The Great Stick Shift and its Benefits

It used to be that all vehicles came with a standard transmission. The automatic transmission slowly started to infiltrate the market, and today, the vast majority of vehicles are automatics. They are now the norm, and with the exceptions of high performance cars and sports cars, the stick-shift is moving out of the picture. However, there are many benefits to driving a manual, some simply like it because it makes operating a vehicle more interesting; here are some other pros of the great standard:

More Control, More Focus

A manual transmission offers better control because it has a faster shift response, and allows the driver to access extra power by downshifting on inclines. In snowy and slippery conditions you can slow down by shifting down, rather than hit the brakes, which is a big reason for causing the car to slide.  Also, it is very easy to completely zone out while driving an automatic. Owners of manuals tend to be more attentive drivers as changing gears requires a driver to pay attention to the engine and shift frequently.

Lower Starting Price

Budget-conscious shoppers may want to consider a standard, because it costs an average of $800-$1,000 to upgrade to an automatic transmission. On the higher end, it can cost even more. The maintenance of a manual transmission is another source of savings. Ff a manual transmission ever breaks down, it’s usually because the clutch needs to be replaced, a $1,200-$1,500 repair. Compare this to the $3,000 it costs to replace an automatic transmission and the savings is apparent.

More Miles Per Gallon

A person’s method of shifting gears can significantly alter their fuel economy. The manual version is known to have the advantage on the highway. Putting the car in neutral and rolling to a stop and a stop light or sign, which drop rpm as early as possible — it’s kind of a watered-down version of hybrid stop/start. This freedom to choose how you drive is at the core of the reason why a manual transmission can get better gas mileage than an automatic. But because driving habits vary from one person to the next, not everyone will get the same results.

Standard transmissions are certainly not for everyone, in fact there are many adults today who do not even know how to drive one.  The truth is, though, it can be fun to drive a stick-shift and with the overall advantage of being in better control than the automatic counterpart, it is well worth the loss in ‘convenience’.