Transmission Guide: Automatic vs. Manual | Greenville SC

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Steve White Volkswagen's Transmission Guide in Greenville, SC

One of the greatest perks of the modern automotive market is the sheer number of choices you have. From body styles and accessories to brands and model years, there are many options out there for those searching for a vehicle upgrade. One factor that you'll want to consider is the type of transmission your preferred model uses and whether it's the best match for you. The transmission has a big job to do — it directs the power generated by the engine to the wheels with gearboxes (also called transmissions) for a smooth, continuous stream of power. There are three common types of transmissions: manual, automatic and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). New Volkswagen models only use automatic and manual, but it's helpful to know about the CVT in case a pre-owned vehicle in our inventory is equipped with it.

Ready to learn more about the three types of transmissions? Take a look at our table below.

Transmission Types at a Glance

Manual Transmission

Manual transmissions take a good bit of practice to learn, but the payoff is great. Also known as stick shift, a manual transmission allows the driver to operate the clutch and decide when to switch gears. Drivers are more involved, which can make long-distance driving or hilly areas a challenge, but cars with manual transmissions are traditionally more fuel efficient than vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. There aren't too many vehicles out there that have manual transmissions anymore — only 13 percent of cars purchased in the U.S. are manual, according to HouseGrail* — but you'll find some heavy-duty trucks, sport cars and sedans that are equipped with manual transmissions.

Automatic Transmission

Automatic transmissions are the most common type due to their convenience (since the mechanism selects the right gear for you, according to your vehicle's speed and the road conditions). Automatic transmissions are very easy to drive, which makes traveling in stop-and-go traffic and on windy mountain roads less stressful to navigate. If you enjoy a smooth, effortless driving experience, an automatic transmission might be right for you. However, cars equipped with automatic transmissions aren't as fuel efficient, and State Farm also finds that these vehicles are priced higher, are more expensive to maintain and service, and have higher insurance rates, as well.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

You won't find a Volkswagen model equipped with CVT, but keep scrolling through our used inventory and one will pop up. A CVT uses a single speed that varies for all driving conditions. You'll experience a smooth ride since CVTs eliminate the feeling of shifting from gear to gear — they can match your vehicle's speed easily because of their belt-and-pulley system for transferring the engine's power to the wheels. CVTs also boast high miles per gallon, but the noise can take some getting used to. They're known for having a low, continuous engine drone, which some drivers don’t mind and others dislike. You'll only know how you feel about it when you visit us for a test drive.

We can't wait to help here at Steve White Volkswagen! Whether you're interested in test-driving a vehicle or need transmission service for your current model, contact us today or stop by our dealership at 100 Duvall Drive, Greenville, SC 29607. We look forward to serving our customers near Asheville, NC, and Columbia, Spartanburg, Anderson, SC, and the Upstate.

*As of January 2023