Switching Manual To Automatic Transmission

Automatic cars are as popular as ever, and they can frequently exist easier to dive if you're living with a disability. So, if you currently take a manual and y'all're thinking most switching, should you purchase a new automatic car or convert your vehicle? Here, Mark Barclay from GSF Motorcar Parts gives his advice to help yous decide.

The number of automated cars on Britain's roads has increased past around 70% since 2007, according to data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (equally reported by The Telegraph). But why are they so popular?

An automatic vehicle contains something chosen a torque converter, which transfers the ability from the engine to the transmission. It takes the place of the clutch pedal in a manual and, because you don't need to manually change gear, drivers beyond the UK are preferring the ease and safety with which they can drive an automatic. And, for people living with a disability, non having to press the clutch pedal or even move the gear stick while driving can make things a whole lot easier.

With automatic transmission becoming increasingly more pop in the form of electric and hybrid vehicles, it's likely that manual cars volition disappear from the UK's roads in a matter of years (RAC). So, if yous oasis't already, y'all should make the switch.

Only if you currently have a manual, how can y'all change to an automatic?

Purchase new

Trading your car in for an automatic model would be the easiest pick, and you'll have the added benefit of some more than modern technologies and extra perks that are only available in newer auto models. Simply oft automatic cars can be more expensive to buy than a transmission vehicle, even if you buy second-mitt. And, if you already take modifications made to your automobile, similar a people lift or wheelchair hoist, you're going to have to reinstall them which could terminate up costing you lot even more than money.

Convert to automatic

Converting a manual car to an automatic is quite a common modification for people who have disabilities that tin bear upon their mobility, which could make manual driving a challenge. Simply a full modification could also prove difficult and could be more than expensive than ownership a new automobile.
Considering automatic cars are controlled through an internal computer, your machine'south existing computer will need to be removed, replaced and rewired as function of the conversion process. This is why older cars are often easier to convert to automatic, since they tend to take much fewer computerised parts. A mechanic will as well need to replace the gearbox console and engine control unit, remove the manual clutch system and install the automated transmission, among other things.

Opt for a semi-automatic

Converting to an automatic can be an extremely complicated and specialist process. That's why it can often be a better selection to convert to a semi-automatic, which uses the same computers as an automatic in the place of a clutch pedal, but all the other manual components can remain. This ways that you'll exist able to switch gears manually with the gear stick, without having to use the clutch pedal.

Because fewer components demand to exist removed or replaced, the conversion procedure to plough your manual into a semi-automated is often a lot easier and cheaper to carry out than if you were to convert to a fully automatic manual.

However, the motion from one gear to another isn't every bit smooth as in a fully automatic or transmission vehicle, so you may desire to consider a dual-clutch transmission, which uses i clutch to control fifty-fifty-numbered gears and another to control the odd numbers. This allows for a much smoother transition and doesn't require a clutch pedal, and then this may be the best option if you want to keep all your other modifications but remove the clutch.

Making the switch to an automated could be a lifechanging move if yous're driving with a disability. Whether y'all cull to purchase a new auto or convert your electric current ane, the tips in this guide will help you decide which option is the best for you.