Since their introduction in the 1950s automatic transmissions have become the most popular transmissions in cars sold in the United States. Although manual transmissions are sometimes considered more fun to operate, most drivers choose to buy vehicles with automatic transmissions. Manual transmissions used to hold advantages in fuel economy and longevity, but these advantages have diminished over time as automatics continue to be improved. Automatic transmissions hold some of their own advantages as well.
Convenience
Automatic transmissions are more convenient to operate than manual transmissions. Manual transmissions require constant attention from the driver as the vehicle is operated while a vehicle with an automatic transmission can simply be placed into gear and driven. Automatic transmissions do not require simultaneous operation of both a clutch and accelerator pedal. Automatic transmissions also allow drivers to use both hands continuously for steering while a manual transmission requires the driver to steer with one hand and operate the gearshift with the other.
Ease of operation
Automatic transmissions require less skill to operate. To operate an automatic transmission, the driver only has to place the gearshift into the desired position before driving the vehicle. Manual transmissions require a driver to learn how to operate the clutch, accelerator and brake pedals in a coordinated manner. Manual transmissions also require the driver to learn how to shift the transmission into the proper gears at the proper times. Manual transmissions are more difficult to operate on hills when a vehicle is starting from a dead stop as the vehicle will tend to roll backwards until the clutch is engaged.
Safety
Vehicles equipped with manual transmissions may move unexpectedly if the vehicle is started while the transmission is in gear. Automatic transmissions have safety switches which will not allow the vehicle to start unless the gear selector is placed in the park position. Automatic transmissions reduce the chances of engine damage caused by driver errors and excessive engine speeds that can occur with a manual transmission
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