Automatic cars are among the most sought-after vehicles on the market. When choosing a car you should decide which transmission is right for you. To make this decision it is crucial to go over the details about manual and automatic transmissions. Transmission types aren't as different as used to be in earlier times but it's helpful when choosing a car know what the differences are and the way each one operates.

Here are a few important things to consider.

What is an Automatic Car?

An automatic car is a vehicle with an automated transmission that does not require the driver to switch gears on their own. Transmissions, also called gearboxes, help to direct the rotational force and speed of cars. So, automatic transmissions alter gear ratios when a vehicle moves. A transmission that is automatic uses sensors that allow it to shift gears at the right moment using the internally regulated oil pressure. It is possible to shift gears after the vehicle is separated from the engine for a short period and is controlled through the torque converter.

You can determine if a auto is an automatic vehicle by looking at the pedals. If an automobile features two pedals, it is an automatic. Manual vehicles also have a third pedal -- called a clutch pedal -- which is smaller that the brake pedal.

Types of Automatic Transmission in Automobiles

there are many types of automatic transmissions in modern automobiles. Here are some of the automatic transmissions:

  • Torque converter automated:This transmission type is the most well-known kind of auto transmission that is automatic. The torque converter automatic transmission is operated by an hydraulic fluid coupling, or a torque converter that is connected to the engine's electronic control unit, allowing the transmission to manage on the automobile.
  • Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): A CVT permits to use an "infinite" number of gear ratios that allow a vehicle to accelerate without gear shifts interrupting. CVT makes use of variable-width pulleys and belts instead the fixed gears.
  • Semi-automatic transmission (SAT):A semi-automatic features a clutch like manual transmissions, however the clutch operates using electrohydraulic mechanisms and utilizes sensors and pneumatics, processors and actuators.
  • Dual-clutch gearbox:A dual-clutch, also known as a direct-shift gearbox has a lot of similarities to manual transmissions. The main difference is that a dual-clutch transmission is operated by a computer in the car and includes two clutches, instead of just one. One clutch operates the odd gears, and another one runs the even gears.
  • Tiptronic transmission These auto transmissions give drivers with the option to turn off the automatic mode to give more control over the performance of their vehicle with the driver's ability to shift gears while performing as an auto engine. Tiptronic transmissions were created by Porsche.

History of Automatic Transmission

just over 100 years back around 100 years ago, manual transmissions were only option for drivers until the Sturtevant brothers of Boston made their first attempt at an automatic transmission in 1904. Weights and bands operated on their 2-speed "horseless carriage" gearbox. The automated transmission they developed wasn't always reliable as weights often flew apart which caused the transmission to fail.

A key development that was instrumental in helping engineers to create an electronic transmission was the "planetary" one found in the gearbox of a vehicle. And the first used planetary transmission was used in the Wilson-Pilcher. The transmission was constructed in the years 1900-1907 was operated using two epicyclic gear trains that allowed four forward gears to be set by using a single gear change lever.

Alfred Horner Munro, a Canadian steam engineer, created an automatic gear in 1921. He patent the mechanism in 1923. He invented the automatic transmission with four forward gears and none of the reverse or parking gears. He also used pneumatic pressure rather than hydraulic fluid. General Motors used the transmission in its Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac between 1937 and 1938.

First hydraulic transmissions were invented by Brazilian engineers Fernando Lehly Lemos and Jose Braz Araripe in 1932. General Motors purchased the prototype and developed the transmission into it's HydraMatic transmission. The transmission was manufactured in 1940, which changed the course of the automobile industry. During the Second World War, General Motors made tanks, as well as other military vehicles using the automated hydraulic transmission.

In 1948, Buick presented the world's first mechanical transmission that had the capability of converting torque. The transmission was dubbed the Dynaflow.

When Was the Semi-automatic Transmission Developed?

REO as well as General Motors began making semi-automatic transmissions in 1934, which performed with ease, compared with an entirely manual transmission. Their pioneer transmission designs maintained a clutch for drivers to use, that connected the engine with the transmission.

Advantages of an automatic car

Both transmissions have their distinct advantages, and the best one could differ depending on the driver. Here are some benefits the auto car provides drivers:

  • Simple to operate in traffic. Manual cars take more work to start, stop and speed up in heavy traffic, starting and stopping a vehicle could be a hassle. It is simple to start and stop auto cars simply by pressing one pedal.
  • The transmission shifts fast and effortlessly. Drivers do not need to work extra for shifting the transmission in an auto because it shifts for them. The passengers and the driver inside the car aren't usually aware when the transmission shifts when the car is automated.
  • The process of learning how to drive an automatic is easier. Manual vehicle driving requires more practice than driving an automatic car. There are more limbs involved when operating a manual car. Also, it takes less time to learn to drive automatic cars.
  • The risk of stalling is reduced. Manual vehicles are prone to stalling accidentally at a stoplight by the driver. Automated vehicles are less likely to stall when there is some mechanical issue.
  • Best in areas with hills.

Disadvantages of an Automatic car

There are many advantages to having an auto however, automatic vehicles also have some drawbacks. Here are some issues that may come with owning an automatic vehicle:

  • They are more costly to buy. Autos are typically about $4,000 more expensive than their manual counterparts. This is based on the vehicle make and model. Additionally, certain cars are only available with an automated versions.
  • It could hinder a driver's focus. The manual vehicle requires greater focus because the driver is required to shift gears on their own. Autonomous vehicles require less focus to drive. This means a driver may choose to take part in distracting activitiesthat could result in accidents.
  • It can decrease the energy efficiency. Manual vehicles usually perform better than automated vehicles, however this is also dependent on the make and model of the car.

Used Automatic Cars are only going to get more popular. Being informed is vital to deciding the best one for you.