One of the most important innovations in the automotive world is the automatic transmission. Back in 1948, the world’s first torque converter auto box got invented. These days, technology has come a long way from the days of what we called slushboxes!
Today’s automatic transmissions are efficient, easy to use and offer more control. If you’re a manual driver, does it make sense to trade your car in for an automatic one? We think so. Here’s why:
Automatic transmissions save you money
The thing about manual gearboxes is you have to replace the clutch in them every so often. On some cars, especially Japanese models like the Subaru Impreza, it cost a lot of money! Automatics get built so that they seldom need any replacement parts.
Most of today’s auto boxes are what we call sealed units. That means they don’t have any user-serviceable parts (like clutches). One advantage of automatics is they will save you money in the long term. That also translates as offering a lower total cost of ownership.
They make your car more valuable
Have you ever noticed how automatic cars sell for higher prices than manuals? That’s because they are more desirable! Buying a car with an auto box isn’t just about making your life easier. It’s also about guaranteeing a higher resale value when you change cars.
Modern units are cheaper to fix
When people get told their automatic transmissions need repair, they worry about the cost. There used to be a time where they cost a small fortune to repair. But, those days are long gone. Most faults are simple issues that are easy for transmission repair specialists to fix.
Cars with automatic gearboxes often boast better gas mileage
We live in an age where the cost of gas usually goes up more than down. And it’s not just in the United States that this happens. Even across the Atlantic, the UK and Europe suffer from rising fuel costs.
You might not realize it, but automatics offer better gas mileage. Today’s gearboxes are more efficient in the way they do things. Plus, electronic controls mean they offer more precise gear changes.
You’ll also notice that newer automatics usually have six or more forward gears. Years ago, it was more common to have three or four-speed gearboxes. Today, some cars even have eight or nine forward gears! From a mechanical point of view, more gears mean smoother shifting.
They are a dream to use in the city
Do you live in a busy city? If so, I’m willing to bet you spend a lot of time stuck in traffic. In a manual, you’ll have to change between neutral and first hundreds of times in some short journeys. Not only does that wear out your clutch, but it doesn’t do your left leg any favors!
Automatics are ideal for city driving. All you need to do is select “Drive” and only operate the brake and gas pedals. If you have a car that offers start-stop technology, it will work well in harmony with the gearbox.
