The Pros and Cons of Manual Transmissions and Automatic Transmissions

tire balancing and wheel alignment

If you’ve already driven a stick shift or manual transmission, then you know one of the first cons people recognize is that they are more difficult to drive. Once you get it down, however, it’s like riding a bike. You do have to realize that cars that have manual transmissions can have their differences, but unless you’re driving a luxury sports car, it should be pretty much the same.

Of course, one of the pros of driving a manual transmission is that it’s a lot more fun. These types of vehicles also have more power, so if you’re looking to get from 0 to 60 in a few seconds, that’s the type of vehicle you want. Another pro is these vehicles are considered more manly and cool to drive.

If you were to take a guess, which type of vehicle do you think is best when it comes to maintenance costs? Many people would guess an automatic transmission would be easier to maintain, but they would guess incorrectly. Can you believe that those powerful manual transmissions are actually going to make for easier maintenance?

One reason why manual transmissions require less maintenance is because the engine oil used for them lasts longer than the transmission fluid used for automatic vehicles. Not only are you going to pay less maintenance costs, but you’ll also get better gas mileage. With all these pros, it seems as though they are going to outweigh the cons by far, right?

Well, there are more cons you haven’t explored just yet. For starters, it’s not just difficult to learn to drive a stick shift, but it’s not always easy on those hills that you will encounter. Some clutches can be more difficult and trickier than others, and you’re definitely going to have to be patient as you learn how to handle such a vehicle. You’ll get those driving skills down pat, and once you do, they say you’ll never want to drive an automatic transmission ever again.

As a person who has driven both, I can tell you that I’ve gone back and forth from manual to automatic transmissions throughout my lifetime so far. I do prefer a manual transmission, and there definitely seems to be more advantages to manual transmissions than disadvantages. It’s all about what you’re comfortable with driving, as safety should always be your first priority when out there on the road.

Cheseldine tire and auto logo and web address
February 3, 2026
Remember life is better when your car runs better. Cheseldine Tire and Auto shares a video of how happy a car in good repair makes a couple.
penny shown on tire to indicate tire depth
February 2, 2026
Learn the top 4 signs that indicate it's time to replace your tires. Keep your vehicle safe on Southern Maryland roads with Cheseldine Auto.
5 Star Review From Sara E.
February 1, 2026
This review may be on the long side, but it HAS to be said. I have been a customer at Cheseldine's for about ten years, and I have always loved their sense of community. Gary has always treat …
hi heel stomping on a car
January 5, 2026
If you are continually frustrated with your car because of the way it's running Cheseldine Tire and Auto gotcha covered. Give us a call before trouble begins.
Cheseldine has serviced many of our vehicles over the years. They have a
January 1, 2026
Cheseldine has serviced many of our vehicles over the years. They have always been reliable and helpful to our family in keeping our cars repaired and safe.
christmas tree in Southern MD
December 21, 2025
Cheseldine Tire and Auto offers Southern MD a Christmas message from a transformer car
cheseldine Best Deal on Wheels
December 11, 2025
Let us know what you think of our new jingle.
Engine Repair & Replacement in Southern MD
December 11, 2025
Engine Repair and Replacement in Southern MD: Your Guide to a Healthy Engine
auto maintenance southern md
December 11, 2025
Keep your vehicle running smoothly in Southern MD with expert auto maintenance tips from Cheseldine Auto. Serving Calvert and St. Mary's County.
My Mom recommended me to you guys, and I will be coming there for all of my car needs from now on.
By Nancy Sheridan December 1, 2025
My Mom recommended me to you guys, and I will be coming there for all of my car needs from now on. Very impressed at the customer service, and how fast I was in and out of there. Reasonable prices as well