The transmission is a crucial part of your car's drivetrain that delivers power from the engine to the wheels. Each manufacturer has their own designs, but they can all be divided into two basic categories: automatic transmissions and manual gearboxes. If you’ve just purchased your first car or need repairs, here's what you should know about each type.

What Are Automatic Transmissions?

The vast majority of vehicles sold in the United States have automatic transmissions, which change gears without any effort on your part. These systems monitor several different factors—including the position of the accelerator and the engine RPMs—to select an appropriate gear. For instance, if the engine is revving high, but the vehicle isn’t going very fast, the computer will likely assume that the car is going up a hill and shift down to a lower gear.

Automatic transmissions make driving much easier and allow you to simply focus on speed and braking. However, some newer designs allow you to override the automatic transmission and manually select a gear with the shifter or paddles attached to the steering wheel.

Throughout most of the 20th century, most automatic transmissions had only four gears. As the technology improved, more and more manufacturers began offering vehicles with six, seven, or eight gears. Honda® offers a nine-speed automatic, and some carmakers are working on 10-speed versions.

How Do Manual Gearboxes Work?

A manual transmission performs the same function as its automatic counterpart, but the operation is entirely in your hands. Cars with manual gearboxes have a manual shifter, which is why they're often called stick-shifts. They also have a third clutch pedal, usually located to the left of the brake and accelerator.

Pushing the clutch disconnects the engine and gearbox while you manually choose a gear with the shifter. Learning to drive a manual can take some time, but it gives you more control and improves gas mileage. Many drivers find driving a stick-shift more fun, which explains the enduring popularity despite the convenience of automatic transmissions.

Since the driver has more control over the vehicle, manual gearboxes typically have fewer gears. Until the 1960s, three-speed was the industry standard. Today, stick-shift vehicles normally have six gears, and some high-performance sports cars have seven. 

Whether your vehicle needs routine maintenance or major transmission repairs, bring it to the experts at Cottman Transmission & Total Auto Care in Woodbury Heights, NJ. They’ve served drivers throughout Gloucester, Camden, and Salem counties for over 50 years. Whether your car is automatic or manual, these mechanics have the experience to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Visit their website for more on their services, or call (856) 845-0070 to schedule an appointment.