The Benefits of a Manual Transmission
Choosing the transmission for your vehicle typically isn’t something that many new car drivers give a lot of thought to. It should be an obvious choice, right? An automatic transmission is the most desirable choice for most drivers, isn’t it? Maybe not.
Drivers who prefer to feel the power of their wheels on the road and are looking for the maximum level of engagement when driving should opt for a vehicle that offers a manual transmission.
More Engagement with the Road
Automatic transmissions have nearly become standard equipment in recent years, but there’s a great deal to be said for the feel of control and engagement that only comes from shifting your own gears. Unlike an automatic transmission, you get to tell the car what to do and when, giving you the power you need, just when you want it.
Lower Cost of Ownership
In addition to power and control, a manual transmission, if driven properly, can last up to 100,000 miles and cost less to repair when something goes wrong. Repairs on automatic transmissions, which typically add about $1,000 to a new vehicle’s price tag, can cost thousands of dollars to correct. Manual transmissions usually only need a new clutch, which can run between $600-$1500 to repair.
A manual transmission also offers an unexpected benefit – lower insurance rates. it seems that most criminals can’t drive stick. Of all claims processed relating to stolen vehicles in 2012, only 14 percent of those vehicles were equipped with a manual transmission.
Uncommon Choices for Uncommon Drivers
With today’s push for fuel efficiency, many drivers have noticed a distinct lack of transmission choices for their hybrid automobile. The majority of hybrid vehicles come with automatic as the only option – leaving the power in the hands of your car.
But all is not lost.  Thanks to the 2014 Honda CR-Z gas/electric hybrid and its available six speed manual transmission with sport mode, driving eco-friendly just got fun again.  With the CR-Z, you get the feel of a sporty coupe, without losing the benefits of a modern hybrid vehicle.
With manual transmissions falling out of favor with the general public, there are fewer options for discerning drivers. But if you want more control over the power your vehicle can deliver, it may be time to shift gears and consider something a little more interactive.
Find Out More About the Honda CR-Z
If you are interested in knowing more about the Honda CR-Z, which is the ultimate option for drivers who desire a manual transmission as well as outstanding fuel economy, contact Fisher Honda at 855-484-6632. We will be glad to answer any questions that you may have.
7 comment(s) so far on The Benefits of a Manual Transmission
I didn’t realize that a manual transmission could last up to 100,000 miles. It does make sense that if you were driving it correctly and took it to certified transmission repair shops that you would be able to prolong that time. Doing a bit of preventative maintenance is a great way to avoid lots of problems and doing the same with your car is no different.
I think that it is time to take my car to a transmission shop. I am wondering if having a manual transmission is all it is cracked up to be and am looking for benefits. It is nice to know that there is a lower cost of ownership this way.
It is nice to know that manual transmission has so many advantages over the automatic transmission. The cost of manual transmission is lower, it also has lower repairing cost cost. However, without proper maintenance it’s operation could get affected. Transmission fluid should be inspected on a regular basis. In the absence of adequate amount of transmission oil, the transmission performance could get affected. If any types of leakage found, then it should be repaired immediately in order to prevent transmission failure.
That is really cool that a manual transmission, if driven properly, can last up to 100,000 miles and costs less to repair when something goes wrong. I had no idea that manual transmission could last that long. I have been wondering if I should get a manual transmission or automatic transmission. A manual sounds like it would be good.
Although manual transmission may seem like extra work, there are numerous advantages of learning how to drive a stick shift. Many manual transmission drivers prefer a manual transmission because it gives the driver a feeling of being in control of the vehicle. In an automatic transmission vehicle, the torque converter pushes the vehicle forward. Manual transmission vehicles do not have a torque converter. For this reason, manual transmission drivers are able to use the momentum of the engine to slow the vehicle down and brake more easily. Manual transmissions also offer improved gas mileage. Depending on road conditions and driving habits, a manual transmission vehicle can consume less fuel than a similar automatic transmission vehicle.
I appreciate the suggestions given in this article regarding different signs of a damaged transmission. Different components used in the vehicle needs to be inspected properly at a regular interval. Transmission fluid plays crucial role in the performance of the transmission by lubricating different components of the vehicle. So, the quantity and quality of the transmission fluid needs to be inspected properly and if necessary should be replaced with suitable substitute. Apart from this, damaged components needs to be repaired in time by reliable technicians.
I really like what you said about how fun it can be to feel the control and engagement that comes from shifting your own gears. My husband and I want to get a new car and we were considering a manual transmission this time, to have a bit more fun on the road. Thank you for talking about how you get to tell the car what to do and when, giving you the power you need when you want it. It does sound like fun!