Automatic or Manual

Comfort versus control. That would be the main dilemma being experienced by drivers when choosing the transmission of your vehicle. While those who are inclined to support the automatic transmission does not want to leave the comfort that gives them handle such vehicles, to forget the clutch and change, those who prefer the mechanical carriage say what they most enjoy when Drive your vehicle is precisely adjust the power of your car, especially on the road and in mountainous terrain. But which is better? Are there major differences between the two?

A few years ago, the market leans toward mechanical cars for three reasons: the culture of drivers (who learned and got used to driving in one mechanical), the myths that were around the circuit (which had no same power, which is more damaging, they had no spare time to repair), and for the price, because the automatic transmission usually gives you an additional cost to the total price of the vehicle.

If you are planning to buy a car, decide on one with automatic or manual gearbox depends mainly on your preferences when driving and the budget you have agreed to buy your car. Here we provide a brief summary of what they are and what advantages and disadvantages offered these types of vehicles.

Automatic carriage

The automatic transmission or hydraulic automatic transmission is one that can take care of itself make the exchange rate automatically as the car moves. The predominant type of automatic transmission is hydraulically operated, using a fluid coupling or torque converter and a set of  planetary gears  to provide a torque multiplication.

The automatic transmission is dependent on valves or electronic sensors combined with a computer to “feel” the time and schedule change. At that time, the clutch and inner bands and the pistons slide inside a disc push planetary gear set to change the torque and speed relationship.

The changes generally has a manual gearbox are: P (parking), N (neutral), R (Reverse), D (drive, march forward from first until decided by the manufacturer), S (sport, faster changes a sudden and higher revs) and L (up and down slopes, low gear). It also has a button for manual shifting, which allows down-shift at will.

And the automatic transmission system is not a recent invention. Since 1889 is being investigated by engineers and developers, being the pioneer Fred Lanchester, inventor and scientist described as “the Da Vinci English.” Manchester became interested in the topic of the epicyclic gear and in 1902 introduced the first car.  This major industry model were copied as Henry Ford, who used it for his Model T in the early twenties and that thanks to this technique managed to sell 15 million units. The system was finally perfected by Walter G Wilson, who developed an epicyclic transmission that was the origin of the first gearbox with preselection lever moved manually varying the gears by pressing a pedal. That same year, the system was adopted in the first vehicle, and then perfected with the combination of mechanical and hydraulic change. Later came the first Hydramatic automatic transmission installed in the 1940 Oldsmobile. The hydraulic coupling without torque converter 4 speed. In subsequent years this system continued to be used and its variations were scarce. Advantages of automatic carriage, well known by experts and drivers, are definitely comfort. Not be treading the clutch and making gear changes are definitely the plus point of this type of vehicle.

Points against this type of vehicle result in a single issue: money. Most of these cars have an additional overhead (about 10%) the same mechanical model also that consumes more fuel. It is true that they are less safe than the car mechanic or that damage more than the latter.

Mechanical CART

The carriage with mechanical transmission operates through a system that serves to transmit force or horsepower of the engine to the wheels, allowing a controlled displacement. Unlike the automatic gearbox, the manual gives more freedom to the driver, so you should know and do not forget used maintenance.

For proper operation, manual or mechanical box needs a clutch or clutch, controlled by a pedal which serves to separate the engine and transmission that modulates the transfer of power between the two subsystems.
When the pedal is not pressed, engine torque to the transmission. Pressing disconnects completely, so that no power from the engine through the transmission. Beyond clutch transmission uses several differentials, selected by the driver, to convert engine power into a useful touch so we can move the vehicle.

Before World War II, the cars only worked with 3 changes. From the 60s were 4 changes, 80 changes were 5 cars and a decade later was high end cars with 6 changes of its lever.

The advantages of driving a car mechanic fall primarily on the driver’s ability to control the running of the car, with lower gears to get the power output and high speed to give. Thus, the driver controls on your vehicle, which does not occur with the automatic car, which functions at will.

Other advantages of the mechanical carriage is that it consumes less fuel and is less expensive to repair in case of damage. Moreover, in case of damage or”grounding” the car can “ignite pushed” like, which in the automatic car cannot be easily colloquially says.

The disadvantages are technical, as coordination between the clutch and change is something that some drivers fail to control completely. That kind of effort, plus the inconvenience of having to toggle changes each time slows down and speeds up, would be the most frequent “buts” in this type of cars.

When choosing between an automatic or mechanical car, you must also take into account the terrain where you’re going to walk normally. If you travel is usually made by the city, it is advisable to buy the automatic vehicle, it will be easier and more comfortable to drive (especially in high traffic areas where you must constantly brake and accelerate). However, if driving by road, land areas and steep slopes variables, the advice is to get a car mechanic, then you will have to drive the engine indicated in these difficult areas.

Care gearbox

Whichever gearbox you have your car, it must have a continuous maintenance to prevent malfunction. Among them are:

  • Periodically inspect oil gearbox, to avoid damaging the box and finish by friction.
  • In mechanical cars, recalls sinking clutch pedal fully, to prevent further damage and wear. This should also be reviewed periodically.
  • If you drive an automatic car, you should read the vehicle Owner’s how the changes work, especially on special routes like downhill road and drive Manual.
  • Do not try gearbox with violence or lean your hand on it when you’re not using. Use it with care.
  • In the case of the automatic transmission, just enter the change P (parking) when you have completely stopped the vehicle.
  • In a mechanical carriage, make the changes gradually and smoothly, and the car only when prompted. Avoid abruptness.