Since manual cars are disappearing in the market, you’re probably wondering if buying an automatic transmission makes more sense. But driving a stick has some irresistible perks. It gives you more control, and it’s easier and cheaper to maintain. Not to mention, the feeling of shifting gears is oddly satisfying.
However, the convenience of an automatic transmission is also hard to ignore. You’re practically driving a bump car with an automatic. It’s best on roads that are often congested since you have to step on the brakes and not bother with a clutch.
But if you’ve been driving a manual all your life, old habits can be hard to break. If you’re wondering if making the switch is worth it, consider these factors first:
- Cost
Manual cars are usually cheaper than automatic ones. Maintenance-wise, the same statement applies.
In a manual car, one of the regular maintenance requirements is a gear oil change. The counterpart for that in an automatic vehicle is a fluid change. When the vehicle reaches a particular mileage, manual or automatic, it should undergo a fluid change. This is where an automatic becomes costlier to maintain than a manual. The cost difference between the two isn’t just in the type of fluid used. The amount of fluid required by the different types also influences the cost.
The torque converter in an automatic requires about twice as much automatic transmission fluid (ATF) as the amount of gear oil a manual needs. Hence, you may spend twice as much money for every fluid change of your automatic vehicle.
- Repairs
When an automatic vehicle breaks down, the costs of repairing it depend on the brand and the type of repair needed. A fluid leak alone may already break the bank, so if it needs to be taken apart, expect to shell out a lot more. In this scenario, it’s more cost-efficient to own a manual. Repairs for a manual vehicle are nowhere near as complex as an automatic’s. Local mechanics can often fix your car, while an automatic may have to be taken to its dealer or manufacturer.
If your heart is for the automatic, consider replacing the transmission if it breaks down instead of simply repairing it. It would be more expensive, but you can save time, which is more precious than money anyway.
- Ease of Use
Many automatic car owners would say their cars are easier to drive than a manual. But a manual isn’t hard to drive either, which you would know if it’s the only thing you’ve driven all your life. But some things may make one more manageable to use than the other. It all depends on preference, though.
For example, when driving uphill, a manual tends to perform better. That’s because it’s easier to power up the engine by switching the gears. On the other hand, an automatic may run into some performance inconsistencies during uphill drives. Its engine would require more power, so you’d use step on the gas pedal harder to make it speed up. This can make the vehicle harder to control if you’re used to switching gears.
But in heavy traffic, driving an automatic is like a breath of fresh air. You can leave your feet pressed on the brake pedal or engage the hand brake. In a manual, you may have to guard the clutch all the time because it’s required to start and stop the car.
An automatic also shifts quickly and smoothly, which is a dream in heavy traffic. If you always put in extra work to accelerate and slow down your manual car, driving can be a bothersome experience. It might be more convenient to use public transport if you don’t have an automatic.
In addition, an automatic has a lower risk of stalling. You can accidentally stall a manual at a stoplight. An automatic will only stall if it has mechanical problems.
- Giving Driving Lessons
If you were to give someone driving lessons, you could teach better with an automatic vehicle. “Real” drivers may learn the stick first, but that may no longer be true soon when manuals disappear from the market. It’s not likely to happen in the near term, but nowadays, learning to drive for the first time in an automatic is no longer disadvantageous.
Both types of vehicles have pros and cons, so if you think an automatic is better than a manual, that’s not always the case. However, if your circumstances make an automatic a more convenient option for you, then go for it. Otherwise, there may be no need to swap out your manual car. It can still serve you well as long as it’s properly maintained.