Most people have heard of automatic transmission and manual transmission vehicles before. But have you ever heard of semi-automatic transmissions? This type of transmission has been around since the 1930s, so it’s actually existed for a long time. But as the decades went on, semi-automatic transmissions were upgraded to something completely different than what they originally were.
A modern-day semi-automatic transmission is like a manual transmission. The biggest difference is that there’s no clutch on the floor for disengaging the engine from the vehicle’s drive wheels. It’s often referred to as a clutch-less manual transmission.
Semi-automatics have electronic processors and sensors which assist in this process. These electronic components are the alternative to the clutch pedal which you had to press with your foot.
Now you just need to give a command when you want to shift gears and the electronic components will make the clutch do just that. Not only will it help you shift gears, but it will be a smooth shift too because it adds precision to the timing and torque.
Semi-automatics still have a manual gearbox just like a manual transmission. This gearbox must be used to shift gears too. But, the difference is that you don’t need to depress a clutch before you use the gearbox. The electronic components will automatically manage the clutch for you. This is how you can shift smoothly and quicker.
Therefore, a semi-automatic car still requires you to take action when you want to shift gears. However, it is a more simplified action than what must be done with a manual transmission.
Electronics are in semi-automatic transmissions while cables and pipes are in manual transmissions. If you prefer to have computers control your shifting without using a fully automatic transmission, then semi-automatic is the best and only choice you can make.
Related: Pros/Cons of Dual Clutch Transmissions (DCT)
Pros of a Semi-Automatic Transmission
If you are looking to have a better driving experience and an easier time shifting gears, then a semi-automatic transmission is what you will want to have. The shifting is very smooth and can be done very quickly.
Any new driver who doesn’t have much experience driving a manual transmission vehicle might want to train on a semi-automatic first. This will help them understand the right times to shift gears without needing to worry about disengaging the clutch.
Another advantage to a semi-automatic is that you won’t lose any energy if the torque converter slips. But you could find this advantage with a manual transmission too.
Cons of a Semi-Automatic Transmission
The semi-automatic transmission vehicle might give you a great driving experience, but it is not without its faults too. For instance, if you are someone who is budget conscious, then you might not like the fact that semi-automatic vehicles are more expensive than manual vehicles.
This makes sense because the electronic components which make up the semi-automatic are more sophisticated to manufacture. This causes the manufacturing costs to rise which, in turn, increases the price for the consumer.
Also, if you ever need to repair your semi-automatic transmission, these costs will be more expensive too. In fact, it would at times be more affordable to just replace your transmission than it would to repair it.
But even if you go ahead and find a mechanic who will repair it cheaply, don’t expect the transmission to last for too much longer. Semi-automatics are known for malfunctioning faster than manual transmissions would. This happens for a lot of different reasons. Sometimes the transmission itself may not even be directly responsible for this.
Finally, the amount of vehicles with a clutch-less manual transmission available is extremely limited so even if you wanted one, availability might make that impossible.
Read also: 5 Symptoms of a Bad Clutch Master Cylinder in Your Car
The Verdict
Overall, if money is not an issue for you, then the semi-automatic transmission is a good choice. You will drive much better and shift more smoothly. But if money is an issue, then the cost of the semi-automatic transmission and its repairs will be too much for you to handle. In this case, stick with a manual transmission instead.
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Should i buy semi automatic car, most of my friend suggest not to go for this semi Automation of gear box
It depends on the car, I suppose. Is there one in particular you have in mind?
Coz its a SKODA !!!…lol
Haha. I like Škoda, I wish they sold them in the US.
Why does my Skoda Citigo semi-automatic force me to restart the engine if I inadvertently flick gearstick to manual from drive and back again when stationary please?
Can I tow this semi automatic behind a motorhome in neutral on a tow bar
I don’t know. Consult your owner’s manual for vehicle specific recommendations.