Automatic or manual gearbox? Learn about gearbox types and their benefits

It is in every car, even if it is automatic. The gearbox is one of the main parts of the car, without which the vehicle will not be able to move normally. Automatic transmissions are still gaining popularity, but it's undeniable that mechanical ones have a lot of fans. How does a manual transmission work? Which one is the most comfortable, and which one breaks the least? This is what you should know before you decide to buy your first car. Only then can you perfectly match your purchase to your needs. Shift into a higher gear with us and read on!

Gearbox - design

Gearboxes of modern design need to be as small and light as possible while maintaining durability. There are three shafts inside the structure:

• indirect;
• grab;
• main. 

The gear located on the shaft in the clutch transmits the drive to the intermediate gear. It is on it and on the main shaft that you can find pairs of wheels corresponding to the gears of cars. Most often in cars there are six to seven of them (including reverse gear). If you turn on any of them, the gears of the others are disengaged and the gearbox works properly.

Gearbox tasks - what is this element responsible for?

The gearbox provides smooth gear changes. This allows the machine to transmit the power generated by the engine much more efficiently. This will allow you to keep the revs as low as possible as your car speeds up, which means the car will be quieter, smoke less and wear out more slowly. Use the highest gear if possible. However, remember that if the car is moving too slowly in the highest gears, it is likely to stall quickly.

Types of gearboxes in a car

In modern cars, you can find several variations of the gearbox. Which one suits you best depends on your preference and riding skills. Basically they can be divided into:

• management;
• automatic gradual;
• semi-automatic step;
• five-stage.

Young drivers very often prefer automatic transmissions that do not require additional attention to gear shifting. Older people, on the other hand, are more likely to opt for manual ones, which allow for better control of the vehicle—burning, accelerating, or spinning.

Six-speed gearbox - what cars have it?

City cars have little power. At a speed of 120-140 km / h, their revolutions are so high that the sixth gear is redundant in this case. This means you won't usually find a six speed gearbox in these types of cheap cars. However, in slightly more powerful cars (eg 115-120 hp) a six-speed gearbox can be really useful, because it allows you to drive much more economically. Before buying a car, check how many gears you can use, because with powerful drive units this makes a big difference.

Manual transmission - advantages

A manual transmission was chosen for several reasons, but the main one is undoubtedly the ability to control it by the driver. On the one hand, it can be a minor hindrance that requires concentration of attention during an additional lesson, and on the other hand, it allows you to perfectly match the speed with the car's revolutions. Such control can be important, for example, on slightly more difficult tracks. What else speaks for a manual transmission? It is easier to assemble and lasts up to 150 hours. km. It will also be cheaper and easier to repair, so you might want to look into it if you're looking for cheaper operation.

Automatic transmission - advantages

The automatic transmission is chosen by people who value simplicity and comfort while driving. The machine is ideal especially for urban transport, when the driver usually does not leave the village. In the city, you still can’t develop high speeds, and regular gear changes - up and down - can be a torment. Advances in technology also mean that machines break down less often and become more durable. If you're betting on a new car, it's worth considering them. This gearbox also provides greater safety, as the driver can concentrate on the road.

What are the disadvantages of an automatic transmission?

However, it cannot be denied that the new automatic transmissions have their drawbacks:

• they are less durable than manual ones;
• they are less economical;
• they usually consume more fuel. 

As if that were not enough, in their case, special care should be taken to change the transmission oil, which is easy to forget. A manual transmission may be better than an automatic for novice drivers who need to learn good habits and take care of their car.

How much does it cost to replace a gearbox?

Transmission failure does not always mean its complete replacement. In most cases, you will pay about 50 euros for repairs. However, if the gearbox wears out completely and you have to buy a new one, the price can increase to 1-2 thousand. zloty. Much depends on the model of your car. Do not forget that the more expensive your car, the higher the replacement fee will be. The popularity of the car also affects the price. If your model is often seen on the streets, parts will be more readily available and therefore much cheaper than crates for other vehicles.

There is no single answer to the question of which is better, a manual or automatic transmission. Much depends on driving experience and habits. Both solutions have their advantages and disadvantages. However, there is no doubt that the way you shift gears has a huge impact on the condition of your car and the cost of ownership.