Let’s find out more about manual and automatic cars.
Control over car
A manual car offers more control by being able to work up or down the gears in order to slow down or speed up. With an automatic car, you choose between drive, reverse, park, and neutral depending on the need. The automatic transmission will move up and down the drive gears for you. They also have the capacity to override the “D” or drive gear and choose an appropriate gear, with no clutch to worry about. An automatic car has just two pedals. If you want to control every aspect of your drive, a manual transmission may be better option for you.
The running costs are different
Another important factor is the cost of running the vehicle. While an automatic car offers better drive quality, it is often heavy on fuel. So opting for a manual may help you save on fuel costs in the long run. However it still depends on how you drive that car. The tougher you are on the car the more fuel it uses, no matter if it is manual or automatic.
What about maintenance costs
In terms of maintenance, an automatic car is sometimes more expensive; as you rely on the brakes more when slowing down in an automatic. This means that the brakes will wear out quicker than in a manual. However if you ride or mistreat the clutch in a manual they won’t last either. Servicing an automatic car can also costs more than a manual, as the automatic transmission will also need to be serviced. In the end it evens out and it comes down to personal preference.
To change gears, or not to change gears
An automatic car is a good idea for people who don’t want any added hassles while driving. Like we have said before driving an automatic is much simpler. This may be important for people who come from overseas where the driving conditions and road rules are different. This may be especially relevant for those who are from countries where they drive on the opposite side of the road. Engaging the clutch and working the gear stick is not an easy skill to master. Changing the gears in a manual car is all about calculating speed and the amount of power the car needs to reach it. In an automatic car this isn’t so, everything is done for you!
Automatic vs manual: Ask our driving instructors!
For some people who eventually want to drive a manual car, often the best option is to start in an automatic and upgrade at a later date. Once you have mastered the steering and have good control of two pedals in an automatic, you could then add the gears and clutch into the equation. Sometimes, a family only has one transmission or the other, this is where a driving school can help. With access to both manual and automatic cars a Driving School will be a cheaper option than buying and maintaining another car for your family. If you require more information about driving a manual or an automatic car or want to take driving lessons for the same, please contact us.