How Things Shifted From Manual to Automatic

There was a time when operating a motor vehicle required the knowledge of a clutch and a stick shift, which was sometimes on the floor (as in “four on the floor”) and other times on the steering column. The dexterity required to engage the clutch with your foot while shifting gears with your hand — especially on a hill, in traffic — was a prerequisite for drivers. 

Our auto technicians at Al's One Stop Auto have seen many changes in the automotive industry, and the virtual disappearance of manual transmissions in most passenger cars and trucks is certainly one of them. In the last few years, only a small percentage of vehicles — as few as 13 percent, according to one estimate — come with a manual transmission. We’ll bet you know very few people who can safely operate one of these quickly disappearing features. 

For years, devotees of manual shifting (or car snobs, if you will!) clung to the past, citing better gas mileage, more control in poor conditions, and the decreased likelihood of having their vehicles stolen. But as automatic transmissions have improved over the years, drivers have increasingly come to rely on them for smooth, reliable performance. 

Whether you’re driving a manual or an automatic transmission, one aspect hasn’t changed: The need for trained, experienced technicians to check, service and repair the heart of your vehicle’s drive train. At our service center, we check each vehicle’s transmission and its related parts during our multipoint inspection. Routine maintenance now can save you big money later when it comes to transmissions — whether manual or automatic — not to mention other critical systems in your vehicle.

Today’s cars and trucks are continually changing, and our service department at Al's One Stop Auto is changing to provide our customers with an advanced level of personal care that keeps our business — and your vehicle — running smoothly. Contact us today to set up an appointment!