Manual vs. Automatic Driving: Here’s How to Choose
By: Benedict Smythe
Submitted: 2008-08-08 22:14:21 | Word Count: 542
Debates have been heard and read all over, and the question among aspiring drivers and professionals is which transmission is better to learn? Here goes the unending battle between the advantages of manual and the automatic types of vehicles.
Understandable, everybody wants to settle for the best, and if one will be investing for something big, like purchase of a vehicle, then one should look into different considerations.
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First on the list is the operation. Manual transmission allows the driver to have a full control over the gears whereas for the automatic, the operation is limited on the two pedals. When you want to master the running condition of the vehicle, then most likely, the manual type of vehicle is better to operate.
Actually, for the ladies, automatic is more preferred since there is less complications on the driving procedures. Aside from the pedals, the stick shift is also the obvious difference. For the manual, shifting of the gears is necessary based on the speed and this is connected with the use of the pedal. While for the automatic, a torque converter is used in lieu of the clutch pedal to separate transmission and engine. From these two premises alone, you can already see which will be more advantageous for you to learn. Of course, manual will require a lot of understanding and care to swiftly execute gear changes. It will require a lot of skill and timing between foot pedal and hand shifting than when driving an automatic type of car.
Costs and maintenance are next important factors that are considered in most vehicle arguments. As automatics give you more comfort in operation, its downfall resides on the fuel consumption aspect. If you are budget conscious, you will want to invest on a manual instead and save up to 10 in fuel economy.
Looking at maintenance costs, still, automatics are more expensive to be repaired and serviced. The parts cost high and in totality, the unit price is really higher compared to that of buying a manually operated vehicle. Mostly, the parts of an automatic are branded and imported from foreign a country that’s why it is pricey. However, in the long run, there are fewer requirements on maintaining a manual vehicle, so you can really save up on this.
Having discussed the most significant matters concerning transmissions, shopping for the right one will be the next question one might ask. Well, you should be certain when making a choice. Before acquiring one, have your selected model tested on the road. Perform a road test and make sure that you feel comfortable in using it. Don’t be afraid to ask the resident mechanic or salesperson about the particulars of the model such as the gas mileage and the regular maintenance it requires.
Remember, the decision lies in your own perception and choice. There are no boundaries and limits that are provided by the advantage and disadvantage points between automatic and manual driving. Put in mind that you have to get what you need, go for Automatic if comfort is your utmost concern and budget is out of the question. But if you want total control and ease of maintenance is more valuable to you, then a manual transmission is best.
