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.
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:
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:
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:
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.
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.