When it comes to driving a car, every part under the hood works together to keep the whole vehicle running well. One of the major parts is the transmission, which ensures that the right amount of engine power is smoothly transferred to the wheels of a vehicle to achieve the desired speed. However, there are two main types of systems: manual and automatic. This guide goes over the basics of each kind and how they operate.

Manual

With a manual transmission, the driver has to physically change which gear the car is using while the vehicle is in motion. The clutch pedal and gear shift are the two primary components of this type of system, both of which control the gears along the input and output shafts. The car should always be in first gear when the vehicle is started.

When a driver needs to change gears to increase or decrease the car's potential speed, they depress the clutch pedal to disengage the clutch mechanism located between the engine and the transmission. This stops power from moving from the engine to the transmission, which allows the driver to safely move the gears into different positions with the gear shift. This component is usually a round handle positioned along the middle console next to the driver's seat.

Automatic

With an automatic system, the shifting process is performed intuitively by the vehicle when it detects changes in speed. The most common type of automatic system uses hydraulic power to switch gears. When the vehicle needs to shift, it utilizes fluid pressure to perform gear changes. This pressure activates the bands and clutches of the system, which determine what gear the engine should be in to maintain the desired speed. The fluid also cools and lubricates the various parts of the system to prevent failure and overheating.

Instead of a clutch pedal, an automatic transmission uses a torque converter. This doughnut-shaped component is attached to the drivetrain and controls when engine power reaches the wheels so the hydraulic system can safely lock and unlock gears to shift between positions. The entire process happens automatically, without any input needed from the driver other than putting the drive shift in the Drive or Reverse position.

If your vehicle experiences transmission problems, A+ Transmission & Auto Repair is here to help. With more than four decades of industry experience, they serve drivers throughout Lake Havasu City, AZ. In addition to transmission repairs, they provide engine, suspension, and brake service, oil changes, battery replacements, and other types of auto repairs and routine maintenance. Call (928) 846-3708 to request a quote, or visit their website to explore their services in more detail.