Part two of our three part series will explore manual transmissions and clutches. In part one, we covered the automatic transmission. In part three, we’ll explore what a rear differential is.
What is a Manual Transmission?
According to this WIKIPEDIA article:
Manual transmissions often feature a driver-operated clutch and a movable gear stick. Most automobile manual transmissions allow the driver to select any forward gear ratio (“gear”) at any time, but some, such as those commonly mounted on motorcycles and some types of racing cars, only allow the driver to select the next-higher or next-lower gear. This type of transmission is sometimes called a sequential manual transmission. Sequential transmissions are commonly used in auto racing for their ability to make quick shifts.[citation needed]
Manual transmissions are characterized by gear ratios that are selectable by locking selected gear pairs to the output shaft inside the transmission. Conversely, most automatic transmissions feature epicyclic (planetary) gearing controlled by brake bands and/or clutch packs to select gear ratio. Automatic transmissions that allow the driver to manually select the current gear are called Manumatics. A manual-style transmission operated by computer is often called an automated transmission rather than an automatic.
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Are Clutches Better Than Automatics?
It really depends on who you ask. A lot of car enthusiasts prefer a manual transmission to an automatic as it allows for greater control of the vehicle by the driver. And on the open road, a clutch is a wonderful thing. However, the problem that clutches have is that in stop and go traffic common to a major metropolitan area like Mesa, you’re always either gearing up or gearing down.
Clutches are usually less prone to transmission problems, but like all mechanical components they can break or malfunction too. After awhile, constant gearing up and down can cause the gears to wear down, making a trip to an auto mechanic who does clutch repair a requirement.
Trail Transmission does both clutch repair and automatic transmission repair in and around the Mesa area.
Trail Transmission
11240 East Apache Trail
Apache Junction, AZ 85120-3529
(480) 986-7367
https://trailtransmission.com/
Car Components Part I: Automatic Transmission
Car Components Part II: Manual Transmissions and Clutches
Car Components Part III: Rear Differentials