Who doesn’t love a good gear change? It’s one of the most exciting parts of driving, and it’s advanced a lot in the last century. From single-speed transmissions to torque converter automatics, car transmissions have evolved dramatically.
As a driver today, you have the option of three transmission types: automatic, manual, and AMT. If you’re still not sure which one is right for you, read on! Our experts at Infiniti of Melbourne have broken down the pros and cons of each type in this blog post.
A Manual Transmission (MT)
It uses a clutch pedal to connect and disconnect engine power from an input shaft connected to gearsets that control vehicle speed while driving forward or backward.
This setup lets you use the engine power in the way you want, as you can use it by pressing both pedals at the same time. It will help you reach the speed you want. You can also get better fuel economy if you do this at certain speeds that depend on the road and how heavy your car is.
The Pros of Driving a Manual Transmission Vehicle:
- More fuel-efficient than an automatic transmission vehicle when driven at optimal cruising speeds.
- Better control over the car when taking off, braking, and cornering.
- It can be more fun to drive than an automatic transmission vehicle.
Issues You May Face with a Manual Transmission:
- Understanding how to shift gears correctly and effectively.
- Difficulty parking, especially in tight spots.
- Increased wear and tear on the engine, transmission, and drivetrain components.
- Slower acceleration from a stop.
An Automatic Transmission (AT):
It’s a motor vehicle transmission that changes gear ratios automatically as the car travels, allowing you to forego manual gear shifting. This mechanism is increasingly common in modern vehicles.
The Pros of Driving An Automatic Transmission Vehicle:
- Simpler to operate than a manual transmission vehicle – just put the car into Drive and go.
- Quieter and less tiring to drive over long distances than a manual transmission vehicle.
- Generally emits less pollution than manual transmissions.
The Unpleasant Part of Driving an Automatic Transmission:
- More expensive to maintain than a manual transmission.
- If something goes wrong with the automatic transmission, it is often more expensive to repair than a manual transmission.
A Semi-automatic Transmission (AMT)
Also known as a Geared Automatic, it uses a torque converter to couple the engine to the gearbox, and a clutch pedal is not used. When driving off from stationary, there is usually a pause of about half a second as the car decides which gear to select; this can cause jerky starts on some cars – particularly if you’re trying to pull away in too high a gear.
How AMT’s Make Lives Easier for Drivers:
- There is no clutch pedal, so less work for the driver.
- The car will automatically change gears up and down depending on driving conditions, meaning the driver doesn’t have to worry about it.
Why it Can be Challenging to Drive an AMT:
- Selecting gears manually can be more difficult, as the driver must use buttons or a twist dial on their steering wheel.
- Gear changes tend to occur at higher engine speeds than MTs, which means more noise and vibrations from the car’s engine.
The Takeaway:
Whether you choose an automatic, manual, or semiautomatic transmission depends on your personal preferences and driving style.
If in doubt, you can call us to speak to one of our experts at Infiniti of Melbourne, serving Fort Pierce, FL. They’ll try their best to help you buy the best car from their collection.
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