In the United States, the popularity of vehicles with automatic transmissions began during the 1950s. This is when a vehicle with this type of transmission was made available to the public. The drivers soon preferred automatic transmission vehicles. The advancements in technology have resulted in automatic transmission vehicles being preferred by millions of drivers worldwide. It is believed this is due to at least six advantages provided by vehicles with an automatic transmission.
1. Decreases Distraction and Stress
When a person drives a manual transmission for a long time, it has been proven to cause significant stress. This is because driving a vehicle with a manual transmission requires focus to properly shift the gears based on the type of road being driven and a vehicle’s speed. This can be extremely challenging on mountain roads or off-road, and more. Automatic transmissions enable a driver to be more focused on their driving and don’t require so much effort to control the vehicle. Drivers operating vehicles with an automatic transmission experience significantly less stress when driving.
2. More Power
It has been proven that a vehicle with a manual transmission just does not have as much power as those with an automatic transmission. The reason for this is that an automatic transmission does not have a planetary gear set. The gears used by a manual transmission are designed to transfer power. This distributes the torque and increases friction created by the source. Breakage is significantly decreased as well during this process. This doesn’t happen when vehicles have an automatic transmission. In this situation, the torque is created from the source. It is not spread out. With an automatic transmission, a vehicle’s engine can perform at its maximum capacity. A person will feel the power of their vehicle as they drive it.
3. Fuel Economy
The amount of fuel consumed by automatic transmission vehicles has historically been a concern to those who drive them. Many attribute this to the early types of technology used in automatic transmissions. More recent types of these vehicles are much better at fuel economy. This impacts passenger vehicles as well as commercial vehicles. The latest generation of automatic transmissions optimizes the efficiency of commercial vehicles as well as passenger vehicles. An automatic transmission can make certain there is no loss of engine power when it shifts gears. This has resulted in vehicles with automatic transmissions now having the best possible fuel efficiency.
4. Comfortable and Convenient
One of the most popular benefits of an automatic transmission is how it makes the process of driving much easier. Many cars around the world have manual transmissions. The popularity of automatic transmission vehicles is increasing at a rapid pace. The requirements of handling a vehicle are much less with an automatic transmission. Many people claim it makes the driving experience more enjoyable. This is especially true when traveling long distances.
5. Torque Multiplication
Most true automatic vehicles use a torque converter. This is a fluid coupling that makes it possible for a vehicle’s engine to idle. A torque converter works by transferring power. It utilizes a turbine blade that is engine-driven. It is designed to force fluid through a transmission-mounted turbine blade. The engine-side turbine blade is made to reach a stall speed or pre-set RPM. When this happens, the vehicle’s engine-side turbine’s ability to pass fluid without moving has been overwhelmed. During the time an engine idles, and engagement of full transmission, it creates a gearing effect. This is similar to the effect of a Continuously Variable Transmission. This will increase the level of torque just off idle impacting the vehicle’s acceleration. It is this ability that makes automatic transmissions the favorite type of vehicle for professional drag racers. These vehicles run lower times when compared to a similar vehicle with a manual transmission.
6. Acceleration
It takes a longer time to shift gears with a manual transmission when compared to automatic transmission vehicles. A manual transmission requires a specific type of movement when it comes to shifting gears. This can result in human error as well as mistiming. With an automatic transmission, the engagement clutches are located close to one another. This results in controlling the vehicle’s acceleration in a faster and smoother way.
Customers often ask mechanics if they should purchase a vehicle with an automatic or manual transmission. This will depend on the type of vehicle that will meet their individual needs. A driver needs to know the advantages provided by an automatic transmission before making any decision.
Autobiography:
Eric Reyes is a passionate thought leader having been featured in 50 distinguished online and offline platforms. His passion and knowledge in Finance and Business made him a sought-after contributor providing valuable insights to his readers. You can find him reading a book and discussing current events in his spare time.
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