An argument as old as time within the automotive world is the question of which transmission is better: automatic or manual? The camps are well defined in this dispute, with every driver strongly favouring one over the other. Whilst there may not be a definitive answer to the debate, Oaks Services have outlined the pros and cons of the different transmission types, allowing you to gather all the information required to pick your side in the argument.
Manual Transmission Pros & Cons
Manual vehicles have a much more straightforward gearbox, typically with between five and six gears and is operated by the driver who selects which gear they want to drive in, aiding the changing of gears with the clutch pedal. Manual gearboxes are favoured by drivers who like to feel more involved with the driving process as the changing of the gears allows for greater control over the vehicle.
Pros:
- More affordable than automatic
- Allows the driver full control over the engine and easier braking
- Less complex than automatic so easier to maintain
- Manual transmissions retain the quality of their oils for long periods, so don’t require changed as regularly as automatic
Cons:
- Constant clutch control can become tiresome in heavy traffic
- Hill starts are much more difficult
- Steeper learning curve than automatic vehicles
- Excessive use or bad gear changes and clutch control can wear out the gearbox quickly
Automatic Transmission Pros and Cons
Widely speaking, automatic vehicles change gears without assistance, with the driver simply selecting the ‘D’ for drive option. Most automatics do allow for the driver to alter the gears slightly by adjusting a lever towards a ‘+’ or ‘-’ symbol. Automatic vehicles, however, are much more complex than their manual counterparts, and the broad category can be broken down into various different categories:
- Traditional: often found in larger vehicles and have up to nine speeds which are altered on a torque converter
- CVT: otherwise known as Continuously Variable Transaxle, these gearboxes have a single gear that can replicate different ratios by changing the size of the drive belt
- Single automated clutch: a manual gearbox is attached to an automatic gear lever and the clutch is operated electronically rather than by the driver. This engine is essentially a hybrid of automatic and manual transmission
- Dual-automated or twin-clutch: similar to the single automated clutch but with two clutches to make smoother gear changes
Pros:
- A more relaxed approach to driving
- Retain their value more than automatic vehicles so can make trading in options better
- Used more often abroad – especially in America where just 6.55% of cars are automatic, so being used to driving this transmission is better if you hire cars/spend a lot of time abroad
- Allows you to keep two hands on the wheel, so a better option for more nervous drivers
Cons:
- More expensive to purchase
- Usually have higher insurance costs as the complexity of the engine makes them more expensive to repair
Oaks Services have years of experience in the maintenance of both automatic and manual transmissions, so you can be confident that you vehicle is in safe hands. Our highly trained team of mechanics are capable of diagnosing and repairing any malfunctions your car may be having, allowing your vehicle to be repaired to the highest quality standard with a fast turnaround time. For more information on how we can help, or to book your car in, contact us here and we’ll be happy to help.
