Which gearbox to choose?

Many drivers are wondering about the choice of gearbox. Manual or maybe automatic? The decision is not at all easy, because manual ones are less emergency and, importantly, cheap to repair, but automatic machines are a great convenience. So what should you pay attention to?

Like any design, both have their pros and cons. Manual boxes mean simplicity, low failure rates and low maintenance and repair costs. Automatic transmissions, however, save the left leg and don't get hung up on gears. So, let's try to evaluate the positive and negative aspects of both mechanisms.

Manual Transmission

Manual transmissions are the most popular solution used in passenger cars. They have a simple design and are easily repaired. Of course, the operating cost is also much lower than vending machines. However, the biggest nuisance is the need for driver control of the gears. Thus, divisibility of attention is an important element in the operation of a manual transmission.

The mechanics are simple. The basis is made up of gears that are constantly connected to each other, and synchronizers that facilitate switching between gears. Older types had only gears, which made it much more difficult to move smoothly, but fortunately for us, technology is moving forward. The operation is simple - the driver switches the lever between gears, thereby setting the gears to the appropriate positions.

– The main problem of cars with manual transmission is the need to use the clutch when shifting gears, which leads to engine shutdown and a temporary loss of power. The most common faults are clutch wear and synchronizer misalignment. Undoubted advantages are low failure rate and low repair costs. – explains the Autotesto.pl expert

Automatic transmission

The biggest advantage of automatic transmissions is undoubtedly the lack of attention to gear changes. Most of all, this can be appreciated in a crowded city. There is no clutch in the design, and gear shifting occurs due to automatic braking of the elements of the planetary gear. The design of the machines is very complex, which has a huge impact on the cost of repairs. These boxes cause extreme emotions in drivers. Some praise them completely, others say they will never buy a car that is equipped with them. Meanwhile, it is enough to thoroughly check this mechanism before buying it in order to enjoy a smooth and trouble-free ride for a long time.

The first point worth paying attention to is the behavior of the box when starting off. If we feel vibrations or jerks, this should make us suspicious. Sometimes topping up the oil is enough, but usually a service visit is necessary. Another thing is the behavior of the box while driving. Possible jerks, fluctuations in engine speed or an uneven set of revolutions clearly portend an imminent visit to the service.

- An automatic transmission can cause a lot of problems, but you should be aware that software, mechanics, or just used oil often fail. This is worth paying attention to, because an unprofessional replacement can cause huge problems when operating a car. The smartest solution is to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Automatic chests are divided into subspecies. It is worth knowing something about each of them in order to make an informed decision when buying. – explains the Autotesto.pl expert

Automatic transmission

In fact, these are mechanical gearboxes with an automated clutch. The result is the absence of a third pedal, and instead of it, actuators and electronics. They are most commonly found in Fiat vehicles. It cannot be denied that they have more disadvantages than advantages. The main problem is slow operation and jerks during dynamic driving. And the mechanism that replaces the clutch is very emergency and wears out quickly. These defects are difficult to diagnose and many service centers offer to replace the gearbox with a new one, instead of a long and expensive repair.

Continuously variable transmission

Many users criticize them for their peculiar way of working. They constantly maintain the maximum speed of the engine, which drops only when the correct speed is reached. This causes a specific hum, which is not always pleasant to listen to. Although they are quite easy and cheap to build, it is difficult to find a service that will take care of them professionally. They are mainly used by Japanese brands.

– The design is surprisingly thin - it's two cones with a conveyor belt between them. In general, gear shifting is simulated, which de facto does not exist. In this regard, the operation of the gearbox is rarely dynamic and has an emergency character. This fragile structure is unprofitable to repair, because the cost of it is huge. – adds an expert from Autotesto.pl

Classic slot machine

The oldest automatic transmission design in existence. Its device is very complex, but simpler models of gearboxes with a torque converter are often reliable. Newer devices are more of a hassle because they contain a lot of electronics. They also often have more gears and other problematic elements. We can find them in premium brands such as BMW, Mercedes or Jaguar. The most common problems are related to the hydraulics that regulate fluid flow and the cost is high. However, the construction itself is solid, which guarantees long trouble-free operation.

Dual clutch transmission

This is the most complex gearbox model. The composition includes two automatic transmissions connected to each other. The design is as advanced as possible, so this is the newest and rarest offer on the automotive market. It is the fastest of all the available models, and it is able to predict what equipment will be needed at the moment. Prepares it on the second clutch so that the change is as imperceptible as possible. Thanks to the smooth running, fuel consumption is much lower than in the case of a manual transmission. Repair costs are huge, but the need is not very common.

It should be noted that the cost of operating automatic machines is often higher than that of manual transmissions. Many of the bad reviews are exaggerated as there are quite a few designs worth recommending. Of course, a thorough inspection of a used car before buying will also prevent possible problems, and then it turns out that the operation of the car is not such a problem at all.