All cars with a gasoline or diesel engine have a gearbox – it is needed to match engine speed and driving speed. Since the gears must be switched constantly during acceleration and deceleration, controlling the gearbox takes a lot of the driver’s attention when driving the car.
It is not surprising, therefore, that designers have already invented at least four types of automatic transmissions. Which, unfortunately, for a variety of reasons are not available to everyone. Accordingly, we will consider the features of “mechanics” in comparison with “automatic”. Which, by the way, in addition to the high price, have other weak points – both general and personal for individual types and models.
The human factor
In terms of comfort, the “mechanics” adds only two significant inconveniences to the driver: starting off and the need to constantly monitor the need to shift. The switching algorithm itself when driving is simple and experienced drivers have their hand on the lever and their feet on the pedals operating automatically. But, no matter how you look at it, the driver has to control the starting every time, since the road conditions are different: an incline, a pothole under the wheel, wet leaves on the asphalt, snow, ice, etc.
Regarding the second inconvenience, it is largely offset by the flexibility of modern electronically controlled engines. Modern engines often forgive an inexperienced driver for switching too early or too late; the car does not twitch or stall when making mistakes.
In addition, many modern models have a gear shift prompt on the instrument panel. But you need to look at it every time, so it’s better to learn how to determine the need to change the gear by the behavior of the car.
Finally, there are cases when a driver, even having the funds for the coolest “automatic”, deliberately chooses a “manual”. These are refined sports cars that should provide driving pleasure – full control of wheel speed, for example, in a controlled drift or during an energetic start from a standstill, is only possible with “pure mechanics”. The same can be said about uncompromising 4×4 SUVs for real off-road use, but fortunately, in our country this is only relevant for off-road fans.
Technique factor
In technical terms, a manual gearbox has several advantages, primarily due to its design simplicity.
Reliability. Compared to other transmissions, the manual transmission has a minimum number of parts, therefore, the likelihood of an unexpected failure on the road is very low, including on very worn copies; Great resource. Only the best models of classic hydromechanical automatic transmissions can compare in durability with mechanical units. The mileage of a manual transmission before the first repair often reaches 200-250 thousand km, and these are unattainable figures for most modern automatic transmissions of all types. But there are unsuccessful manual models, and you need to find out if the car you like has one. Service availability. Firstly, apart from a basic oil and clutch disc change, a manual transmission does not require any service. Secondly, even a complete repair of the box can be performed at any good service station. While some of the “machines” are simply unprofitable to repair. Of course, purchasing a used manual transmission from a disassembly facility will be cheaper than other types of transmissions.
Used car with manual transmission
The current situation in the secondary market is such that the transmissions of used cars should be discussed separately. The production policy of some popular automakers is now such that used cars must have automatic transmissions. At the same time, very often these are short-lived preselective “robots” such as DSG and CVT variators, which at the time of sale are already on the verge of their service life.
That is, soon after purchasing a generally “fresh” and good car, the happy owner finds himself faced with the need for repairs costing more than a thousand euros. This is another argument in favor of manual transmission when it comes to used cars of modern models.
Economical
Not everyone takes this circumstance into account, but it is a fact: a manual shift transmission allows the driver to save on fuel. True, this does not happen on its own, but subject to special driver skills. In general, this is a topic for a separate conversation, but in short, you need to learn how to use coasting correctly and shift on time – and without excessive rotation of the engine. Again, the mentioned electronic tips on the dashboard give their advice on switching precisely from the point of view of fuel economy.
To be fair, let’s say that one of the automatic transmissions can compete in efficiency with pure mechanics. These are preselective “robots” like Volkswagen’s DSG, but you also need to know how to use them.
In short
There is nothing wrong with a manual transmission – even if you are a woman, even if you are a person far from technology. Modern cars are quite user-friendly, and all mechanical-related manipulations do not require any effort or stress. The only thing that can cause discomfort is the need to master certain skills. If you bring them to automaticity while still studying at a driving school, then later, during active use of the car, the shortcomings of the manual transmission will no longer bother you even in difficult driving conditions.
2023-10-16 10:21:57
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