Do Manual or Automatic Vehicles Consume More Fuel?

After fuel prices at record levels, we are paying more attention to fuel saving One of the important points is, of course, vehicle selection.

Manual vehicles provide more fuel economy If you are considering it, you should stop there and read our content. Remember that some myths may change as technology develops. But how? Let’s examine the subject in depth.

Let’s start with the technical part and look at the working principle of manual and automatic transmissions.

It is a complex mechanism that transfers the power of the engine to the wheels. automatic transmission system; The torque converter, which enables power transfer using hydraulic fluid, consists of various tooth sets and a hydraulic control unit that controls gear changes between these gears.

Gear changes in automatic transmission, It is carried out smoothly and continuously, without the need for driver intervention. As the vehicle accelerates or slows down, the transmission automatically shifts to a higher or lower gear.

In vehicles with manual transmission, the driver directly controls engine power and gear changes. Coordinated actions of engine, clutch, gearbox and driver When changing gear with , the driver first presses the clutch pedal and disconnects the connection between the engine and the transmission. By selecting the gear, the gear wheels that will transfer the engine power to the wheels are also selected, and then the clutch is released and gas is applied.

It becomes possible, especially for experienced drivers, to save fuel by optimizing the engine operating efficiency of manual transmission vehicles. But this is what we say It’s a bit outdated. Well, at least some of it.

Why are automatic transmission vehicles said to consume more fuel?

Why is it said like this? Because the people who say it in conventional automatic transmissions remained. We mentioned that a torque converter component is used instead of a clutch in automatic transmission cars. The disadvantage of gearboxes that transmit power to the wheels is that they are actually heavy and inefficient.

The mortal enemies of fuel economy Considering that there is weight and inefficiency between “Vehicles with automatic transmission consume more fuel.” discourse emerges. It was more difficult to stay in the optimum rev range, especially since old automatic transmissions only had 3 or 4 gears.

What changed?

Automatic transmission cars have come of age. Engines with more power are now used to change gear smoothly and get rid of negative effects. There are different technological changes coming to vehicles with automatic transmission.

One of them is single automatic clutches. In this system, electronic computer control replaces the clutch. They are actually lighter and cheaper than traditional automatic transmissions. The disadvantage of single automatic clutches is that sometimes the car’s brain may not immediately select which gear it should be in. That’s why there may be vibration when changing gears.

Dual automatic clutches is known for its pioneering role in Porsche. In this system, which works like an automatic, the vehicle can pre-select the gear it will change. Thus, almost a seamless transition is provided. Although it is a fast and smooth transition, the only disadvantage of this clutch is that it is more costly than other transmission options.

There are also CVT transmissions. Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT) transmissionsIt works a little differently than other gearboxes. CVT changes the configuration of the drive belt that transmits power from the engine to the wheels. Although it was once generally used in small city cars, it has now become preferred in high-powered family and performance cars.

How do these transmission types contribute to fuel economy?

In the past, due to gearboxes There was the fact that manual cars consume less fuel. Because automatic transmissions were inferior in terms of weight. Also, in old automatic transmission cars, the number of gears was usually 3. However, nowadays modern automatic transmissions 7, 8 and even 9 gears are available.

The high number of gears that can be selected also makes the vehicle the possibility of staying in the most efficient rev range It also increases. Thus, less weight, better power distribution, better gear selection efficiency and fuel savings come with it.

In addition, automatic vehicles now have the same base as manual vehicles and improved gear ratios. semi-automatic vehicles It is also a reason for preference. Thanks to these vehicles, fuel economy can be maintained while also having modes that adapt to different terrain types or desired performance levels.

It’s not what you ride, but how you ride that matters.

save fuel It’s not just about the transmission system. Even if you drive a car with a manual transmission, if you are not a professional, do not change gear when it should be, and tire your car, you can consume your fuel very quickly.

No matter which vehicle you choose, there are many things you need to know to achieve fuel economy. in your vehicle without realizing it. Some variables may cause you to consume more fuel. By browsing our related content, you can take better care of your vehicle and use your fuel more efficiently.

Should I buy a manual or automatic transmission car?

After this content, you now know that vehicles with manual transmission no longer guarantee better fuel efficiency. When it comes to purchasing a vehicle, if one of your options is modern automatic transmissionIf so, you should consider other factors besides fuel economy.

Briefly Advantages and disadvantages of manual and automatic transmission vehicles Let’s approach the end of our content by touching on:

Advantages of vehicles with manual transmission

• Manual transmission, driver control of the vehicle provides maximum. Direct control over engine power and gear changes is particularly advantageous when accelerating and climbing hills.
• Manual transmissions are generally less complex than automatics and can be repaired when they fail. repair costs are lower it could be.
• Vehicles with manual transmission are generally cheaper in terms of purchase price than vehicles with automatic transmission. It is more economical.

Disadvantages of vehicles with manual transmission

• Learning to drive a manual transmission can be challenging, especially for new drivers. Requires coordination and timing It is a process.
• In heavy traffic and urban use, continuous gear shifting and clutch use It can be tiring.
• Manual transmission, driving focus more requires. This may cause distraction for some drivers.

Advantages of vehicles with automatic transmission

• Automatic transmission provides ease of use, especially for beginners and drivers stuck in heavy traffic. To change gear It does not require any extra effort.
• For long journeys and heavy traffic, automatic transmission makes driving more comfortable. The driver only needs to take care of the gas and brake.
• Thanks to their optimization, modern automatic transmissions are, in some cases, more efficient than manual transmission vehicles. faster acceleration can provide.

Disadvantages of vehicles with automatic transmission

• The pleasure of driving a manual vehicle Automatic transmission vehicles may be at a disadvantage for those who like
• Automatic transmissions are more complex and require maintenance or repair. costs more it could be.
• Vehicles with automatic transmission are generally more expensive than vehicles with manual transmission. is more expensive.

Of course, both vehicles have different aspects and advantages. In addition to this comparison that we have briefly mentioned, our main important topic is fuel economy You can buy a vehicle by taking this into consideration.

Which transmission type do you prefer? We are waiting for your experiences and comments.

Other content you need to know about cars: There is no topic left that we haven’t touched on 🙂