Automatic vs. Manual: Which is Truly the Best?

First let’s look at the differences between the two types of gearbox:

Automatic: This is a ‘simplified’ gearbox. You don’t have a clutch pedal and the vehicle does all the work. You just need to drive, brake, and put the car in reverse or park. Everything else, the vehicle determines on its own and you have no proactive control over which gear is in use.

Manual: With this type of vehicle, you are in control of which gear you use. This means you have to know when to change gears and how to do so correctly. You use the clutch as you change, which means the vehicle and driver have to be in stronger lock-step.

The truth is, it completely depends on your driving style and preference. Many people prefer to have control of their vehicle and manage the gears themselves. Changing gears makes the whole driving experience more exciting, and also allows you to ‘hack’ your engine to produce different performance outputs (if that’s what you’re looking to do).

For those who prefer control and precision, a manual gearbox is usually the preferred choice. If you learn to drive correctly, you can ensure your clutch lasts a very long time and that your gearbox is in good condition. However, anyone who hasn’t learned the correct way to shift gears could end up replacing parts via damage. This is a consideration when choosing your best option.

If you are the type to prefer everything be done for you – or you find it tiring to change gears and use the clutch – then you’ll definitely want an automatic vehicle. For those who are looking for a lower priced vehicle or who just don’t want to worry about which gear to be in, automatic is the way to go. There’s no doubt that you can get more control over your vehicle with a manual gearbox, but that’s not everyone’s preference.

For the majority of those living in the UK, manual is the preferred choice. You can decide for yourself which you prefer, just make sure that your vehicle is in top condition, no matter what.

Interested in learning more about your gearbox? Need repairs done on yours? Contact The Gearbox Specialist today for an appointment.