Manual vs Automatic Car Transmission: Which is Better?

James Martin
Sep 3, 2018 · 2 min read

Gone are the days when stick shifts were a better answer for fuel efficiency and better performance. If your intent is to leave the upper driver in the wind, there’s hardly a reason for you to go manual.

In manual transmissions, you use the clutch and a shift lever to switch gears as and when needed, without having to rely on your car to do it for you. Whereas, in automatic transmissions, you rely on your car to do it for you with the use of a series of electronic sensors and hydraulic fluid. They come in various types and the newest car models have automatic transmissions that are just as fuel efficient and perform as good as manual ones.

Automatic car transmission wins the game! Here’s how:

  • They are easier to use, especially for new drivers. It takes a lot of practice for new drivers to get comfortable in controlling a manual transmission vehicle. Shifting gears and working on the clutch simultaneously can pose to be a challenge for new learners. Automatic transmissions are much simpler and thus, drivers take significantly less time to learn these vehicles.
  • Manual transmission vehicles are restrictive in the sense that you cannot keep both your hands on the steering while driving (which is considered a much safer way of driving, especially if you are a beginner). This is only possible in automatic transmission vehicles since you’re not required to keep your hand constantly on the gear lever.
  • If you are a less experienced driver, driving and navigating on a hilly area with steep inclines could pose a serious challenge and risk to you. More so, when you start from a dead stop. With automatic transmissions, you can operate your car efficiently, irrespective of how steep the hill is.
  • If you often find yourself in embarrassing and awkward situations when you accidentally stall your vehicle right when the traffic light changes, it is time to get an automatic transmission rebuild kit for your vehicle. People driving automatic transmission vehicles do not commonly face this problem.
  • Automatic transmission vehicles are far more easier to operate in heavy traffic conditions where you constantly need to start, accelerate, de-accelerate, stop, and repeat this cycle every so often. Even when it’s not a big issue for you to do this constantly, you could have a hard time picking up speed. Automatic transmissions can allow you to move through heavy traffic without having to do much.

Automatic transmission vehicles are more fun and convenient to drive, especially if you are sick of the clutch and constant shifting of gears.

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