Discover Which Transmission Type Fits Your Driving Style


Which Transmission is Best For You?

Before you drive a vehicle, one of the first things you’ll want to know about is what kind of transmission it has. The answer to this question is essential, as it can determine what you’ll need to be prepared to do at the wheel and what kind of driving experience you’ll have. There are four different transmission types available in vehicles today. Each one has appealing characteristics, and each transmission is different from the other type.

This article details how the four transmission types work and how they can benefit you. As you learn more about how these all work, you can pick one that aligns with your driving habits and style.

Manual Transmission

The first type to explore is less common today than it used to be: manual transmission. Fewer cars have it today, though you can find it on some truck models and rugged SUVs. Some high-performance vehicles have it, too.

Manual transmission requires direct input from the driver. The driver must change gears manually by using a stick shift in the middle console between the two seats as well as a clutch pedal on the floor. The driver must shift up or shift down when speeding up or slowing down; the car does not do this automatically. The driver must also press down on the clutch when shifting and when coming to a stop or pulling away.

Here are some advantages of this type of transmission:

  • Manual transmission tends to be less expensive to repair than other types.
  • Cars with manual transmission are less expensive.
  • Manual transmission gives the driver a feeling of being in control and engaged with the car.
  • The resale value of a car with manual transmission is better than that of other types.

Automatic Transmission

An automatic transmission does away with the need to shift gears manually, as the process is, as the name says, automatic. There is no stick shift and no clutch pedal. Instead, the car changes gears by itself as the driver speeds up or slows down. More cars have automatic transmissions than any other type. The advantages of this type include:

  • An automatic transmission is suitable for city driving and stop-and-go situations.
  • The shifting is seamless and smooth.
  • Because the driver won’t have to take their hands off the wheel to shift, this can be a safer type to operate.
  • It’s easier to learn this transmission, as no intervention is required. New drivers, especially, enjoy this ease of operation.

Semi-Automatic Transmission

A good middle-ground between manual and automatic transmission is a semi-automatic transmission. On the one hand, the driver can have some engagement in the shifting process but without so many steps involved. For example, the driver can shift from gear to gear, but this happens by using paddles and buttons rather than a more complicated stick shift. The clutch pedal is also absent, as this step is automatic by virtue of a sensor. This transmission is widespread because of the following:

  • It offers excellent control for the driver.
  • It is easy to use and learn, especially for new drivers.
  • Sports cars and other high-performance models do well with semi-automatic transmission.

Continuously Variable Transmission

A continuously variable transmission, or CVT for short, is an emerging transmission that you can find on more and more vehicles. It doesn’t rely on fixed gears but has a belt and pulley system instead. There are also infinite gear ratios with a CVT. It is common on smaller, lighter vehicles.

  • A CVT is paired with cars that get good gas mileage.
  • A CVT is easy to learn because, like automatic transmission, the process is automatic.
  • A CVT provides a smooth ride on any surface.
  • A CVT transmission involves a few parts, and the vehicles are lighter.

Shop Your Next Vehicle at Jim Taylor Ford

Choosing a transmission you’re comfortable with is vital, and you can find excellent vehicle options when you come to Jim Taylor Ford in Ruston, LA. The team is ready for you to come down and see our inventory. We can even help you figure out what transmission makes the most sense for your needs. Stop by today and prepare to bring home a car you will enjoy for years to come.

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1605 North Service Road East, Ruston, LA, 71270
Jim Taylor Ford 32.540808, -092.618319.