Manual vs. Automatic Maintenance

Most people know that there are two types of vehicles when it comes to transmission, manual and automatic. But, did you know that there is a different way to care for your vehicle based on the type of transmission you have?

Know the Difference Between Manual and Automatic

A manual transmission vehicle is easy to spot. The first thing to look for is that there are three pedals. The clutch is all the way to the left, and then you also have your brake and your gas pedals. An automatic vehicle only has the brake and the gas pedals.

Another way to identify if a car is automatic or manual is the gear shifter. A manual has the inscription (pictured right), "R, 1,2,3,4,5,6," whereas an automatic will say, "PRNDL," for park, reverse, neutral, drive, and low gear. 

Fluid Change Maintenance: Automatic vs. Manual Transmission

The main difference in maintenance between an automatic vehicle and a manual is how you keep up with transmission fluid.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

If you have an automatic, you'll see that the fluid is called, "lifetime," fluid which is true. The fluid will last the life of the transmission. However, if you want to extend the life of your transmission, we suggest changing the fluid at 60,000 to 70,000 miles.

Manual Maintenance

A manual vehicle also needs a transmission fluid change, but this is based on the recommendation of the manufacturer. If you are driving around with dirty fluid, it is harder for the gears to shift, which takes a toll on the transmission. 

It is likely that a manual car will need a new clutch every now and then, depending on how the car is being driven. If the clutch is beaten up constantly, you'll need to replace it every 5,000 miles. Likewise, if you are gentle on your clutch and drive cautiously, it will last much longer. 

No matter what type of transmission you have, Weber Automotive is experienced in servicing, repairing, and replacing all components of your car. If you need maintenance or any service, we can help. Contact us today with any questions or schedule an appointment online.