The debate rages between manual and automatic transmissions

When shopping for a car, it behooves a buyer to learn about what they are looking to buy. Whether the automobile is at a dealership, website, or private seller. More than just the model should be accounted for. One thing that should weigh in is the transmission. Which variety of transmission ought to factor to the thinking as well. Most vehicles that a person will drive in their life are either automatic transmissions or manual transmissions. In order for consumers to determine which best fits their lifestyles and driving styles, you will find a couple of things to think about.

Some ought to adhere to manual

A manual has some definite benefits, for those acquainted with the clutch. They are more economical typically. Gears can be shifted manually, with greater control in an optimal range called a power band. This decreases workload on the motor. A stick shift typically gets 2 miles to the gallon over their automatic counterparts. Not only that, it’s about $1000 off at the dealership. The increase of computer technology means that the advantage manuals enjoy in that area is rapidly diminishing.

Where you live matters

Before thinking about manual vs. auto, there is another thing to think about. Namely, where an individual lives or plans to live and where they intend to do the most driving. Don’t worry about manual or auto if you live in a flat area without many hills, but seriously think about an automatic if in an area such as San Francisco or Seattle. Manual transmissions involve more activity while driving. If an individual is on a hill in traffic, the steering, clutch, brake, and gas have to handle precisely. Also, if the drivers have to stop on a hill, they must use the parking brake, too. That aside, some hold the opinion that driving a manual is simply more fun.

The catch

When a buyer is interested in getting any car, they are best served by researching that model thoroughly as transmissions do wear down over time. When a transmission goes, even a warranty will not spare you the mental discomfort of the event. Manual transmissions are less mechanically complex than automatics, which also means automatics are far harder to repair, for the DIY repair crowd. Transmissions aren’t cheap to replace. The inexperienced should always have a qualified mechanic perform the repairs.