What is the driving principle of a manual transmission?
2 Answers
Manual transmission operates on the principle of changing the gear ratio through the shift fork, thereby altering the driving torque to suit different working conditions. A manual transmission refers to a vehicle that uses a manually operated mechanical gearbox to adjust speed, where the driver must manually move the gear lever to change the meshing position of gears inside the transmission, thus altering the gear ratio to achieve speed variation. The method of driving a manual transmission is as follows: 1. Press the clutch pedal all the way down; 2. Push the gear lever to engage the first gear, which is the starting gear; 3. Gently press the turn signal lever downward to activate the left turn signal, indicating to vehicles ahead and behind; 4. Press the horn button to alert pedestrians in front of the vehicle of the imminent start; 5. Release the vehicle's handbrake; 6. Lift the left foot upward until the clutch reaches the half-clutch state, at which point the vehicle begins to vibrate slightly; 7. As the vehicle starts to move, release the clutch and gently press the accelerator.
I particularly enjoy driving manual transmission cars, feeling like I'm in control of a precision machine. The driving principle is based on the coordination of the clutch, gearbox, and engine: pressing the clutch pedal disengages the power, allowing me to move the gear lever to select a gear and change the gear ratio. For example, first gear provides high torque for starting, while fifth gear saves fuel at high speeds. Releasing the clutch restores power transmission. The key is to match the engine speed, such as shifting up around 3000 RPM to prevent jerking, which requires practice to find the clutch engagement point—partially releasing it for a smooth power transition. Manual transmission gives me a better understanding of the car's condition, allowing direct control during hill starts or rapid acceleration, making it more flexible than automatic transmissions. Over time, it can also save about 10% on fuel, which is why professional racers prefer it. However, stalling is common for beginners; the key is to get familiar with the coordination between the throttle and clutch.
