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How to Decide Between Manual and Automatic Transmission

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There are a lot of decisions that have to be made when buying a new car. Everything from choosing a make, model, and trim level to deciding if upgrading the stereo is worth the extra money. One of the biggest decisions you will have to make is whether you prefer a manual or automatic transmission. There are definite pros and cons to each, and understanding the basics of these two types of transmissions is key to making the right decision.

When shopping for a new car it is a good idea to test drive both a manual and an automatic if you are on the fence regarding a transmission choice. While a manual transmission will give you more control over the vehicle and may enhance the driving experience, an automatic is easy and convenient.

The transmission that is right for you will depend on a number of factors. Everything from how you drive to the horsepower under the hood to whether you prefer convenience over performance will influence your decision.

Factor 1 of 5: How transmissions work

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Automatic: Automatic transmissions use a planetary system of gears. These gears transfer power to the wheels using a variety of different gear ratios. A planetary gear set uses a central gear that is referred to as the sun gear. It also has an outer ring with internal gear teeth, this is call the ring gear. In addition, there are two or three other planet gears, which allow the gear ratio to change as the vehicle is accelerated.

The drivetrain of the vehicle is coupled to a torque converter, which functions as a clutch between the transmission and drivetrain. An automatic transmission change gears automatically as the vehicle accelerates or slows down.

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Manual: A manual transmission has a flywheel that is attached to the crankshaft of the engine. The flywheel spins with the crankshaft. There is a clutch disk between the pressure plate and the flywheel. The pressure created by the pressure plate holds the clutch disk against the flywheel. When the clutch is engaged, the flywheel spins the clutch plate and the transmission. When the clutch pedal is pushed down, the pressure plate no longer applies pressure to the clutch disk, which allows the gears to be changed.

Factor 2 of 5: The costs associated with each transmission

There are some very real differences between a manual and automatic transmission and depending on what you are looking for, they can be advantages or disadvantages. Let’s have a quick look at just a few of the major variances between the two systems so you can decide which factors are important to you.

Initial costs: In almost all cases, a manual transmission will be the cheaper option when buying a new car. Savings will vary depending on the vehicle but expect a price cut of at least $1,000 when comparing a manual to an automatic.

As an example, a 2015 Honda Accord LX-S Coupe with a 6 speed manual gearbox starts at $23,775 while one fitted with an automatic transmission comes in at $24,625.

The cost savings extends to used cars as well. While finding two exact used vehicles is always difficult, a quick search of AutoTrader.com finds a 2013 Ford Focus SE Hatch with a manual tranny listed at $11,997 while a SE Hatch with similar mileage with an automatic is going for $13,598.

  • Note: The cost savings should be considered a rule of thumb, not a hard and fast fact. Especially in high-end or sports cars the manual transmission will cost the same or can even be the more expensive option.

In other cases, a manual transmission may not even be an option. A manual transmission was not offered on 67% of the 2013 lineup.

Running costs: Again, the manual transmission is the winner in this category. Manual transmissions will almost always get better fuel economy than an automatic. The gap is closing though as automatics gain more gears and become more sophisticated.

As an example, the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Eco gets 31 mpg combined with an automatic under the hood and 33 mpg with a manual. According to fuel economy the savings in fuel costs over a year is a paltry $100.

Maintenance costs: Automatic transmissions are complicated and contain lots of moving parts and for that reason they tend to be more expensive to maintain. Expect more regular maintenance costs as well as a big bill if the transmission ever fails.

For example, having to replace or rebuild an automatic transmission will usually cost thousands while the cost for replacing a clutch will be in the hundreds.

  • Note: Eventually, an automatic transmission will have to be replaced or rebuilt, they almost never last the entire life of a car.

Manual transmissions are much simpler and will often perform flawlessly over the life of the car, requiring a much less maintenance. In most cases the clutch disc will have to be replaced over the life of the car but in general, maintenance costs are lower. Manual transmissions use gear or engine oil, which doesn’t deteriorate as quickly as automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

Again, this is not a hard and fast rule, especially in high-end sports cars where clutch and manual transmission costs can be very high.

Regardless of whether we are talking about initial costs, running costs, or even maintenance costs, a manual transmission is the hands-down winner.

Factor 3 of 5: Power

There are definite differences in how an automatic and manual transmission transfer engine power to the wheels and that can make one transmission type offer a distinct advantage over the other. In the majority of cases you get the most power out of a vehicle using a manual transmission but there are trade-offs, especially convenience.

Low power vehicles: If you are looking at a low powered vehicle, a manual transmission is often the best bet. An entry-level car with a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is going to benefit from a manual transmission. It will let you get the most out of the limited power the vehicle offers which will help with passing and going up hills.

Automatic transmissions choose the best gear for the situation they are in but in most cases they are programmed to error on the side of caution, which often leads to shifting to too high of a gear, which is a waste of engine power.

A manual, on the other hand, leaves those decisions to you, letting you get all available power out of a gear before shifting up. This can be a real advantage when trying to pass another vehicle or going up a long hill. An automatic will often change gears too early, leaving you bogged down right when you need the most power.

Once you move into higher-powered vehicles, such as a V-6 or V-8, an automatic might be more fitting.

High powered vehicles: A high-powered sports car usually benefits from a manual gearbox as well, although many exotic cars have gone to an automated manual gearbox.

Again, it comes down to controlling the power. A manual allows you to wring every bit of power out of a gear before shifting up, an automatic will often switch gears too early. This is why there is often a significant difference in acceleration times between a manual and automatic so if acceleration or 0-60 mph times are important to you, a manual transmission is the best option.

This is not a hard and fast rule, but if you are buying an exotic car, the automated manual should be programmed to get the most out of every gear, but it will definitely make a difference in more mainstream vehicles.

Factor 4 of 5: Lifestyle

The truth is that automatics are just easier and more convenient to drive. It pays to carefully consider your lifestyle and driving habits when choosing between a manual and automatic.

Stop and go: A manual transmission can be a pain for people who have a long commute in rush hour traffic. The constant shifting and depressing the clutch pedal can become tiresome. In some cases, especially a vehicle that has a heavy clutch, leg or joint pain has been known to occur.

Learning curve: While driving an automatic is pretty easy and straightforward, there is a definite learning curve with a manual transmission. Beginning drivers can expect to experience missed shifts, jerking, bucking and stalling. In addition, starting off on a hill can be a somewhat scary experience until you become comfortable with the clutch.

Fun: There is no denying that driving a manual transmission car is fun, especially on a curvy road that is traffic free. A manual transmission provides a level of control over the vehicle that is just not available on an automatic. Unfortunately, most of us don’t drive day-to-day in these types of conditions but if you do, a manual transmission might be the exact vehicle you need.

Driver focus: A manual transmission requires more attention, gears have to be shifted, the clutch has to be pushed, all while keeping your eyes on the road and deciding what gear is appropriate for the situation at hand. Automatic transmissions take care of all of these functions automatically.

While illegal in most states, if you text or use your cell phone behind the wheel, a manual transmission is a horrible idea. Juggling a phone, a steering wheel and gearshift can create a truly dangerous driving scenario. A car with an automatic transmission will solve this problem.

Factor 5 of 5: Consider a semi-automatic transmission

If you still can’t decide, there is a middle of the road option that allows you to shift manually when you want to and slip the car back into automatic when don’t. A semi-automatic transmission (SAT) goes by a number of different names, automated manual transmission, flappy paddle gearbox or paddle shift.

 

Regardless of what it’s called, a SAT is a transmission that allows you to shift gears when you want to but there is no clutch pedal. The system uses a system of sensors, processors, actuators and pneumatics to shift gears based on input from the gearshift.

In most of these vehicles the default is an automatic transmission with the option to move it into a SAT mode. Even in SAT mode, the car will shift for you if you miss the shift or fail to shift in time, so there is no danger to the transmission. These cars can be great for practicing shifting with rev matching without having to worry about a clutch.

You should now be up to speed on the advantages and disadvantages of the various transmission choices, which means it’s time to get out there and make a decision. Always test drive a vehicle as many times as necessary to make sure you are comfortable not only with the vehicle but the transmission as well.

SOURCE: yourmechanic

How to clean your Engine Surface

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 Engines are full of grease, grime, and dirt, but they’re extremely sensitive at the same time. So, how do we clean them safely?  Here are the items you’ll need for this task.

Make sure the engine is cool to warm, but not hot. Open the hood and remove any leaves and twigs from the hood jams and under the windshield wipers as this debris will become more difficult to remove when it’s wet. Next, cover the alternator, distributor, and battery if exposed with plastic grocery bags. Use tape if necessary to secure the plastic to the component but keep in mind, this is just a precautionary step to avoid soaking that particular area in the event of a direct hit from the hose.

Then spray all-purpose cleaner or degreaser on the engine and do not allow it to dry. Work the cleaner into the engine and the hood jams with the wheel brush or a designated wheel wash mitt. Before the cleaner dries, lightly rinse the engine with the least amount of water necessary to flush away the grease, so you’ll need to work quickly. Dry the engine with a terry towel and compressed air, or a vac and blow machine. Engines have many hidden and hard to reach areas that trap water, so using air can help dislodge the water before starting your car. When removing the plastic bags, fold them inwards to trap the water and to avoid spilling them back onto the dry components. Once completely dry, add your favorite water-based tire dressing to the plastic components for additional shine. Afterwards, lightly buff the area with a microfiber towel to avoid a sticky surface as heavy application of dressing will attract dust to the plastic. Lastly, start your engine to make sure everything is working properly and to help the last bit of moisture evaporate.

Cleaning your engine regularly can help you notice future leaks and potential problems down the road.

How to Know when your transmission is not working

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Most vehicles use some sort of transmission to transfer the power generated from the engine, into usable power that can turn the wheels. There are two common types of transmissions used in most vehicles today, automatic and manual. While they both serve the same purpose, and operate in a similar manner, from an engineering standpoint, they are different in the way they operate in relation to the driver.

Automatic transmission shifts gears on its own and is controlled electronically, while manual transmission must be manually shifted by hand and is controlled by the driver. While the two types of transmission differ in their mode of operation, they both transfer the power of the engine into torque for the wheels, and their malfunction can cause problems that may even render the car completely undriveable.

As the transmission is a very important, and highly sophisticated component that is critical to the operation of a vehicle, it is often expensive to replace, or repair once it is faulty. Therefore, it is a good idea to check whether the transmission is not working, before deciding to repair or replace it.

Usually, a problem with the transmission, more so with automatic transmissions, will activate a trouble code that can aid with repairs, however, there are certain cases, especially when mechanical or internal damage has occurred, where the Check Engine Light does not activate. In this step by step guide, we will go over how to run a few basic tests to determine if a transmission is operating optimally. We will address automatic and manual transmissions separately, as their mode of functions differ enough to warrant different tests.

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Part 1 of 2: How to know if your automatic transmission is not working

 

Step 1: Check the vehicle’s automatic transmission fluid. To properly check the fluid, start the vehicle, leave it in park and then check the transmission dipstick found under the hood.

  • Tip: If you cannot find the dipstick, refer to your owner’s manual for guidance.

With the engine running, pull the transmission dipstick, and check to see that the transmission fluid is at the appropriate level, and that it is not excessively dirty, or burnt.

Clean transmission fluid should appear a translucent red color.

  • Tip: Check to see that the transmission fluid does not smell burnt, or have a darkened, brownish tint to it. A burnt smell, or tint indicates that overheating, or burning has occurred somewhere inside the transmission, mostly at the clutch discs.
  • Note: Excessively darkened, or dirty transmission fluid can cause many problems if it is pumped through fine passages and screens when the , as most automatic transmissions operate using hydraulic pressure. If the fluid appears to be dirty, it may be a good idea to change it if the vehicle is indeed experiencing transmission problems as dirty fluid can interfere with the proper operation of the transmission.
  • Note: It is also important to note that not all vehicles will have a transmission dipstick to check the transmission fluid level. In fact, there are certain newer vehicles that use a sealed transmission that does not require the fluid to be checked or changed. If you are unsure, refer to the owner’s manual for your vehicle’s exact specifications.

 

Step 2: Test the brake pedal. Step on the brake pedal with your left foot, and hold it down. Use your right foot to apply some throttle to the engine, revving it up for a few seconds.

  • Note: Make sure that the area directly in front of the vehicle is clear and safe, and then set the parking brake.
  • Warning: Take care to not rev the engine with the brakes applied like this for more than a few seconds at a time, as doing so could actually overheat and damage the transmission.

If the transmission is functioning correctly, the engine should rev up, and the car should try to move, but will not move because the brakes are held down. If the engine is not able to rev up, or revs up but cannot stay revved, then there may be a problem with the transmission — either with the fluid, or with the automatic clutch discs internally.

Step 3: Drive the car to test the transmission: Once you have conducted the stationary test, conduct a road test that will take the car through all the gears.

  • Note: Before you drive onto an open road, put the car into reverse and make sure that the reverse gear is working properly.

Drive the vehicle up to the posted speed limit while paying attention to the behavior of the vehicle. When starting and while accelerating, pay close attention to how the vehicle shifts gears.

Alternate between light and heavy acceleration, and pay close attention to the behavior that the vehicle exhibits when it shifts gears. If the transmission is functioning correctly, the vehicle should shift on its own, smoothly, and at reasonable mid to low rpm if the throttle is applied lightly. Conversely, it should hold to a higher rpm before it shifts when the throttle is applied heavily.

If the vehicle exhibits irregular behavior during acceleration,, such as early or late shifting, hard jolts or loud noises during shifting, or perhaps a complete inability to shift, then it is likely to have a transmission problem. It is also important to take note of any abnormal noises or vibrations that occur during shifting or accelerating, as this could also indicate a potential problem with the transmission.

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Step 4: Perform a curb test. Drive the vehicle perpendicular to a curb, such as a sidewalk, and then set the front tires to rest up against the curb.

  • Note: Make sure that the area in front of the vehicle is clear and safe.

From a rest, apply the throttle and slowly inch the vehicle’s front tires over and on to the curb. The vehicle should be able to climb over the curb on its own, with the engine rpms revving up and holding steady until it climbs over.

  • Note: If the engine rpms falter, and the vehicle cannot climb the curb, then that may indicate that the transmission may be slipping, or perhaps may be experiencing another problem.

Step 5: Proceed with repairs if needed. Once all tests have been conducted, proceed with whatever repairs, or actions are necessary. If you are unsure about what to do, it may be a good idea to seek a professional opinion, as transmission related repairs can sometimes be a considerable expense.

If the transmission is slipping while accelerating or if you hear whinning sounds when the car is in gear, it is imperative that you have the transmission assessed by a certified mechanic such as such as one from YourMechanic.com and get the problem fixed immediately.

Part 2 of 2: How to know if your manual transmission is not working

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Step 1: Check the transmission when the vehicle is stationary. Start the vehicle, and take it to an open space. Park the vehicle, set the parking brake, then step on the clutch pedal, and put the transmission into first gear.

Listen and feel for any grinding, or other noises when putting the shifter into gear, as that could indicate a potential problem with that particular gears’ synchronizer.

  • Note: If a transmission gets to the point where it grinds, or clicks every single time you put it into gear, then that may be a sign of an excessively worn synchronizer gear that may possibly require an overhaul of the transmission.

 

Step 2: Release the clutch pedal slowly. Once the transmission is in first gear, step and hold down the brake pedal with your right foot and slowly begin to release the clutch pedal. If the transmission and clutch are functioning correctly, the engine rpms should begin to drop, and the vehicle should begin to shake until it eventually stalls. If the engine doesn’t stall when you release the clutch pedal, that may be a sign of a worn clutch disc that may need replacing.

Step 3: Drive the car. Once the stationary test is complete , take the vehicle on an open road to conduct a road test. Drive the vehicle up to the speed limit, as you normally would, and shift through all of the gears in sequential order. Shift up through all the gears several times, and if you can, downshift into each gear as well. Also, try to alternate between shifting at higher and lower rpms, as shifting at different rpms will put different loads on the transmission, further increasing the conclusiveness of the test.

If the transmission is functioning properly, you should be able to upshift, as well as downshift, through all the gears, and at all engine speeds, without any grinding. If any grinding or clicking noises occur when you shift into one or more of the gears, or if the transmission does not stay in gear, then that may indicate a problem with the transmission, the transmission synchronizer gears located inside the transmission, or perhaps with the transmissions master and slave cylinders that are responsible for disengaging the clutch.

Step 4: Proceed with repairs if needed. Once all tests have been conducted, proceed with whatever repairs or actions are necessary. As transmission problems can sometimes be difficult to diagnose correctly. You may have to enlist the help of a certified mobile mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic to perform further diagnostics if you feel slave cylinders needs to be replaced,hear grinding, or if you are unable to change gear.

Testing a vehicle’s transmission is usually a very simple procedure that is mostly done by driving the vehicle. If the vehicle fails any of the tests, or displays any other potential causes for concern, it may be a good idea to seek a second opinion from a professional technician to check and replace transmission fluid.

SOURCE: Yourmechanic

How to Fasten Your Seat belt Correctly

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Do you know the right way to fasten your seat belt? If your seat belt is not properly fastened, it will not be effective. In fact, it can be dangerous not to have your seat belt fastened correctly. Whenever you are in the car, Continue Reading »

Nissan Researching Bio-Ethanol, Natural Gas for fuel

nissan bio ethanol

Nissan is researching and developing a new e-Bio Fuel cell powertrain that can produce electricity frombio-ethanol or natural gas. The system uses a Solid Oxide Fuel-Cell (SOFC) that produces electricity by combining oxygen with various fuels to power the SOFC power generator. Nissan claims the system to be very efficient.

Electricity is generated by transforming Continue Reading »

FRSC boss commends Nigerians Tyre awareness

frsc boss

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi has commended Nigerians for
embracing the Corps’ public sensitization programme on tyres with  enthusiastic acceptance of the campaign. Speaking at the opening of the 2016 Corps Marshal’s Second Quarter strategic session held at the FRSC National Headquarters, Abuja, with the Zonal and Sector Commanders, Oyeyemi expressed satisfaction with the impact created by the public awareness campaign Continue Reading »

Kia, Uber to provide free Ride

kia motorsKia Motors Nigeria has teamed up with Uber to provide a free ride to all Kia customers.Kia and Uber are both committed to raising the bar in customer service and this informed their move to provide an amazing value added service to all Kia customers. Continue Reading »

How to Protect your Cars Interior

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Try to add up the hours you spend in your car. It’s a lot, isn’t it? Commutes, errand runs and road trips can have you sitting in those bucket seats for hours on end, and during that time, you and your passengers are actually living in the interior. That means smudges on the windows, scratches on the dash and food in the seat crevices accumulate and leave you wondering what happened to the spotless interior you swear it had when you first bought the car.
A Quick Clean
Luckily, it’s not that difficult to keep a car’s cabin from looking a little too, well, lived in. First things first, get something to stuff your trash into. Just use a plastic bag or a container you don’t use around the house and throw it in the backseat. You can even affix a temporary hook to the door or seat to keep things even neater. Every once and awhile, take it out and relish in the fact that you haven’t spent an hour cleaning up. Keeping trash off the floor also preserves your carpets, which can get stained from any number of items.
The idea of taking a rag to your dash and leather seats is made easier if you have them on-hand. The key here is to just use a little bit of soapy water to wipe the surfaces of your car – some cleaning products contain alcohols that prematurely dry and age the materials by reducing the flexibility in the vinyl. Store a small spray bottle of your homemade cleaning fluid and a rag under your seat or in a storage bin for access when you’re waiting for your kids to get out of school or sitting in that crazy-long drive-through line. This will also come in handy when an emergency spill happens. Lastly, keep your car smelling like roses (or at least a laundromat) by adding dryer sheets under the seats.
Weather Resistant 
You can’t discount the impact weather has on your vehicle either. In summer, sandy feet can quickly make a mess of an interior, and dare we mention the destruction caused by mud and snow? If you spend a lot of time ducking in and out of the elements, you might want to grab some all-weather floor mats. They’re easy to clean and do a great job of keeping the muck in one place.
The sun’s rays can also wreak havoc on your car’s surfaces, causing vinyl to crack over time and materials to fade. A simple solution is to regularly put a sunshade on the windshield. They’re inexpensive and help to keep your interior looking new.
Saving money on repair work and cleaning comes more easily when you take the time to make preventative care a priority. Not only will these tricks make your car a nicer place to be, keeping grime out of your ride will cut down on large maintenance costs in the future and will help to retain its value over time.

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