Currently, most vehicles on the market come with either an automatic or manual transmission. In the ongoing debate about which option is superior, a lot of misinformation has been kicked up regarding these two popular drivetrains. To clear the air, we’ve created this list of some of the most common myths about manual and automatic transmissions.
Manual Transmissions Have a Lower Price Tag
One of the most wide-spread myths about manual transmissions is that they cost less than automatic transmissions. To clarify, this statement isn’t completely false. In some cases, manual vehicles do have a significantly smaller price tag. However, an increasing number of vehicle models have the same cost regardless of whether you opt for a manual or automatic drivetrain.
Automatic Transmissions Cost More To Maintain
Just because manual transmissions have simpler designs and are cheaper to repair and rebuild, that doesn’t mean they have lower maintenance costs. Over the years, improvements in the design and manufacturing process of automatic transmissions have greatly reduced their potential for developing maintenance issues.
In fact, automatic transmissions often last longer than manual transmissions. When cared for properly, they typically last the entire lifespan of the vehicle, which can’t often be said for manual transmissions. As such, purchasing a manual transmission isn’t necessarily the best or only option for aspiring car owners on a budget.
Automatic Transmissions Have Worse Fuel Economy
Another common myth about manual and automatic transmissions is that the latter has worse fuel economy than the former. While manual transmissions were known for being more fuel-efficient in their past, many advancements have been made to automatic transmissions through the years. In addition to weighing less than they used to, automatic transmissions are often made with extra gears that allow them to operate far more efficiently. Due to such advancements, many modern automatic transmissions are actually more fuel-efficient than their manual counterparts.
Since 1955, Transparts Warehouse has served as an industry-leading manual and automatic transmission parts supplier. Our extensive inventory consists of a wide range of replacement transmission components sourced from top-quality brands that you know and trust. To learn more about our product options or receive expert advice regarding your vehicle’s transmission, contact us today.
