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There is a long-standing debate regarding manual and automatic cars. While some people prefer automatic cars because they are easier to drive, others think manual transmission vehicles are better because they offer more control. The fuel consumption of both vehicles also remains heavily contested. So, do automatic cars use more fuel than manuals?
Automatic transmissions have many moving parts, so they consume a lot of fuel. However, manufacturers have prioritised efficiency in modern automatic vehicles, reducing fuel consumption. This article discusses everything you need to know about fuel use in automatic and manual cars and how to maximise efficiency.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Relations Between A Gearbox And Fuel Consumption
- 2 Automatic Vs Manual: Which Cars Use More Fuel?
- 3 Factors That Affect Fuel Efficiency in Automatic Cars
- 4 Tips For Optimising Fuel Efficiency In Automatic Cars
- 5 What About Manual Cars? Essential Factors & Tips For Saving Fuel
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions
- 7 Conclusion
Relations Between A Gearbox And Fuel Consumption
It’s important to understand the relationship between gearboxes and fuel consumption. A gearbox helps optimise the RPM (revolutions per minute) range of a vehicle, ensuring efficient use of the engine’s power band across multiple gears. This leads to improved aerodynamics, better acceleration, cruising speeds and fuel efficiency.
Gear ratios are chosen based on various factors, such as engine efficiency at different constant speeds or higher and lower gears depending on driving style. By selecting appropriate gear ratios in both automatic and manual transmissions, you can reduce fuel consumption by up to 10%.
Smaller engines offer better fuel efficiency at the cost of power.
Automatic Vs Manual: Which Cars Use More Fuel?
Automatic cars used to consume more fuel, but nowadays, there is no noticeable overall difference. Generally speaking, manual transmission cars have a chance to provide better fuel efficiency overall due to their simple design compared to their automatic counterparts.
You can optimise gear selection according to the RPMs each time you shift manual gears for greater efficiency. However, this requires some skill. The engine will use more fuel than necessary if you don’t change at a precise moment or choose inappropriate ratios.
Automatic cars are prone to consuming more fuel due to having more complex parts. However, modern automatic vehicles have come a long way in terms of technology. They now have features such as dual-clutch systems or a torque converter that reduce power loss associated with shifting gears.
Tip: Avoid older models of automatic cars if you prioritise fuel economy when selecting a vehicle.
Additionally, there are now semi-automatic vehicles, which are more fuel-efficient than full-automatics due to having the same base as manual cars and improved gear ratios. Modern semi-automatic and full-automatic gearboxes also include eco and sport modes that allow drivers to adjust to different terrain types or desired performance levels while still maintaining excellent fuel economy.
Learn more about semi-automatics in the article ‘What is a semi-automatic car’.
Factors That Affect Fuel Efficiency in Automatic Cars
Three main factors affect the fuel efficiency of automatic transmission cars, and we’ll go over them here.
Transmission Technology
The type of transmission technology used in an automatic car can affect its fuel efficiency. Advanced transmissions like CVT (Continuously Variable Transmissions) and DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) are more efficient at transferring power and offer smooth gear stick shifting, which leads to better fuel economy than conventional automatic transmissions.
Find out more about how automatic cars work.
Driving Style
Rapid acceleration and sudden braking require more energy, thus reducing the overall mileage of your vehicle. On the other hand, smoother and more consistent driving results in improved gas mileage in automatic gearboxes.
Read more about how to drive an automatic car.
Vehicle Weight & Aerodynamics
Lighter cars use less energy to move compared to heavier ones, so consider the weight when buying a new car. Additionally, sleek body contours improve aerodynamic drag, which further contributes to better gas mileage.
Tips For Optimising Fuel Efficiency In Automatic Cars
There are a few tips that help minimise fuel use in automatic transmission cars.
- Smooth Acceleration and Deceleration: Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration if possible. Maintaining a steady speed will improve the car’s overall performance and fuel efficiency.
- Avoid Excessive Idling: Switch off the engine if you plan to stop for a while as idling wastes fuel.
- Reduce Unnecessary Weight: Carrying unnecessary weight in your car affects its performance negatively, so make sure to unload any heavy items before starting your journey.
- Proper Tyre Maintenance: Keeping tyres at their recommended pressure level helps improve traction, handling and mileage-per-gallon ratings.
Fuel economy greatly varies across car brands and models.
- Use Recommended Engine Oil: Use high-quality oil recommended by the manufacturer as it ensures optimal engine protection leading to better petrol mileage.
- Service & Maintenance: Regularly service and maintain your car according to manufacturer guidelines to reduce breakdown risks and optimise performance.
Read everything about jump-starting an automatic car here.
What About Manual Cars? Essential Factors & Tips For Saving Fuel
You can increase the fuel economy of a manual car by following the tips below.
- Gear Shifting: When driving in traffic or during engine warm-up, it’s important to shift gears at lower RPMs than usual as this reduces fuel consumption significantly. Additionally, coasting in gear saves fuel by consuming no energy while keeping the manual car moving.
- Speed Limits: Adhering to speed limits can make a huge difference in conserving fuel. Driving too fast increases aerodynamic drag as well as rolling resistance which affects the engine load and consequently consumes more fuel.
- Regular Maintenance: Staying on top of regular maintenance such as tyre changes, oil changes and air filter replacements are also crucial for improving your manual car’s performance.
- Revving The Engine: Revving the engine needlessly consumes extra gas, so try avoiding this as much as possible, especially when stationary or idling.
Looking to hire a vehicle that prioritises fuel efficiency? Check out SDVH’s economy car options, designed for city driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Automatic Cars Consume More Fuel Than Manual Cars?
No, automatic cars don’t always consume more fuel than manual cars. This may be true if you use an old vehicle. However, most manufacturers now equip most modern automatic cars with a dual-clutch system or torque converter. These components reduce power loss when you shift gears. Also, you can choose semi-automatics, which usually consume less fuel because of their improved gear ratios.
Which Gear Consumes More Fuel In An Automatic Car?
Lower gears consume more fuel in an automatic car. Whenever you start the car, the transmission automatically shifts to a low gear to give the car the power it needs at that moment. You’ll notice that your engine revs high, increasing the amount of fuel the car consumes. Try to avoid stopping and starting the car repeatedly to reduce inefficiency.
How Can I Save Fuel In My Automatic Car?
You can save fuel in your automatic car by maintaining a steady speed. Increasing your speed rapidly forces the car’s engine to generate more power to move, which increases fuel use. On the other hand, abruptly decelerating wastes the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle. Additionally, avoid idling and remove unnecessary weight to reduce your car’s fuel consumption.
Does Driving Slowly Save Fuel?
No, driving slowly doesn’t save fuel. On the contrary, it increases your car’s fuel consumption. Your car will switch to a lower gear if you drive slowly, and this requires more petrol to maintain. Driving too fast is also counter-productive because the aerodynamic drag will force your engine to work harder to maintain momentum. Most cars reach peak fuel efficiency between 35-60 miles (56-97 kilometres) per hour.
Does Idling Use A Lot Of Fuel?
Yes, idling uses a lot of fuel. Idling involves leaving your car’s engine running even when not moving. This means your car keeps working and consuming fuel. Idling uses half a gallon of fuel per hour. It may even be more, depending on your car type and the size of your engine.
Conclusion
So, do automatic cars use more fuel than those with a manual gearbox? It depends on various factors. Generally, most old automatic transmission cars consume more fuel than their manual counterparts. However, manufacturers have been revolutionising the automatic vehicle industry by creating very fuel-efficient models, so now automatics and cars with manual gearbox consume the same. It’s not just down to the vehicle, either. Other factors, such as your mode of driving and maintenance habits, can affect how fuel-efficient your automatic or manual transmission car is.
