Differences Between Mechanical Gear Shift and Electronic Gear Shift in Cars

1 Answers
EverettAnn
07/30/25 7:37am
Mechanical gear shift and electronic gear shift differ in terms of safety performance and driving feel. The main differences are as follows: 1. Different safety levels: Electronic gear shifts are generally automatic, while mechanical automatic gear shifts are also controlled by a computer, but they are relatively more reliable than electronic ones, with better tactile feedback. Electronic gear shifts offer higher cost-effectiveness and stronger safety performance compared to conventional ones. 2. Different driving feels: Electronic gear shifts are more effortless to operate, have a better appearance, and are more technologically advanced, but their maintenance costs are relatively higher. On the other hand, manual mechanical gear shifts are more reliable, provide a more satisfying tactile feel, and offer a stronger sense of control. 3. Different internal volumes: Traditional mechanical gear shifts have a bulky internal volume, while electronic gear shifts have a smaller internal volume. The position of the manual control valve in the mechanical gear shift's transmission is the same as that of the traditional gear shift. Electronic gear shifts use motors to replace manual operation, eliminating the need to consider spatial positioning and movement direction—only requiring the arrangement of switches and wiring. The position of the gear shift can be flexibly arranged and can even be designed in various styles, such as rotary knobs or buttons.
Was this review help?
5
2
Share
More Forum Discussions

How Many Days to Get License Plate After Number Selection?

There are two ways to obtain a license plate after number selection: selecting at the DMV or online, with different timeframes. The details are as follows: Selecting at the DMV: When selecting a number through the DMV's 50-choose-1 method, the license plate is usually already made. After choosing, you can directly collect and install it. Therefore, most car owners can receive their official license plates on the same day of registration. In larger cities with high registration volumes or during peak car-buying seasons, the DMV might not be able to print so many plates in time, usually taking 2-3 working days to issue the official plates. Online Selection: When using the online 50-choose-1 or 10-choose-1 method, the time to receive the official plate is similar to selecting at the DMV. On the registration day, you only need to show the selection voucher, and generally, you can get it the same day. When using the online self-compiled selection method, the number is usually not yet made, so it takes longer, typically completed within a week. Online selections are usually delivered by mail, with EMS taking 3-4 days.
2
3
Share

Are There Fake Vehicle Identification Plates?

Vehicle identification plates cannot be counterfeit, as each vehicle has a plate that specifically documents its identity records. For most models, the identification plate is located in the engine compartment, and by directly checking this plate, the production date of the vehicle can be determined. The locations of vehicle identification plates include the following: 1. Below the front passenger door. 2. Upon vehicle delivery, there is a certificate of conformity that contains detailed dates and the vehicle's factory data. 3. The location varies by vehicle make and model; generally, opening the engine hood reveals the plate, while some are located by the right front door or under the windshield. The tenth digit of the chassis number indicates the model year. 4. Every vehicle has an identification plate that specifically documents its identity records, which can be directly inspected.
11
1
Share

Where is the ETC installed in the car?

The installation position of ETC for small cars is generally in the upper middle part of the front windshield, while for large vehicles such as trucks and buses, it is installed in the middle to lower part. The appropriate installation position should be no lower than 1.2 meters and no higher than 2.5 meters, with an installation angle between 30 to 90 degrees. For vehicles with anti-explosion film or those that have been retrofitted with anti-explosion film, it may affect the signal transmission of the microwave communication link, so it should be installed in the microwave sunroof strip. ETC is the abbreviation for Electronic-Toll-Collection, meaning electronic toll collection system. To apply for ETC, you need to provide the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and vehicle registration certificate. If the application is not made by the owner, the agent's valid ID card is also required. The photocopy of the vehicle registration certificate should include the page with the most recent annual inspection seal. A bank card for deducting highway tolls is also needed, and the vehicle must be registered under the name of an individual aged between 18 and 60. Here are some precautions for installing ETC: Do not block the view. It is best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have a large inclination angle of the windshield, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. If this is not considered when installing ETC, it will increase the driver's blind spot. Installing it behind the rearview mirror on the right side can avoid blocking the view. Do not affect charging: The ETC electronic tag consumes power, but generally does not require charging or battery replacement because it has a solar panel on the back that can charge itself. Therefore, during installation, avoid the black areas on the windshield and do not install it in a position that may block the solar panel. Once installed, do not remove it casually: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-removal lever, connected to a switch below. After the electronic tag is installed, the windshield will press the anti-removal lever in. If it is removed casually, the lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and rendering it unusable. You will then need to go to an ETC service point to unlock it. This is designed to prevent multiple vehicles from sharing one device. When using ETC, note the following: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To prevent the ETC device of the vehicle in front from malfunctioning, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters from the vehicle in front to avoid automatic payment for the vehicle ahead. The ETC lane recognition speed is 20 kilometers per hour. Driving too fast may result in failure to read the vehicle's device information, leading to failed toll deduction. When using a debit card bound to ETC, insufficient balance will also cause toll deduction failure.
16
3
Share

Can I Take Subject 3 Before Subject 2 in the Driving Test?

Generally, the driving test follows the order specified for obtaining a motor vehicle driver's license. You can schedule both Subject 2 and Subject 3 simultaneously. Even if you fail Subject 2, you can still take Subject 3. Applicants for a motor vehicle driver's license must pass the following four subjects: Subject 1 (Road Traffic Safety Laws, Regulations, and Related Knowledge), Subject 2 (Field Driving Skills), Subject 3 (Road Driving Skills), and Subject 4 (Safe and Civilized Driving Knowledge). According to Article 39 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," after passing Subject 1, applicants can schedule Subject 2 or Subject 3 (Road Driving Skills Test). Once both Subject 2 and Subject 3 are passed, applicants can take Subject 4 (Safe and Civilized Driving Knowledge Test) on the same day. Subject 2, also known as the "Small Road Test," is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment and refers to the Field Driving Skills Test. The test items include: reversing into a parking space, parallel parking, right-angle turns, stopping and starting on a slope, and curve driving. Subject 3 includes the Road Driving Skills Test and the Safe and Civilized Driving Knowledge Test. It is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment and refers to the Road Driving Skills and Safe and Civilized Driving Knowledge Test. The content of the Road Driving Skills Test varies depending on the type of vehicle being tested. Test items include: preparing to start, starting, driving straight, changing lanes, passing intersections, pulling over, crossing pedestrian crossings, passing school zones, passing bus stops, meeting vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, and nighttime driving. Provincial public security traffic management departments may add test items for specific vehicle types based on local conditions. The Safe and Civilized Driving Knowledge Test covers requirements for safe and civilized driving, safe driving knowledge in adverse weather and complex road conditions, emergency handling methods such as tire blowouts, and post-accident handling knowledge. Subject 4, also known as the "Theory Test" or "Driver's Theory Test," is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. The main content includes: safe and civilized driving requirements, safe driving knowledge in adverse weather and complex road conditions, emergency handling methods such as tire blowouts, and post-accident handling knowledge. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," Article 19: Driving a motor vehicle requires a legally obtained driver's license. Applicants must meet the driving license conditions set by the public security department under the State Council. After passing the test, the traffic management department of the public security authority will issue the corresponding category of driver's license. Drivers must operate vehicles according to the vehicle type specified on their license and carry their license while driving. Therefore, it is clear that both driving without a license and driving a vehicle type not covered by the license are illegal. According to the first provision of the reply from the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council on the interpretation and application of the "Road Traffic Safety Law" and its implementing regulations: Driving a vehicle type not covered by the license is considered unlicensed driving in nature. For penalties, based on the principle of proportionality, it can be treated as driving without a license but with a lighter penalty. Therefore, both unlicensed driving and driving a vehicle type not covered by the license are subject to Article 99, Paragraph 1 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law": Driving without a license, driving with a revoked license, or driving with a suspended license will result in a fine imposed by the public security traffic management department and may also include detention for up to 15 days.
9
3
Share

Can a Dash Cam Record Without a Memory Card?

A dash cam cannot record without a memory card because the memory card is essential for storing video footage. Without it, the device cannot record videos. Therefore, if you notice that your dash cam lacks a memory card, it is crucial to install one promptly. A dash cam is an instrument that records images, sounds, and other relevant information during vehicle travel. Once installed, it captures the entire driving process in video and audio, which can serve as evidence in traffic accidents. For those who enjoy road trips, it can also document the journey through challenging terrains. While driving, it continuously records videos, along with timestamps, speed, and location data, functioning much like a "black box." Additionally, it can act as a parking monitor. It is important not to edit the recorded footage, as tampering with it may render it useless in the event of an accident. Dash cams also help prevent unavoidable scams like staged collisions. Dash cams are primarily categorized into portable dash cams and aftermarket in-dash DVD dash cams. Portable dash cams can be further divided into rearview mirror dash cams and data dash cams. These devices are known for their discreet design, easy installation, replaceability, low cost, and user-friendly operation. On the other hand, aftermarket in-dash DVD dash cams are typically vehicle-specific and come in front-mounted and rear-mounted variants. Installing these cams is more expensive and complex, but they maintain the vehicle's interior aesthetics. Tips for Using a Dash Cam: Installation Location: The dash cam should ideally be installed near the rearview mirror inside the car. This placement ensures it does not obstruct the driver's view and remains unaffected by windshield wipers during rain or snow, allowing for uninterrupted recording. Settings: To capture clearer footage, set the dash cam to the highest video quality and lower the video sensitivity. This adjustment prevents the cam from automatically locking due to normal braking while driving.
11
4
Share

Is it okay to have ETC installed but not use it?

It is acceptable to have ETC installed without using it. According to the State Council regulations, starting from 2020, vehicles without ETC or not using ETC will not enjoy toll discounts. In the future, only one manual lane will remain at highway toll stations, and tolls can only be paid through manual lanes. How ETC works: Through the onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield, specialized short-range communication is established with the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at the toll station. Computer networking technology is used for backend settlement processing with banks, allowing vehicles to pass through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping while still paying the tolls. ETC deduction principles: The toll amount for ETC vehicles is rounded according to the "round down if less than 0.5, no change if 0.5 or more" rule (i.e., amounts less than 0.5 yuan are rounded down, amounts 0.5 yuan or more remain unchanged). After applying a 5% discount, the amount is then rounded to the nearest cent. MTC vehicles still follow the "round to the nearest yuan" rule. All this is based on the principle of passing first and deducting fees later. Benefits of installing ETC: Time-saving: Eliminates the hassle of waiting in line; Green and eco-friendly: Low-carbon, vehicles pass toll stations without stopping, reducing noise and exhaust emissions, thereby decreasing pollution; Reduced wear and tear: Saves costs, reduces the frequency of vehicle starts and stops, lowering wear and fuel consumption; Improved efficiency: Theoretically, ETC lanes can improve vehicle passing efficiency by 2-3 times, making traditional ETC more updated, faster, and more high-tech. Compared to license plate payment, ETC technology is more mature and advantageous. More policy support: The State Council clearly stated in the "13th Five-Year Plan for the Development of a Modern Comprehensive Transportation System" that "by 2020, the interoperability of transportation cards in key city clusters will be basically achieved, and the proportion of vehicles using ETC will significantly increase." It also set a clear target in the "13th Five-Year" comprehensive transportation development indicators: "by 2020, the ETC usage rate for road passenger vehicles should reach 50%." More future possibilities: In addition to continuously improving the convenience of ETC installation and usage and the ETC usage rate for passenger vehicles, efforts will also be made to promote ETC usage for trucks. Future developments will explore deeper integration of ETC systems with vehicle-to-vehicle communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure coordination, and other smart transportation directions, providing comprehensive travel services for vehicle owners. This means more application scenarios will support ETC usage.
20
4
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.