Difference between manual and automatic transmission

The transmission on a car is a system installed to change the direction of rotation, torque, and engine rotation speed so that it is easily controlled by the driver while driving. Currently, car transmissions are divided into two types, manual transmissions, and automatic transmissions.

Both types of transmission have the same function but have many differences in terms of use, maintenance, or the selling price offered for these vehicles.

In this article, we will share information about the differences between manual and automatic transmissions in cars. See the differences between manual and automatic transmissions below.

Difference between manual and automatic transmission

I. Manual transmission

Manual transmission is a transmission in which the process of shifting the transmission gear is done manually by the driver through the gear lever. This system is supported using a clutch operated by the driver to regulate power transfer from the engine to the transmission.

Before the driver moves the gear lever to change the ratio and speed of the vehicle, the driver is required to press the clutch pedal so the engine power is disconnected from the transmission. Disconnecting the engine power from the transmission will make the gear shifts occur smoothly.

On the gearshift lever, you will see the number of acceleration gears used. Generally consists of 6 acceleration gears, five gears for drive forward, and one gear for reverse (R). The acceleration gear used is very dependent on the speed of the vehicle and the conditions of the road in its path.

At low speeds or uphill, the first gear is used to move the vehicle. You need to move the gear shift lever to the second gear to increase speed and so on until it reaches the highest speed according to the driver's needs.

Vice versa, to reduce the vehicle speed, the brakes and acceleration gear are lowered to a lower level. For example, from 4th gear to 3rd gear, then to 2nd gear, and the last is to 1st gear.

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages that exist in cars with manual transmissions:

Advantages of manual transmission:

Cars with manual transmissions can save more fuel and are more efficient than cars that use automatic transmissions.
The manual transmission is lighter in weight than the automatic transmission, thereby reducing the vehicle's overall weight.
Models of vehicles with manual transmission have a lower price than the same model but with automatic transmission.
The driver has the flexibility to control engine power and vehicle speed, including the engine brake.
Cars with manual transmissions can offer better acceleration than cars with automatic transmissions.
Manual transmission offers relatively lower maintenance costs.

Disadvantages of manual transmission:

Smooth, fast, and steady gear shifts are quite challenging to get on a car with manual transmission compared to an automatic transmission. It depends on the skill of the driver in operating the gear shift.
Cars with manual transmissions can burden the driver, especially on the left foot, which continues to be active to press and release the clutch pedal, especially when stuck in traffic jams.
Cars with manual transmissions are not suitable for people with disabilities. If anything, the conversion process has a high level of difficulty and is quite expensive.
Wear and tear on the clutch lining is very susceptible to occur, so regular maintenance and adjustment are required.

II. Automatic transmission

An automatic transmission is a transmission in which the acceleration gearshift process occurs automatically. The driver only needs to determine and shift the gear lever position according to road conditions and needs during driving without shifting the gear lever frequently.

You will see some letters for driving positions on the automatic transmission shift lever, namely P, R, N, D, 2, L. Each of these letters means a position for driving, such as P for Parking, N for Neutral, D for Drive, and R for Reverse (backward).

Shifting the acceleration level that occurs in the automatic transmission is carried out automatically by the transmission computer (TCM) using a friction mechanism and hydraulic pressure from the automatic transmission oil. In some automatic transmissions, a gear called a planetary gear is used to make changes in torque and speed.

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The combination of the workings of this planetary gear will produce different torques and speeds according to the settings that the computer has set for the automatic transmission. Therefore, the automatic transmission car can perform the acceleration gear shift more smoothly, quickly, and steadily without much distortion, such as a significant jolt when driving.

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of an automatic transmission when compared to a manual transmission.

Advantages of automatic transmission:

A car with an automatic transmission has the advantage of being easy to use because the gear shifting takes place automatically, both during acceleration and deceleration. All gears shifting following changes in the gas pedal and the position of the gear lever used when driving.
Cars with automatic transmissions also don't bother driving; it's enough to adjust the gas pedal and brake pedal. We can control the car without having to bother with shifting the transmission gear.
Using a car with automatic transmission makes our left foot more comfortable because there is no clutch pedal.

Disadvantages of automatic transmission:

Automatic transmission cars are known for their expensive spare part replacement costs. It is related to the technology used, such as Transmission Control Module (TCM), sensors, and components in the automatic transmission.
In addition to the cost of parts, maintenance costs and oil changes for automatic cars are also more expensive than manual cars. Usually, automatic oil can be two to three times the price of transmission oil used for manual transmissions.
Cars with automatic transmissions also have a lack of fuel consumption. We cannot adjust the compatibility between engine speed and transmission compared to the current vehicle speed. As a result, the fuel will be more wasteful.
Cars with automatic transmissions have little engine brake effect. The engine brake produced by an automatic transmission cannot be as big as a car with a manual transmission. As a result, to reduce speed, cars with automatic transmissions only rely on the brake system. The impact will be felt on the cost of brake maintenance which becomes greater because the inspection and replacement of brake components are relatively faster.
A car with an automatic transmission has less acceleration than a manual transmission car, so it is necessary to pay attention to the position of the gear lever, especially when driving on a downhill or steep uphill road.
The resale price for cars with automatic transmissions tends to drop dramatically, especially if the maintenance and repair history is not recorded correctly.

That's the article about the difference between manual and automatic transmissions in cars that we can convey. Hopefully, this information can be helpful.