What is the working principle of a manual transmission?

[Emmanuel]

Manual transmission works as follows: 1. Principle: A manual transmission consists of gear sets with different gear ratios. Its basic working principle is to achieve gear ratio changes by switching between different gear sets. 2. Components: As a key component for power distribution, the transmission must have two major parts - the power input shaft and output shaft. Together with the gears that form the transmission, these constitute the most basic components of a manual transmission. 3. Power: The input shaft is connected to the clutch, and the power transmitted from the clutch is directly transferred to the gear set through the input shaft. The gear set consists of gears with different diameters, and different gear ratios achieve completely different power transmission effects. The gear shifting during normal driving refers precisely to changing gear ratios.

[DiAnderson]

The working principle of a manual transmission, I think, can be explained starting from the operation process. As someone who just learned to drive, I understand it works through the clutch pedal, gear shift lever, and gear set. When starting the car, pressing the clutch pedal temporarily disconnects the engine's power; at this time, moving the gear shift lever to select first gear prepares the gears; slowly releasing the clutch while gently pressing the accelerator reconnects the power, and the car starts moving. The same operation applies when shifting gears to accelerate: press the clutch, select the next gear, and release the clutch. The core lies in different gear ratios. Low gears, like when starting, have larger gears, with lower engine RPM but more power; high gears, like at high speeds, have smaller gears, with higher RPM and faster speed. This design allows the engine to operate efficiently, avoiding fuel waste. When driving long distances, I often shift gears manually, feeling more in control and able to adjust the RPM according to road conditions, enhancing the driving experience. If the clutch isn't pressed properly, there might be grinding sounds or stalling, so it's necessary to practice coordinating the movements.

[SanIker]

Having repaired manual transmissions for half a lifetime, I understand their internal structure. The working principle mainly relies on three components: the clutch assembly, transmission gear set, and shift mechanism. When the clutch is depressed, the pressure plate separates, disengaging the engine shaft from the input shaft and interrupting power; the shift lever moves the synchronizer ring or linkage to select a specific gear ratio, such as the large gear in first gear for high torque or the small gear in fifth gear for speed. Releasing the clutch re-engages the power transmission to the wheels. The entire process requires precise timing; otherwise, it can wear out the synchronizer or cause gear grinding. Gear ratio adjustment is crucial—low gears provide efficient power output at slow starts, while high gears save fuel on highways. During maintenance, it's essential to check for aging transmission fluid and worn synchronizer rings, as frequent use can lead to abnormal noises. Manual systems are simple and reliable, unlike automatics that rely on complex hydraulics, which is why many experienced drivers appreciate their durability and ease of use. For daily driving on mountain roads or with heavy loads, manual transmissions allow better control of the rhythm, reducing the risk of accidents.

[MacAdeline]

How did I teach my friend to understand a manual transmission? I compared it to riding a bicycle uphill: pedaling is like the engine's power output—you shift to a larger gear for easier climbing on steep slopes and to a smaller gear for faster speed on flat roads. A manual transmission works similarly, using the clutch to temporarily 'disconnect the pedaling,' the gear lever to select different gear ratios, and then 'reconnecting' to adapt the car's speed and power needs. To start, press the clutch to disengage the power source; select first gear for low speed and high torque; release the clutch to engage the drivetrain; shift to higher gears to accelerate. The core idea is to keep the engine running efficiently at different RPMs, avoiding overheating or excessive fuel consumption. The original design aimed to minimize power loss, and many manual cars are still available today, such as economy models, because they are lighter. Beginners should practice starting and synchronized shifting techniques to avoid damaging the clutch system. Remember, coordination between hands and feet is key—don't panic at traffic lights.