With new drivers coming on the road, they need to learn complete control of their vehicle. One way that people can control a vehicle themselves is by driving a manual transmission car.
Many cars today on the road are driven in automatic transmissions, where the car shifts and controls itself. However, there are some manufacturers that still offer manual transmission cars, or as Americans call it, “stick shift.”
These types of transmissions differ from an automatic due to the fact that the person sitting in the driver’s seat is controlling the car, with the gear selector and the clutch.
All manual transmission cars come with a third pedal, which is known as the clutch. The clutch separates the engine from the gearbox when shifting into the next gear.
Even though automatics are way easier to drive, manual transmissions are very beneficial. It can provide better fuel efficiency, cheaper to own and maintain, and knowing how to drive a manual is an essential skill in life
Power tech teacher Mr. Bill Domeracki says, “You have a little bit more control over the shifting, fuel economy, and it is easy to maintain because manuals tend to be a bit lighter than automatics.”
Many students drive automatics, which differ from manuals.
Junior Michael Doyle states,“With an automatic you never have to worry about what gear to change into. With a stick shift, you need to learn the RPMs, and what gear to shift into.”
Learning a manual transmission at a young age can make youngsters become a more versatile driver, and will be able to handle a wide variety of vehicles, and more hand-eye coordination.
Domeracki adds, “Most of the young kids are going to an automatic, but manuals are still out there today, so why not learn how to use it?”
With the majority of cars being produced as automatics here in the US, it’s becoming harder and harder for new drivers to get manual transmissions on cars today.
When given the opportunity to operate a manual transmission car, don’t be shy to give it a try.
