A car that requires the operator to continually shift between various gears while driving is a car with a manual transmission. Cars that do not require such shifting have automatic transmissions. Though the development of the automatic transmission in 1948 was considered a major achievement, it has not led to the complete replacement of manual transmissions with automatic transmissions.
Basic Design
The basic design of an automobile drivetrain consists of the engine, transmission, drive shaft, differential and rear axle. Both manual and automatic transmissions lie between the engine and drive shaft. The transmission has multiple gears--usually between three and six--that all "transmit" the force exerted by the engine to the drive shaft. At low speeds, the force must be transmitted through a larger gear. At high speeds, though, it must be transmitted through a smaller gear.
Identifying Characteristics
The quickest way to identify whether or not a car has a manual transmission is to look under and beside the driver's seat. A manual transmission requires a third pedal to the left of the brake--called the clutch--and a stick shift. The stick shift is a handle that comes up through the floor between the driver and passenger seats.
Operation
To start a car with a manual transmission, fully press the clutch with your left foot. Push the stick shift into first gear, which is usually to the left and forward. After you start the car and are ready to move forward, gradually let up on the clutch while gradually pressing farther and farther down on the accelerator pedal with your right foot. As you gain speed and hear the engine turning faster, press the clutch in again, pull the stick shift backward to set it into second gear, let up on the clutch, and press the accelerator. Continue this pattern, shifting up as you accelerate and shifting down as you decelerate.
Difficulties
Automotive companies developed automatic transmissions because manual transmissions can be difficult to operate. If you let up on the clutch too quickly while the car is in first gear, the engine will die, and you will have to start it again. If you do not fully press the clutch while you shift gears, you can damage the transmission. Many new drivers experience problems when they are driving uphill and come to a stop. When they try to start again, they often cannot get the car going again before it starts rolling backward.
Advantages
Ease of use has caused consumers to prefer automatic transmissions in most passenger vehicles, but manual remains the transmission of choice in specific types of vehicles. In sports cars, for instance, drivers generally think it is more fun to have a manual transmission than an automatic. In trucks that do a lot of towing, manual transmissions are generally better because their simple construction and function allows them to handle the added stress much better.
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