Reasons to Get a Manual Transmission

When the time comes to choose between a vehicle with an automatic transmission or a manual transmission, it is important to consider your driving habits, wants and needs. While some choose a manual transmission for the sporty feel, others select it because it best fits their requirements. While the reasons to get a manual transmission vary from person to person, the main advantages are better control, savings and the ability to tow.

Better Control

Vehicles that have a manual transmission offer better control on the road. This is because the shift response is faster on a manual transmission. It also allows you to downshift on inclines, giving you additional power. Downshifting on a decline is also beneficial because you can choose a gear that keeps the car at a safe speed, using the engine to slow down the vehicle instead of applying the brakes and wearing them down.

In slippery or snowy conditions, a manual transmission will provide better traction. This is done with careful manipulation of the gears, providing more or less power to the tires. And because shifting gears and paying attention to the engine rpm are necessary, a driver of a manual may not be as likely to "zone out" as easily as a driver with an automatic.

Savings

The cost of a new vehicle that has a manual transmission is generally $800 to $1,000 less expensive than a new car with an automatic transmission. The maintenance and repairing costs of a manual transmission also offer savings. Changing the transmission fluid is less frequent on a manual transmission. If a manual transmission breaks down, it is normally because it is time to replace the clutch. This is a $1,200 to $1,500 repair. When comparing that to the $3,000 cost of replacing an automatic transmission, the savings is substantial.

You can also save money at the gas pump with a manual transmission -- though this will depend on your shifting method and driving habits. In general, maintaining a low rpm will equal lower fuel consumption. Some manual transmission owners place the vehicle in neutral and coast to stop signs, for example. This drops the engine rpm when accelerating is not needed.

Ability to Tow

Most vehicles with a manual transmission are easier to tow behind a motor home. The reason is that most front- and rear-wheel-drive vehicles with a manual transmission can be towed with no modifications. Vehicles with an automatic transmission and front-wheel drive will need a lube pump before they can be towed with all four tires on the ground. For automatics with rear-wheel drive, the drive shaft needs to be disconnected. This is normally done with a disconnect device.

On the other hand, if you are using a vehicle to tow a trailer, you will have more power with a manual transmission. When towing a trailer, an automatic transmission tends to shift too soon, which lowers the rpm. When this happens, the engine will bog down, resulting in slower acceleration, especially on inclines. When towing with a manual transmission, you can shift gears and maintain a higher rpm. This allows for quicker acceleration.

It is also easier to maintain a safe speed while on a long decline. You can manually shift into a lower gear so that the engine helps to slow your vehicle and trailer. This helps in preventing overheated brakes while towing.