With countless moving parts that rarely miss a beat, the transmission is an essential and sometimes confusing part of your vehicle. Because many drivers don’t fully understand how their transmission works, there are a lot of pervasive myths surrounding these parts, especially when it comes to choosing a manual versus automatic transmission. Below are some of the most common misconceptions cleared up.

4 Common Myths About Automatic & Manual Transmissions

1. Manual Transmissions Get Better Gas Mileage

While in the past it was true that manual transmissions were more economical, modern automatics have nearly closed the gap. In fact, many newer cars with automatic transmissions get mileage equal to or better than their manual counterparts.

2. Stick Shifts Are Cheaper

On the front end, cars with manual transmissions are often a little less expensive than the same vehicle with an automatic, but this is no longer always the case. In fact, once you factor in the clutch replacement and other transmission repairs, a manual may be more expensive in the long run.

3. Automatics Aren’t Suited for Sports Cars

In the past, high-performance vehicles generally came with manual transmissions, but today more and more automakers are releasing sports cars with automatics as an option. In fact, Jaguar® and some other luxury automakers have fully switched over to automatics.

4. Heavy Vehicles Need Manual Transmissions

Many people believe that trucks handling heavy loads need a manual transmission, but the opposite is true. Heavy vehicles put more wear and tear on the clutch, leading to more frequent transmission repairs and additional expenses.

Whether you drive a car with a manual or automatic transmission, the certified specialists at Quality Transmission Service have the expertise to provide everything from total rebuilds to routine repairs. They pride themselves on being Anchorage’s affordable, high-quality, and convenient option, with results that are guaranteed to last. Visit their website or call (907) 561-8767 to make a transmission repair appointment, and follow their Facebook for more automotive tips.