At Transmission Service Connection, we’re not just transmission mechanics, we’re also industry enthusiasts. We love finding out new things about our field and sharing what we learn. And if you do notice a sign of transmission trouble in your vehicle, don’t hesitate to give us a call. By being proactive, you’ll have the best chance to address the issue before it escalates and costs more to fix. At our local transmission shop, we’ll make sure that your car shifts smoothly. Here are five interesting facts about automotive transmissions.
The Preselector Gearbox
Between the 1930s and 1950s, there was a popular type of transmission called “the preselect.” With this style of transmission, the driver would choose the gear to which they wanted to shift before actually engaging the clutch pedal. Then, when the driver did hit the pedal, the car would automatically shift to the gear that was chosen.
The Vast Majority of Americans Don’t Know How to Drive a Manual
According to a 2018 study, less than 1 in 5 American drivers know how to drive a stick shift.
The First Widely-Available Automatic Transmission
The first mass-produced automatic-style transmission was GM’s HydraMatic gearbox. Released to the public in 1939, it was installed in GM’s Oldsmobile and Cadillac models.
A Specific License is Required to Drive a Manual in the U.K.
In the United Kingdom, if you do your test with an automatic transmission, you’ll only get licensed to drive an automatic. If you want to be able to legally drive a manual transmission, you’ll have to pass a driver’s test while operating a stick shift.
Manual Transmissions No Longer Always Get Better Gas Mileage
Manual transmissions used to consistently get better gas mileage than their automatic counterparts, but this is no longer the case. Technological advances have led to modern automatic transmissions that achieve the same–or even better—fuel-efficiency as manuals.
Transmission Service in Baton Rouge, LA
When you need transmission service in Baton Rouge and the surrounding area, contact Transmission Service Connection at 225-217-5505. At our nearby transmission shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s transmission needs. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!