There are many factors to take into consideration when deciding between an automatic or manual gearbox: consumption, comfort and driving habits. Here are some tips.
When deciding on a car, one aspect to consider is the gearbox as there are two different systems: automatic and manual. Until recently, automatic gearboxes were rarely preferred but today, with all the modern technology, it has become much more difficult to choose, especially because there are many advantages to an automatic gearbox, which we will look at in more detail.
Before looking in detail at the various points to take into account when you are choosing between a manual or automatic gearbox, it is helpful to learn how the two systems differ. Essentially, an automatic transmission system does not have a clutch pedal and the gears change on their own based on the engine speed. A manual gearbox, on the other hand, is the traditional system, which has a clutch pedal so that you can change gears yourself.
This difference means that an automatic could be more comfortable and easier to use, especially for people who spend many hours at the wheel, but there are also other factors that should not be overlooked.
When it comes to driving comfort, as mentioned, an automatic gearbox can certainly offer a higher level of comfort than a manual gearbox, mostly because it does not require continuous pressure on the clutch pedal for every gear change, which is especially frequent in traffic.
Driving an automatic car means that you can concentrate exclusively on the road without having to change gear manually, taking the stress off your legs. However, it is also said that many drivers prefer a manual gearbox so that they can enjoy a more complete and personal driving experience, which is something that more traditional car fans have no intention of giving up.
If you are unsure about whether to choose a manual or automatic gearbox, the costs could be another important factor to consider. Automatic cars generally have a higher purchase price than the same models with a manual gearbox, around £900 more, and they also come with higher maintenance costs.
If you choose a car with an automatic gearbox, you need to top up the oil more often to prevent the components from becoming damaged and worn early. Finally, in terms of costs, you should also bear in mind that automatic and manual gearboxes have different consumption levels: automatics tend to have a higher fuel consumption than a traditional gearbox.
While the factors mentioned above should be considered when choosing a manual or automatic gearbox, there are commercial options available that mean that you do not have to worry about certain costs, such as maintenance costs, for example. This is the case with long-term hire: many car hire companies offer several models with an automatic gearbox because they offer greater driving comfort for people who spend many hours on the road, and the hire company takes care of the costs related to the purchase and maintenance.
This option should not be undervalued, as it combines an automatic gearbox with highly affordable commercial offers. Therefore, if you prefer a gearbox without a clutch but you are worried about the costs, you could consider long-term hire and choose the car you like best with convenient and flexible conditions.
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The gearbox is a set of gears essential to the movement of the vehicle. These gears are made up of sprockets that, connected to each other, create the “strength” to start the gear and keep the vehicle moving. In a simpler way it can be said that it transmits the engine power, but it is not that linear.
The gearbox acts as a demultiplier of force coming from the engine and transmits that same force to the wheels passing through the differential. Each gearbox has within itself, usually two series of reels. The first has the name “main shaft” which brings the engine rotation depending on the clutch. The second series of reels is known as “secondary shaft” and this is where the engine rotation is transmitted to the differential. The connection between these two shafts is only possible thanks to a synchronizer and a locker The first, as the name implies, synchronizes the rotations of the two shafts as they approach with the clutch drop smoothly. The choke keeps the reels together so that the force is transmitted in full.
There are essentially 3 types of gearboxes: automatic, semi-automatic (also known as sequential) and manual. The number of manual boxes in vehicles has been much bigger than automatic but nowadays the opposite is happening. Each day more and more cars came out from the factory with AUTOMATIC transmission. This phenomenon is due not only to the greater reliability of today’s ATMs, but also to the lower fuel consumption of the vehicle that comes from them.
Semi-automatic boxes are the rarest of the three types. For example, rally cars use this type of gearbox. Here the clutch pedal is still needed, however, the gear selector has only two possible movements: forward (next speed) and backwards (previous speed to neutral).
In the manual boxes is the driver who makes all the movement of the process of speed change when charging on the clutch and moving the gear selector and has the advantage of being the driver to make the car react manually having always control of the car.
This type of boxes has several sensors collecting information instantly if the car is in need of another change .The whole process is done automatically. The advantage is that it has a much more relaxed ride and does not need the clutch pedal.
The gearbox are a rally durable component of a car if is used conveniently. Although it is an element that is used frequently, the gearbox is made with durable materials, causing there to be less wear of it. In any case, every 20,000 km it is advisable to be reviewed, as well as components adjacent to it, such as: clutch and transmission arm.
For good maintenance, you should always consider the brand’s recommendations ( oil specs and time between inspections) The usage of clutch and gear box should be taken in consideration. These two components are interconnected and, therefore, the good use of one will help to maintain the other and vice versa.
Firstly , whenever a new change is placed on any vehicle, you must have the clutch pedal at the bottom. The clutch should then be dropped smoothly and, if acceleration is required as the clutch is released, it should be smooth. Another of the good habits to have is to put the car at the traffic light nor jams in neutral. This reduces the pressure on the clutch cable which is one of the most fragile elements of this set.
Check out our tutorial in case you need to change gearbox oil! In this tutorial it is essential to use the oil pump to put the new one on its clutch.
If necessary and, depending on the brand and type, you can find a box from a few hundred euros.
Knowing how important these types of components (clutch, transmission, among others) should always be as careful when using the vehicle. Regular Inspections and maintenance is recommended regularly making sure your vehicle is always ready for any situation.
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