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When purchasing a new car or truck there are so many makes and models to choose from, knowing where to start can become a challenge. Therefore, you may still be deciding whether you want an automatic or manual transmission.

CMH Mazda Hatfield has compiled a few pointers to distinguish the Pros and Cons of driving Manual vs Auto transmission vehicles.

Manual Transmission

Manual transmission cars have been in existence since the mass manufacturer of cars. Most people refer to the manual car as a stick shift.

Manual cars are increasingly cheaper to purchase than automatic cars. If you are buying a car on a low budget go for the manual transmission.

Pros:

• Driving a stick shift gives you more control since you control gears, thus making it easier for you to slow down and/or stop.
• Manual transmissions require less maintenance because they are a much simpler design. However, the clutch may need to be repaired or replaced at some point.
• Manuals are also more fuel-efficient since you’re not using as much power as an automatic car.
• On average, standard transmissions are usually cheaper than their automatic counterparts

Cons:

• Requires a higher level of concentration due to manually changing gears with hands and feet.
• Learning how to drive a stick can take some time. Do not expect to purchase a manual transmission and drive it off the lot if you’ve never driven one before.
• Reselling a manual vehicle can be cumbersome since a number of people prefer to drive an automatic car. Many people don’t know how to drive a manual

When driving you have greater control of the car when you are using a manual transmission. However, you need to concentrate and balance your feet when operating the gas, clutch and brake pedals. Your hands are constantly on the gears. Maintenance costs are lower in a manual car than an automatic transmission.

Automatic Transmission

These came later and were mostly fitted on luxury cars. Today most cars have automatic transmission. The lack of the clutch in automatic transmission cars makes it easier to drive. An automatic car offers a smoother ride because you do not need to get the clutch right when driving. It is even easier to drive an automatic car during traffic jams.

Pros:

• Automatic vehicles are easier to use because the transmission does the shifting for you..
• When driving an automatic car, you are able to keep both hands on the wheel. This adds safety to everyday driving, especially for the new driver.
• Driving an automatic car tends to be more comfortable since there are only two pedals to work with and the driver doesn’t need to concentrate on shifting gears.

Cons:

• Automatic vehicles cost more in the long run. They cost more upfront and require more maintenance because of their complex design system.
• With an automatic vehicle, you rely on the torque converter to switch gears for you which makes it less fuel-efficient

If you are an inexperienced driver it can be difficult navigating steep hills with a manual transmission. This is especially the case when the car is at a complete stop. Automatic cars let you focus on your steering as both hands are occupied. You also forget those embarrassing moments when your car stalls in the middle of a traffic jam. Driving an automatic car is less stressing during traffic jams. You do not need to constantly press and release the clutch.

Conclusion

The decision to purchase a manual or transmission is a personal one. With a manual car, you have low purchase and maintenance costs. However, the manual car is difficult to drive as you have to constantly have one hand changing gears while your feet are balancing braking and the clutch. The manual gear is hard to learn when you are doing hill starts. But, they let the driver have better control of the vehicle. Manual cars are tiring when you are driving through traffic jams.

Automatic cars enjoy increased in usage. They have become more common. But, they are harder to maintain when compared to manual transmission. They, however, offer a smoother ride. You also have reduced chances of the car stalling. Nowadays, we have automatic transmission with more gears – five, six and even eight-speed. If you are purchasing your first car and are looking for a car for daily commute it is wise to go for the automatic transmission.

Whether you are looking for a Manual or Automatic transmission look no further than CMH Mazda Hatfield

Contact details: 0123668700 https://cmhmazda.co.za/mazda-dealers/mazda-hatfield/

Minor Service vs Major Service: What Does Each Include? Car services are carried out, as a rule of thumb, either every 10 000 km or 15 000 km, especially when your vehicle is still “new” and is still within its service and maintenance plan. You’ll notice that only every “other” service is a major service, and the ones in between are known as minor services.

By regularly servicing your vehicle you are likely to see a lot of perks, including increased fuel-efficiency, better handling, improved braking and a smoother running engine. The most important reason to service your vehicle is to maintain its market value.

CMH Mazda Hatfield has compared what is included in a Minor and a Major Service:

What is included in a Minor Service?

Generally speaking, minor services will include:

• Changing the oil
• Changing the oil filter.
• Lubricating the chassis (if it has not been factory sealed)
• Inspection of all fluids, filters, belts, hoses, brakes and emissions.
• Tyre rotation (some manufacturers recommend as a part of a minor service) – although this is more an exception than a rule. Most dealers will, however, check your tyre pressure.
• Check all lights are operating
• Check windscreen washer Level
• Check coolant level
• Check brake fluid level + colour
• Check power steering fluid level

If you have had any snags since the last time your car was serviced, we recommend asking the mechanic to carry out an inspection on the problem areas. Explain to them the issue you are experiencing, and they will advise if further work needs to be carried out before your next service is due.

What is included in a Major Service

Generally speaking, major services will include:

• Inspect vehicle for dents, scratches etc.
• Check all warning lights on dash
• Check rev counter & speedo operation
• Check windshield washers front and back– Operational
• Report on condition of discs & brake drums
• Report on condition of pads & brake shoes
• Inspect all brake components for leaks
• Check mechanical advance on distributor
• Replace points & condenser if necessary
• Replace Oil Filter
• Check Brake pedal travel & squeaking
• Check Door operation
• Check Door operation
• Check Battery
• Inspect coolant system for leaks & levels
• Check diff oil levels and fill if necessary
• Lubricate under body parts with shackle fluid
• Road test (Rattles wind noise, steering, braking stability & noises) & report
• Check wiper blade condition
• Check all interior & console lights
• Inspect handbrake operation
• Brake fluid condition checked
• Check all lights
• Coolant level serviced
• Check Fan belt
• Compression test
• Replace sparkplugs (Where Applicable)
• Inspect suppressors & routing
• Replace air filter
• Inspect CV Joint dust covers
• Check Wheel balance
• Check air conditioner operation & report
• Check Spare wheel & tools
• All grease nipples serviced
• Inspect all shocks & report

Make sure you have read through what your service plan, or the dealerships major service structure consists of. Taking out a service plan on a new or pre-owned vehicle can save you time and money in the long run, and avoid the dilemma of unexpected costs when your next service date rolls around.

When it comes to having your vehicle serviced, you can be rest assured that you will receive nothing less than phenomenal service from CMH Mazda Hatfield.

• The Basic Warranty — Otherwise known as the manufacturer’s warranty. These usually come with new cars and cover most of the components in a car that might break down during the early years through normal wear-and-tear. They do not cover tyre or battery replacement, and you can forget about it if you misuse the car.
• Dealership Warranty — This is a warranty not from the manufacturer but sold by the dealership. There may be specifics on dealership warranties, such as where you have to go to get your car serviced or maintained, and generally if a component in your car does breakdown.
• The Extended Warranty —These warranties extend the coverage on a vehicle for an additional period of time after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. Not all car models are eligible for extended warranties; it depends entirely on the company. It is best to buy an extended warranty earlier on, before your first warranty has expired, because the longer you wait and the older your car becomes, the more expensive the extended warranty will be.
• Basic Warranty – This covers a reasonable list of items within your vehicle, such as suspension, electronics, steering and exhaust. It does, however, exclude tyres and batteries.
• Powertrain Warranty — By powertrain they mean the mechanical components of the car that cause the car to move. It generally includes transmission, drive shafts, axle and clutch; but if something like the engine breaks down, the warranty company will not pay for a new engine.
• Rust and Corrosion Coverage — As the term implies, this covers you in the event your car gets a bad case of rust. More specifically, it is unlikely the warranty company will replace anything unless the rust eats a hole through the metal. This sort of thing can also be covered through insurance.
• Emissions Warranty — This is a completely separate warranty that covers any emissions problems you may experience up to a certain number of years/miles. This may be covered under the Basic Warranty, but not always.