I still remember the day that I bought my first car. I thought it was the most perfect vehicle in the world, and I vowed to care for it diligently. Unfortunately, within a few days I had forgotten about my promise, and I started tossing fast food wrappers in the back like everyone else. After awhile I realized that neglecting my car was turning the inside into a garbage pit, and I decided to learn how to take better care of my vehicle. I took a class on auto detailing, and it really helped me to turn things around. I want to teach you what I learned, so you should read this blog.
Manual transmissions lost their popularity decades ago when automatic transmissions were developed. For the most part, people were glad to not have to do all the shifting a manual transmission requires. Some do still prefer manuals, or stick shifts, and they are becoming more popular as people see all of the benefits of switching to a manual transmission vehicle:
Fuel Economy
Manual transmissions put the driver more in control of their car and their driving. When driven properly, a manual transmission will get better gas mileage than an automatic because there is less power loss and better optimized driving. This is especially true if you are driving an older manual transmission.
Some automatic transmissions have increased their fuel economy to compare with manual, so you do want to check the specs on the car you are buying, still many manual cars were found to get as much as 2 to 5 mpg better fuel economy. Additionally, manual transmissions accelerate better and weigh less than automatic transmissions which also contributes to the better fuel economy.
Problems and Maintenance
Manual transmissions have less moving parts than automatic transmissions. Fewer moving parts means fewer parts to break and fewer problems. Manual transmissions are simpler, so they are easier to maintain and repair in the event of a problem. With less moving parts, they don't have to be serviced as often as automatic transmissions.
The most common problem for a manual transmission is a clutch replacement, which is relatively inexpensive. On the other hand, the most common problem with an automatic is that it basically dies, requiring a pricey rebuild or replacement.
Cost
In addition to saving you money on gas, manual transmissions also cost less at the initial purchase than automatics do. As mentioned before, repairs and maintenance will save you money as well.
Adaptability
Most people who have a manual transmission have one because they enjoy driving and shifting. They like the control it gives them of the car. One of the more important things to keep in mind is if you can drive a stick, you can drive an automatic. However, driving an automatic doesn't mean you can drive a stick. You have to learn how to drive one.
Why does this matter? Think about this. What if you are in an emergency situation and you need to get someone to the hospital and the only thing you have is their stick shift car that you can't drive. That's a problem! Additionally, being able to drive a stick gives you more choices in terms of used vehicles that you can purchase.
With all of that being said, a stick shift, or manual transmission, isn't for everyone. It does have many advantages over the automatic transmission but these mean nothing to you if you don't like driving one. If you could learn to drive one and enjoy it, though, you'd have an advantage over many drivers on the road.
To learn more, contact a company like Integrity Transmission & Auto Service Center with any questions you have.
Share8 May 2015
