Are all cars automatic transmission now?
2 Answers
Not all cars are automatic transmission now. Currently, basically all types of vehicles have both automatic and manual transmissions. Many car owners now prefer automatic transmission models. The advantage of automatic transmission over manual transmission is that it is easier to drive. Automatic transmission cars do not have a clutch, and both the accelerator and brake pedals are operated with the right foot. When driving, you only need to hold the steering wheel with your hands and control the accelerator and brake with your right foot. Automatic transmission cars usually use a hydraulic transmission device to replace the mechanical clutch of manual transmission cars, so there is no clutch pedal. When the engine speed is low, the torque transmitted by the liquid is limited and insufficient to push the car forward. When the gear lever is placed in the forward gear and the brake pedal is released, as the accelerator is pressed and the engine speed increases, the transmitted torque increases, pushing the car forward.
As a young person who frequently drives for trips, I've noticed that most cars nowadays are automatic. I remember when I took my driving test a few years ago, the instructor taught me how to drive a manual transmission car, but my first car was automatic. It made driving in congested city traffic much easier—just using my right foot to control the accelerator and brake without constantly shifting gears. Most of my friends also drive automatic cars, making manual transmissions feel like relics from a bygone era. The rise of electric vehicles has further accelerated this trend, as they are inherently automatic—Tesla, for example, only offers automatic transmissions. However, manual transmissions still exist, especially in some economy cars or for track enthusiasts. Among young people, there are quite a few fans of manual transmissions, mainly for the pursuit of driving pleasure. In summary, automatic transmissions have become the mainstream choice.
