Car Repair Skills Everyone Should Have

[Admiral Yi]

[Iormlund]

All of the "manual is better than automatic" arguments which are actually quantifiable - like fuel inefficiency, transmission wear, and so on - have been rendered obsolete by improvements in automatic transmissions.

The only arguments left for refusing to drive an automatic in the United States, where automatic transmissions are very common, are emotional arguments. Which is fine; if that's what you feel like you want to do because it satisfies you in some non-quantifiable way, then go for it.

Brake wear is still higher in automatic transmissions, also as mentioned long descents are far better in a manual.  On snow-pack or ice I will always prefer a manual.

Also, mechanical losses are higher in automatics.

In any case, the old auto vs manual discussion is irrelevant since the arrival of sequential double-clutch transmissions, where you get the best of both worlds.

[Monoriu]

I want a car with no gear box.  I step on the brake, switch on the engine, and it goes into forward mode.  I push a button, and it goes into reverse.  Press the button again, and it goes back to forward. 

[Grey Fox]

How is that different from your auto? Other than it's not a button?

[Monoriu]

How is that different from your auto? Other than it's not a button?

I have P, R, N, D, D3, 2 and L.  I have a gear box.  I need to change the gear box oil.  I need to move my arm to go into reverse.  That's far too much work.  I just want a button for reverse on the wheel.  That's it.  Nothing else.  Not even P. 

[Grey Fox]

Stop being so lazy.

[Monoriu]

Stop being so lazy.

The whole reason for getting a car is to be lazy.   

[Grey Fox]

That's good question. Why do you have a car in HK?

[Monoriu]

That's good question. Why do you have a car in HK?

Because my wife insists in getting one   I prefer to take taxis everywhere.  Similar effect, much cheaper. 

[Monoriu]

While we're at it, my dream car will be one without any controls.  Just input the GPS destination coordinates.  The car takes me there automatically, and wakes me up when it gets there. 

[Capetan Mihali]

I.e, a taxi.

[Grey Fox]

That's good question. Why do you have a car in HK?

Because my wife insists in getting one   I prefer to take taxis everywhere.  Similar effect, much cheaper.

Same question, wife perspective? Status?

While we're at it, my dream car will be one without any controls.  Just input the GPS destination coordinates.  The car takes me there automatically, and wakes me up when it gets there. 

Now, that's something I can get behind. Google Car 

[Monoriu]

Same question, wife perspective? Status?

She wants a BMW.  I negotiated it down to Honda. 

[fhdz]

All of the "manual is better than automatic" arguments which are actually quantifiable - like fuel inefficiency, transmission wear, and so on - have been rendered obsolete by improvements in automatic transmissions.

The only arguments left for refusing to drive an automatic in the United States, where automatic transmissions are very common, are emotional arguments. Which is fine; if that's what you feel like you want to do because it satisfies you in some non-quantifiable way, then go for it.

Brake wear is still higher in automatic transmissions, also as mentioned long descents are far better in a manual.  On snow-pack or ice I will always prefer a manual.

I'll give you brake wear (engine braking is a helpful offset, although it is fucking loud, as has been mentioned) and snow-pack, with the caveat that if I'm having to stop and start up a hill even if there's the littlest bit of snow I'll take an automatic any day.

[PDH]

If the hill is steep enough and you come to a full stop on ice or snow-pack, you better have chains, kitty litter, or time to wait til spring.