What's the difference between manual and automatic transmissions?

Does transmission type affect car insurance?

Your car's specific make and model might affect your car insurance rate, as can your transmission type. Insurers consider risk factors like how much it could cost to repair your car and if your specific car might be prone to causing more expensive damage to other vehicles, and your transmission type can impact those factors.

Your car insurance cost will ultimately be determined by a number of factors, including your age, driving history, accident history, credit score, location, insurance history, and other factors.

Coverage for your transmission

Transmission wear and tear isn't typically covered by insurance. That said, Progressive Vehicle Protection (PVP) is an optional, affordable add-on coverage that can cover transmission repairs that your standard auto insurance policy won't. Your vehicle's standard warranty may cover transmission repairs, and PVP can cover you even after that warranty runs out. Find out if PVP is available for your vehicle when you quote auto insurance.

Should you get a manual or automatic transmission vehicle?

Automatic transmission technology has improved over the decades, making some of the old arguments against it obsolete. If you're considering a manual transmission — or you're a stick shift lover and wondering if you should switch to automatic — it comes down to what kind of driver you are and what type of driving experience you want.

Pros of manual transmission

More engaging

The number one reason to choose a stick shift is that you like the feeling of being engaged with your car. You have more to do, and some drivers feel that manual transmissions are more fun than automatic ones.

More control

Choosing which gear to use gives you more control over your ride. A skilled stick shift driver can provide a smooth ride, limit the car's speed in adverse conditions, and more.

Vehicle security

With fewer manual transmission vehicles on the road, stick shift vehicles may be less of a target for car theft.

Versatility abroad

Despite accounting for less than 2.5% of sales in the United States, manual transmissions are popular abroad, especially in Europe and Asia. Being comfortable with a stick shift is helpful if you want to drive a car internationally.

Cons of manual transmission

More work

A stick shift requires more attention and physical effort to drive, especially in heavy traffic or hilly areas. If you take long trips or do a lot of city driving, you may see driving a stick as a hassle.

Learning curve

If you don't know how to drive a stick, you need time to learn, including subtleties, such as knowing when and how to release the clutch and add gas, downshifting, and managing a stick on a steep hill.

Trouble finding a car

Today, few new cars in America offer a manual option. That means you have to choose from a limited selection or look at older models.

Difficulty lending or sharing a car

Not everyone knows how to operate a stick shift. A manual transmission can be a poor fit when you expect multiple drivers, like families with driving-age children.

Automatic transmission pros

More convenient

For most people, the learning curve for driving an automatic transmission is more approachable. Press the accelerator and go without worrying about shifting or evaluating which gear to use.

Lots of options

Nearly every car in production in America is offered with an automatic transmission, meaning you have your choice of vehicles.

Less tiring

Because an automatic transmission requires less input from the driver, they're typically less tiring to drive, especially in situations such as city driving that require lots of shifting.

Automatic transmission cons

Less fun

For those interested in performance driving or who like the feeling of control behind the wheel, trading control for convenience may not be worthwhile.

Less control

In inclement weather, an automatic car gives you less control, while a manual would let you downshift to go slower on a snowy road.

More complicated to repair

Automatic transmissions are more mechanically complex than manuals and may require more expensive maintenance over time.

Does a manual or automatic transmission last longer?

It depends on how the driver handles the car. For example, if a manual driver is hard on their clutch and shifts roughly, the car's transmission might not last as long as an automatic transmission. However, according to Motor Biscuit, manual cars tend to last longer because in general, the ability to shift into the necessary gear makes it gentler on the vehicle overall. Automatic cars tend to be more complex with intricate parts; manuals have fewer moving parts and may be more durable.

Are manual or transmission cars more fuel efficient?

According to TopGear, real-world tests show that manuals can still eke out 2-5% better fuel economy than their automatic counterparts. Consumer Reports tests found that in some cars a manual transmission can improve gas mileage by a significant 2 to 5 mpg, compared with an automatic. However, it's worth noting that technological advancements have made automatic transmissions more competitive these days with manuals regarding fuel efficiency.