If you’ve recently purchased a vehicle with a manual transmission, or you’re considering doing so, here are some FAQs about manual transmissions that may help.
Before we get into the details of manual transmission service, it might help to go over the basic differences between manual and automatic transmissions. The biggest difference, or at least the most noticeable difference to you the driver, is that with a manual transmission, you are responsible for shifting gears. An automatic transmission does the shifting for you. In a manual transmission, you use a clutch pedal and gear shifter to shift gears to achieve higher speeds. The majority of vehicles in Canada have automatic transmissions.
What we call “transmission fluid” is technically automatic transmission fluid. However, confusingly, manual transmissions do sometimes use automatic transmission fluid. They might also use manual transmission oil, heavyweight hypoid gear oil, or regular motor oil. If you’re unsure which to use in your manual transmission, book a service with us at Mister Transmission and our technicians will figure it out for you.
A manual transmission will probably need a little less service over its lifetime than an automatic transmission. There are a number of factors, however, that affect how much service a transmission, manual or automatic, needs. These factors include how old the transmission is, what type of vehicle the transmission is installed in, your driving habits, and where you drive.
Because more of the work the transmission does is automated in an automatic transmission, these machines are more complex than their manual cousins. This higher level of intricacy and complexity can make automatic transmission service and repair trickier than manual transmission service and repair. Manual transmission service is, on average, simpler and slightly less expensive than automatic transmission service. One thing to note, however, is that the clutch in a manual transmission is something of a weak point, and that can cause problems that don’t happen in automatic transmissions.
While manual transmissions require more work, some drivers enjoy having more control over their vehicle. Manual transmission vehicles also tend to cost less than automatic ones and they usually get better fuel economy. So there are several advantages for manual transmissions, but these only apply if you’re comfortable driving one.
At Mister Transmission, we’re happy to perform manual transmission service, as well as automatic transmission service and CVT service. To learn more, please contact us. Please note that we have a comprehensive COVID-19 policy to keep everybody safe.
The evolution of transmissions has made these machines and systems increasingly complex. When transmission repairs are required, determining the cause and cure for what ails can be tricky.
Read More
At Mister Transmission we have access to leading-edge diagnostic equipment, enabling us to offer you the fastest and most accurate findings about what’s going on inside your vehicle’s transmission.
Read More
Just as you have other parts of your car serviced, your transmission needs maintenance to ensure a long life and avoid transmission problems.
Read More