What Is A Manual Transmission?

If you’re searching for a new vehicle, you have many options for transmissions. Your options may include manual, continuously variable, and automatic transmissions, each with different benefits. In this article, we’ll discuss what a manual transmission (MT) is and examine the benefits of equipping your car with one. When you’re ready to drive a new Ford car, SUV, or truck, stop by Brewster Ford in Brewster, New York.

What Is a Manual Transmission?

An MT, a standard transmission or a manual gearbox, is a multi-speed motor vehicle transmission system that lets you choose between different gear ratios to operate the vehicle. A lower gear offers more torque at the vehicle’s wheel but less speed, whereas a higher gear ratio offers less torque but more speed.

Manual Transmission vs. Automatic Transmission

An MT relies on you to use the gear and clutch to accelerate. An automatic transmission, however, changes to different gears on its own rather than you having to make the adjustments yourself.

Most car MTs allow you to choose any gear ratio at any time. For example, you can shift from second to fourth gear or from fifth to third gear. However, sequential MTs, typically used in racing cars and motorcycles, only allow you to choose the next-lower or next-higher gear.

Benefits of Manual Transmission Vehicles

Here are some of the benefits of owning a manual vehicle:

Better Gas Mileage

Owning a manual vehicle comes with better gas mileage, possibly increasing fuel efficiency by around 55 to 10%. Although most automatic cars manufactured today are more fuel-efficient, manual vehicles give you more authority over how much you want to save without compromising on either performance or the driving experience.

An automatic vehicle has a torque converter and a hydraulic pump, likely increasing fuel consumption. On the contrary, a manual vehicle offers better gas mileage, as you can efficiently control the engine’s revolutions per minute by keeping it low while still being able to upshift. You can improve your gas mileage according to your driving style.

Cheaper To Buy

A manual vehicle from Ford dealers in your area will likely be around $1,000 cheaper than its automatic counterpart. Certified pre-owned vehicles that have an MT are likely to sell for even cheaper. Whether you choose a Ford Bronco, Ford Mustang, or Ford Ranger, the manual versions of these vehicles are less likely to sell compared with their automatic counterparts. Many people today don’t know how to drive a vehicle with an MT, making these options cheaper since dealerships need to get them off the lot.

More Power

An automatic transmission is designed to shift in a basic way that doesn’t use all its engine’s power. This is fine for the average driver, but more serious drivers prefer an MT to take advantage of the engine’s power thanks to more exact and specific transmission shifts. This can also help increase the fuel economy of the vehicle.

More Control and Fewer Distractions

You have more control over the behavior of your vehicle’s gearbox, making the driving experience more enjoyable for you due to the responsiveness and control it gives you. It’s important to listen to the engine whenever you drive a manual vehicle since the downshifts and upshifts are up to you. Shifting an automatic transmission can be reasonably unpredictable, as it relies on the computer and torque converter to shift gears.

Notably, most newer vehicle models have paddle shifters that create the simulated ratio for choosing gears. Controlling the clutch, however, is not possible. A stick shift provides you with more than just transmission. An MT greatly increases your control regarding braking, as you can control the clutch, which proportionately distributes the torque necessary.

Cheaper To Maintain

Whether used or brand new, a manual vehicle is often cheaper than an automatic one for repairs and maintenance. Several things can go wrong in an automatic due to a transmission failure. An automatic may be efficient, but if you consider the problems resulting from additional sensors, machinery, technology, and electrical parts, these could potentially equal more repair costs.

An MT, on the other hand, is simple. The most common issue you’ll have with a manual is the clutch. A clutch can last for hundreds of thousands of miles or several years. This simplicity in stick shift vehicles comes with minimal repair and maintenance costs.

If you suspect your Ford’s transmission is not performing properly or have any queries about preventive transmission maintenance, contact us. We at Brewster Ford have Ford-certified technicians who provide quality service, repair, and maintenance. With many years of experience, our technicians have completed advanced training and are confident working on any Ford model you own.

Less Likely To Get Stolen

Since automatic vehicles came to the market, people have overlooked how to drive a manual. There are now more automatics on the roads than you can imagine, and many people today have no idea how to drive manual vehicles. A vehicle with an MT could deter any car thief intending to steal your vehicle due to a lack of familiarity. While it may not be an issue, they will probably rethink driving it. This perception can easily discourage someone from borrowing or stealing your vehicle.

Self-Starting

With a manual car, you don’t need to depend as heavily on the battery to start the vehicle. This can be very helpful if your vehicle’s battery is weak and there’s no one around to jump-start your vehicle. You can give the vehicle a rolling start — once you are moving, you can put the vehicle in gear and release the clutch, which should start.

Learn More About Transmissions at Brewster Ford

Consider visiting our dealership if you’d like to test-drive a Ford model with an MT. We are located at 1024 Route 22, Brewster, New York. Our highly trained sales team is ready to walk you through the available transmissions of various Ford models. Please stop by to find out how our finance center makes the car loan process stress-free, or reach out to us online with any questions.

Photo Credit: Image by Sven D is licensed with Unsplash License

Posted in Service Tips | No Comments »