Manual vs. automatic transmission diesel

As it turns out, the simpler system allows the engine to operate at a slightly more efficient rate, leading to better use of fuel and better gas mileage as a result.

Choosing these newer, more efficient models over a manual transmission absolutely pays off. Pro Tip: A manual transmission can only attempt to copy the efficient functionality of an automatic transmission. Finally, the simplicity of an automatic transmission gives the driver greater control over the vehicle. And when the vehicle in question is a massive haul truck, control and safety mean a lot!

While a manual transmission can allow the driver to shift gears faster, rather than waiting on the automatic model to catch up, the simplicity offered by an automatic system ensures a smoother driving experience. Automatic transmissions are simply the safer choice. As manual transmissions are slowly replaced by their superior, automatic cousins , the trucking industry will become more efficient and easier for new drivers to break into. Truck drivers have chosen a clear winner in the debate of manual vs.

Connect with us for a closer look at the trucking industry and how a quality transmission can make your experience better. Manual vs. Automatic Transmissions for Trucks. Modern automatic transmissions are ideal for those seeking convenience and comfort.

But when it comes to intensive driving, an automatic is more likely to overheat and can be harder to get out of a sticky situation. A major upside to manual vehicles is that their fuel consumption is more efficient than most automatics of the same make and model, giving you more kilometres per litre. The debate between automatics and manuals will probably never come to a real conclusion, with owners on each side firmly claiming they have the better option.

This really shows that both options can offer an incredible four-wheel driving experience. So, do you have a better chance with a manual or with an automatic? When crossing a river in a manual you need to put it in second gear low and just go for it.

When crossing a river in an automatic vehicle, you want to choose second or third gear instead of putting it in drive. The upside to driving automatic is that you can change gears or stop and no water will get in the gear box. This is why automatics are ultimately better for river crossings. When driving uphill in steep terrain, both automatic and manual options have advantages and downsides.

You want to maintain a steady speed until you reach the top of the hill, and the vehicle may try to change gears on you before you reach that point. Overall, driving automatic uphill is still a safe option. Driving manual uphill can also be a safe option, but it requires good skills to keep the clutch at the perfect spot so you can take off without too much wheel spin or going backwards.

You can also creep up the hill by putting it in second gear. With an automatic, going downhill is literally one of its biggest downfalls.

This can cause overheating and wearing down of your breaks. Manuals, on the other hand, are built for driving downhill. You can use your engine breaking in first gear low, which most diesel four-wheel drives are perfect for.

Without a doubt, driving a manual is your best option for driving downhill in steep terrain. With so many beautiful, sprawling beaches in Australia, four-wheel driving on sand is extremely popular and fun. Driving a heavy vehicle on soft sand seems like a bad combination.

The key to driving on sand is to keep your momentum, which requires selecting a low gear. Not using low range can place further pressure on clutches and transmissions.

The biggest advantage to driving an automatic on soft sand is that you are able to maintain your momentum because changing gears is so smooth. The reason for this is you can keep the vehicle in the same gear when you need to spin tyres to clear tread blocks. The most important thing to remember is this: take it slow.

It can take twice as long to cover ground when traveling over challenging rocks, but both automatics and manuals can get the job done with proper wheel placement, patience and planning.

An advantage to automatics is that you can put the vehicle in drive and control the amount of force you need to get over a rock before the gear box gives it motion. Rock crawling in a manual can be a lot of fun if you know exactly what you are doing.