Transmission Guide: Automatic vs. Manual
Toyota of Dothan's Transmission Guide in Dothan, AL
With so many important decisions to make in the car-buying process, the last thing you want to be is confused when choosing your car's transmission type. The transmission is pretty important to the function of your car — it directs the power generated by the engine to the wheels so all you feel is a continuous stream of power — so you'll want to find a transmission that matches your driving style and automotive needs. There are three common types of transmissions: manual, automatic and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Since new Toyota models employ all three types, it can be tricky deciding which one works for you. That's where we come in. Our team at Toyota of Dothan compiled the pros and cons of each transmission type below. Ready to get started? Take a look at our table:
Transmission Types at a Glance
Manual Transmission
While manual transmissions are going out of style — only 13 percent of cars purchased in the U.S. are manual, according to HouseGrail* — that hasn't stopped Toyota from manufacturing new models with the transmission type. You can drive the Toyota GR86, GR Corolla, Tacoma and Supra as a manual. All four are fiery vehicles, ready to take on the challenge of your everyday commute (or a track weekend). Speaking of challenges, learning to drive stick shift may be difficult, but once you've practiced when to operate the clutch, the payoff is phenomenal. Plus, cars equipped with manual transmissions are traditionally more fuel efficient than vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. However, since drivers are more physically and mentally involved in driving, long-distance trips and stop-and-go traffic will be taxing.
Automatic Transmission
Most drivers won't know how to drive a manual, but everyone knows how to operate a car with an automatic transmission. Automatic transmissions are the most common type due to their effortless convenience. As the name implies, the mechanism selects the right gear at the right time automatically, so you don't have to think about when and how hard to press a third pedal. Windy mountain roads and heavy traffic won't be any more stressful than usual to navigate. There are a few cons, though. State Farm found that cars with automatic transmissions are priced higher, are more expensive to maintain and service, and have higher insurance rates. But if you enjoy a carefree driving experience, an automatic transmission might be the perfect fit.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
As an increasingly popular choice among manufacturers, CVT is the latest transmission type to join the bunch. There are several new Toyota models with CVT, largely because they're so fuel efficient. CVTs use a belt-and-pulley system for transferring the engine's power to the wheels, which practically eliminates the feeling of shifting from gear to gear. There's only one “gear” — the belt — and it varies automatically for all driving conditions. There is one con that might take some time getting used to: the low, continuous engine drone. Some drivers mind and others don't, but you'll only know for sure during your test drive! Browse our new Toyota models or find a used vehicle in our inventory equipped with CVT.
We can't wait to help here at Toyota of Dothan! Whether you're interested in test-driving a vehicle or need transmission service for your current model, contact us today or stop by our dealership at 2285 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan, AL 36301. We look forward to serving our customers near Ozark and Enterprise.
*As of January 2023.