What are the impacts of converting a manual transmission to an automatic transmission?

[LeviAnn]

Converting a manual transmission to an automatic transmission has no impact on the engine, but it is quite troublesome. Legally speaking, converting a manual transmission to an automatic transmission is not illegal, but modifications should be done cautiously as they may affect annual inspections. A manual transmission can be converted to an automatic one by installing an electronic control system that helps the driver control the clutch, but gear shifting still requires manual operation. Additional information: When shifting gears, the system controls the motor to automatically depress the clutch and releases it after the gear is engaged, preventing stalling. There will also be a prompt when a gear change is needed. However, the jerking sensation is relatively strong, clutch wear is increased, and reliability cannot be guaranteed, so modifications should be approached with caution.

[VanAlessandra]

Hey, speaking of converting a manual transmission to an automatic one, as an experienced driver, I have to remind you that it's not as simple as it seems. From a technical perspective, the conversion involves removing the original transmission and clutch, installing an automatic transmission—a highly complex process that costs a fortune, at least 10,000 to 20,000 RMB. You also need to match the electronic control unit; otherwise, system conflicts can cause severe jerking and unstable power output. Safety is another concern. The original vehicle design, including the chassis and braking system, is calibrated for a manual transmission. After conversion, braking distance might increase, or the system could overheat under heavy loads. What's even more troublesome is that such modifications are illegal in many areas, failing annual inspections and requiring re-registration—a real hassle. My advice? Just buy a factory-equipped automatic car—saves you both trouble and money. Manual transmissions offer driving fun but lack convenience, and the conversion cost is so high it's never worth it.

[MackenzieLee]

As an average car owner who has driven a manual transmission for several years, I also considered converting to an automatic transmission for convenience in city traffic jams. But that time, I enlisted a friend to help with the modification, and the whole car ended up in chaos. First, there was the cost issue—materials alone cost four to five thousand yuan, not to mention labor. After the conversion, the car just didn’t feel right; acceleration was sluggish, and fuel consumption skyrocketed. Even worse, the warranty was voided—the manufacturer wouldn’t honor it, and each repair cost hundreds or even thousands. In terms of driving experience, the sense of control from the manual transmission was completely lost, making it feel like a toy car sliding around. Safety-wise, I heard that mismatched transmission systems could lead to sudden stalling accidents, which was downright dangerous. I learned my lesson—if convenience is the goal, it’s better to just buy a used automatic car—affordable and reliable. Modifications are simply not worth the trouble and risks.

[IsabelleFitz]

When I first started learning to drive, I loved the crisp feeling of a manual transmission. But later, I wanted to try switching to an automatic, and found the impact was significant. The advantage is that driving becomes easier—no need to press the clutch, especially in city traffic where it’s less tiring. The downsides? The conversion process is time-consuming, possibly taking a week to complete, but if issues arise, repairs can be a hassle. Fuel consumption might increase, and acceleration can feel sluggish. Safety-wise, if the transmission isn’t installed correctly, it’s prone to malfunctions, raising the risk of losing control of the car. The driving experience also loses a lot of its thrill—there’s no excitement when cornering or overtaking. I think young people should either learn to drive manual or just buy an automatic model outright. Converting back and forth is too much hassle and not worth the money or time.