Expert Guide On Automated Manual Transmissions

One of the questions that beckon most new car buyers is the automated and manual transmission. Both the systems have proven their utility over the years, but with the emergence of new technology automated manual transmission, the automobile industry is set for a new era.

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What are automated manual transmissions?

The entire automated manual transmission module consists of an electronic Transmission Control Unit (TCU) and an electro-hydraulic system as support. The TCU sends electronic commands through the electro-hydraulic system to give the hydraulic actuator directions that make the gear changes inside the gearbox. A vehicle equipped with AMT does not have a clutch plate (since there are no manual gear changes) – it only has an accelerator and braking system.

The basic difference between manual and automated manual transmissions is that in automated, the transmission consists of more hydraulic systems. AMTs are cheaper than fully automated transmissions, so some budget-friendly cars are very popular in the market right now. The cars that use this technology include Citreon's Servotronic, Alfa Romeo's Selespeed, Audi's R-Tronic, and BMW's Sequential Manual Gearbox.

Advantages of Automated Manual Transmissions

There are several reasons as to why automated manual transmissions are being used in the industry currently:

• Ease of driving: The most obvious fact here is that since there is no hassle of gear change, it is more convenient to drive these vehicles. When several gear changes are needed in rush hour traffic, AMTs show their worth. The "creep" function is a bonus that allows the vehicle to move slowly after releasing the brake pedal.
• Fuel economy: Generally, AMTs find their usage in hatchbacks; the shift pattern is manufactured so that maximum fuel efficiency is achieved. Since it's computer-operated, it's precise as well.
• Cost-effective: Conventional automatics cost a fortune instead of AMTs; AMT gearboxes cost about half of what automatics do.
• Desirable driving: AMT cars can shift to manual mode whenever the driver prefers it. Since no clutch is involved, the shift to traditional mode is even easier.

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Disadvantages of Automated Manual Transmissions

Just like any other technology, there are several cons to using AMTs; the list includes the following:

• Jerky gear shifts: The shift is not always consistent in AMT cars. Compared to other automatics in the market, the AMTs seem much more inferior. Sometimes the gear shift is smooth; sometimes it is jerky.
• Overtaking problems: One of the major problems with AMTs is that any unplanned shifts in the gearbox are not welcome. These are tuned to save fuel, so overtaking is a hassle. These shifts could be dangerous, so such maneuvers should be done in manual mode.
• Going up inclines: Tackling hills or inclines is tricky with automated manual transmissions. That needs complete manual functioning and regular use of the handbrakes. That negates the convenience factor of AMTs that people buy these for. 

While automated manual transmission has its share of challenges, the technology does hold a lot of promise for the future.