The manual transmission is nearly a thing of the past with only a few commercial vehicles and some sports cars still being built with manual transmissions. According to CarMax, manual transmissions are found in only 2.4% of cars sold. If you are wondering why manual transmission is becoming a thing of the past, here's a closer look at some of the primary reasons why.

Most Drivers Prefer Automatics

An automatic transmission does not require drivers to master the art of manually shifting gears. Instead of learning how to use a clutch and manual gear shifter, they just have to know how to step on the gas and use the brake pedal. The eventual need for automatic transmission repair often doesn't occur until well after most people trade-in or sell their formerly new cars for current models, so repair costs typically are avoided.

Producing Only Automatics Saves Money

When automakers offer a choice between automatic and manual transmissions, they have to produce both types. That means two different assembly lines for the transmissions. It also means one type might not sell as well as the other. Producing vehicles with only automatic transmissions helps to lower production costs.

Automatics Have Better Fuel Economy

A manual transmission has fewer gears than an automatic transmission. Therefore, it takes more fuel to get up to speed before shifting. Current automatic transmissions have up to 10 gears that often are referred to as speeds, which makes power delivery a lot more efficient from the engine to the drive wheels, according to our team. Federal requirements for improved fuel efficiency in new vehicles virtually eliminate the potential for using manual transmissions in most private passenger vehicles.

Fewer Spare Parts Are Needed

The parts that go into an automatic transmission are significantly different than the parts that go into a manual transmission. When car companies sell models that only have automatics, there is no need to produce spare parts for manual transmissions, which helps to simplify maintenance and repair services for automatic transmissions.

Whether you drive a vehicle with a manual or an automatic, you can call, schedule service online, or visit us to get transmission repair service for your vehicle at North Idaho Transmission & Auto Care. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you in the near future!