Which Transmission Type Is Right for You in Corpus Christi, TX

Discover Which Transmission Type Fits Your Driving Style

When it’s time to shop for a new car to drive in Corpus Christi, TX, you have a lot of important choices to make. The vehicle’s price tag will be high on the list, as will the various interior comforts, tech features, and safety features. However, you won’t want to overlook the type of transmission the vehicle has. Not just any transmission will do for you and your vehicle. Rather, you need something you feel comfortable with and can operate easily and safely.

If you’re unsure which transmission is right for you, visit Mike Shaw Kia's showroom. Our knowledgeable sales team will help you choose one that suits your needs. We’ll also show you which types are available with which models in our inventory.

In this article, you will find out about the different types of transmission and what each offers. You will learn about their similarities and differences, so you have the information you need to choose one you are happy with.

Manual Transmission

Manual transmission was once much more common than it is today. Currently, you can still find it in trucks, high-performance vehicles, and some SUVs. Another name for a manual transmission is a stick shift. This is because of the stick shift apparatus in the center console between the seats that the driver will use to operate the transmission. To shift from one gear to the next, the driver must use the stick. Use a higher gear for faster speeds and a lower gear for slower speeds. In addition, there is a third pedal on the floor, the clutch. The driver uses their left foot to press down on the clutch when shifting gears and pulling away from the drive.

Here are some benefits of manual transmission:

• On average, it is less expensive to repair than other types.
• Cars with manual transmission cost less.
• Manual transmission allows the driver to engage more with the car.
• It has better fuel economy than other transmission types.

Automatic Transmission

The opposite of manual transmission is automatic transmission. This type is more common today than any other. Unlike its counterpart, an automatic transmission requires no intervention from the driver to change gears. When the car speeds up or slows down, it automatically upshifts or downshifts. Thus, there is no stick shift or clutch pedal.

The following are the advantages of an automatic transmission:

• Drivers will have a much easier time learning how to work this type of transmission.
• An automatic transmission is smooth and seamless.
• An automatic transmission is a good choice if you drive often in stop-and-go traffic.
• It can be safer to use, as the driver will not have to focus on multiple tasks at once or remove their hands from the wheel.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Unlike other types of transmission, a continuously variable transmission uses a belt and pulley system. This has unlimited gear ratios. Also known as CVT, this transmission type maintains good fuel economy and power.

Some advantages are as follows:

• CVT offers a smooth and comfortable ride on a wide variety of surfaces and terrain.
• Vehicles with CVT have good gas mileage compared to the other types of transmission.
• CVT offers reasonable control.

Semi-Automatic Transmission

Those looking for a blend of automatic and manual transmission should consider a semi-automatic transmission. Semi-automatic vehicles allow but don’t require the driver to shift gears manually. When shifting, the driver doesn’t use a stick shift and clutch pedal but instead pushes buttons or paddles on or around the steering wheel.

Here are some benefits of having this transmission:

• It offers good control.
• It is good for high-performance vehicles.
• It can be more enjoyable to use, as it lets the driver have intervention without having to learn some of the difficult aspects of shifting.
• Shift gears without some of the steps and challenges that manual transmission requires.

Shop Your Next Vehicle at Mike Shaw Kia

No matter which transmission you choose, you can expect good results. It’s a matter of picking the one that makes you feel most comfortable. Each one has benefits, so let the team at Mike Shaw Kia in Corpus Christi, TX, help. Stop by our showroom today so we can get you into a new vehicle with a transmission that you feel good about.