When considering the purchase of a new car, one of the most basic thoughts revolve around what type of gearbox transmission we want. Most people don’t know how transmissions work, and the good news is you don’t have to. You just have to understand the basic differences between certain kinds of transmissions, and what advantages and disadvantages they have. Here are the 3 basic types of transmissions.
1. Standard or Manual – Requires you to use a clutch/shifter to shift gears yourself. This type is the lowest maintenance, longest lasting, and offers the best fuel mileage, but you have to do some of the work.
2. Automatic – A little less fuel mileage than the manual and it won’t last as long. Also, the automatic transmission requires a little more maintenance, (like periodic fluid changes), but it is less work. You simply step on the gas and go.
3. Continuously Variable – This type of transmission is a little less common. It combines the ease of the automatic transmission with the fuel mileage of the manual. One disadvantage of the continuously variable transmission is that it hasn’t been in use as much, so its reliability is a little less known.
While you’re doing your research, consider the following factors:
1. Decide what is most important to you to want out of your car. Is it performance? Gas mileage?
2. Decide if you want to learn how to drive a standard transmission. If so, then you can search for vehicles that offer this type.
3. Periodic maintenance. How often you don’t mind upkeep for repairs.
4. If the transmission should break, could you afford to get it fixed?
Make sure you do all of the right research, ask as many questions as you need before you make your choice, and you’re sure to end up with the transmission option you want.