Heavy-Duty Trucks: Auto Shift VS Straight Shift

Heavy-duty trucks are available with automatic shift or straight shift, which is also known as manual shifting. Each one has its own positives and negatives. Knowing about type of shifting will help you make a wise decision about what you are comfortable with before spending any cash.

Automatic

Trucks with automatic shifting are easier to operate in general. They shift automatically with increasing and decreasing speed. The only thing the driver needs to focus on is putting the car in the right gear. Although automatic trucks are easier to drive, they do have a downside. Automatics are more expensive than straight shift trucks. Automatics often require more maintenance that is usually more difficult than manuals because the mechanic has to work around gear boxes. Because they automatically shift, they require more power, which in return, consumes more gasoline.

Manual

Manual shifting gives a driver more control over the truck. The trucks don’t need as much power as their automatic counterparts. Because the need for power is less, manuals use less gasoline and cost less. Maintenance on a manual truck is easier and therefore cost less because they’re not as complicated as automatics. However, driving a straight shift can be a tiresome process because both feet are involved. One foot is need for the gas and the other for the clutch. The driver not only has to pay attention to traffic, they have to shift as speed of the truck increases or decreases. Driving a manual truck may take a little more practice to get used to the shifting and distractions.