Are Manual Transmissions Dying?
With the rise in the production of automatic cars and the ease you experience when driving such vehicle, many begin to question the status of what used to be reliable but old manual vehicles. Others believe that the days of manual transmission automobile existence are numbered. Although they may be running quite lower in availability compared to many years ago, there is still no chance that they will no longer exist in the upcoming years. It is nowhere near extinction. Looking through a non-bias glass, both types of transmissions have their own set of advantages and drawbacks. There are places in the world like the United States, where automatic transmission sales have soared and outsold manuals. On the other hand, there are also places in the world where it’s the other way around. In Europe, 75-80% of cars sold are manual transmissions.
Automatic transmissions are easy to operate that it feels like you are driving a go-kart and you don’t need to worry when you are stuck in traffic, it won’t be as tiring as it feels with Manual Transmissions. It is, well, relatively safer since you don’t need both hands, both feet and your eyes when driving. It requires lesser hand, feet and sight coordination so you can basically relax. When it comes to maintenance, manual tuning is replaced by chip tuning you only need to do diesel remapping with those stored maps in the vehicle’s ECU or diesel chip (also available in petrol). You also have the option to go with a tuning box wherein the entire software of the vehicle is not reprogrammed but just temporarily changed. Both these maintenance methods do not involve manual tuning. So it’s hassle free. All you need is a laptop and some cables.
Manual Transmissions are more economical. It has a relatively lower price for the units compared to automatics. For its repair and maintenance costs they are way lower compared to automatic’s tuning chip methods although it can get a little too complex and will involve physically repairing the unit. It also allows higher gas mileage even if it is a little more difficult to drive. It does not eat up too much gas. Better control is a major advantage for Manuals. It is probably, one of the top reasons why many experienced drivers still prefer them. You can keep a specific control right where you want it. Once you get used to it, battling tough weather, steep hills and curves will be a piece of cake for you. Plus, you get an actual connection with the vehicle you are operating. With Manual transmissions you will experience the pains and the great joys of driving.
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