PRICES
Manual or Automatic? ... Whichever you choose we've got you covered.
The majority of motorists in the UK still drive a car with a manual gearbox, but how does it compare to an automatic?
-
Greater control: A manual gearbox gives you more control over the car as you alone choose which gear to use. This can be particularly beneficial in wintry conditions.
-
Required for your job: Many hire cars or commercial work vehicles are manual gearboxes, and you would need to pass your test in a manual car in order to drive these.
-
Cheaper to maintain: Manuals generally require less maintenance because they have a less complex design than automatics. Repairs tend to be significantly cheaper – unless the clutch goes.
-
Flexibility: If you pass your test in a manual car, you can drive both manual and automatic cars. If you pass your test in an automatic car, you can only drive automatic cars, and would need to pass your test in a manual car in order to drive one.
-
Leg ache: Constantly working the clutch can become uncomfortable as your left foot never gets a rest, especially if you drive in congested areas. This can lead to aches and pains in your leg muscles.
Driving an automatic car is often preferred for its simplicity and ease of use, particularly in busy or stop-and-go traffic. The lack of a clutch pedal and gear stick means less physical effort and focus required from the driver, allowing them to concentrate more on other aspects of driving, like steering and speed control.
-
Easier to drive: Many people like automatic cars for their convenience. They’re simple to operate as there’s no clutch to control.
-
Fewer lessons needed: Because it is easier to drive, this means you require fewer lessons, and so you can pass your test quicker
-
No tears no gears: Automatic gearboxes offer a seamless transition between gears, giving you a pleasant ride without any stuttering.
-
Better in rush-hour traffic: If you’re forever stopping and starting in congested towns, it can become a chore to constantly pump the clutch pedal. Automatic transmissions require less effort, so you can concentrate fully on navigating tricky junctions and other traffic safely.
-
More expensive to buy: The main disadvantage of automatics is that they generally cost more to buy than their manual counterparts, so they’re not ideal if you’re on a budget. They also cost more to insure.
-
Lessons cost more per hour: Based on the additional costs to buy and insure an automatic car, lessons are also more expensive per hour to factor in these additional costs. However this is balanced out by the fact that you require less lessons in order to pass your test.
