family-owned transmission repair business in Edmonton. We offer all transmission repairs for all types of automatic and manual vehicles. Deciding on the right type of vehicle can be hard, but we accommodate to every transmission type from a standard to an automatic with a computer-controlled transmission, so every transmission issue can be resolved.

Alberta Drive-Line Rebuilders Ltd. guarantees high-quality service from well-trained professionals that can answer all questions regarding manual or automatic transmissions. Give us a call or send us an email to get help with your transmission today!