Manuaalivaihteinen

Manuaalivaihteinen, often referred to as a manual transmission or stick shift in English, describes a type of vehicle transmission system that requires the driver to manually change gears using a gear lever and a clutch pedal. This is in contrast to automatic transmissions, which select gears automatically without driver intervention.

The core components of a manual transmission include a clutch, a gearbox containing a set of gears of varying ratios, and a shifter. The clutch is a friction device that disconnects the engine from the transmission, allowing the driver to change gears smoothly. The gear lever, also known as the gear stick or shifter, is used by the driver to select the desired gear ratio from the gearbox. The gearbox itself is a complex assembly of shafts and gears that provide different ratios to optimize engine performance for various speeds and loads.

Operating a manual transmission involves a specific sequence of actions. When starting from a standstill, the driver presses the clutch pedal to disengage the engine, moves the gear lever into the first gear position, and then gradually releases the clutch pedal while simultaneously applying throttle to move the vehicle forward. To change to a higher gear, the driver again disengages the clutch, moves the lever to the next gear, and then re-engages the clutch with throttle. This process is reversed for downshifting.

Manual transmissions have historically been the standard in most automobiles but have seen a decline in popularity in recent years due to the increasing prevalence and sophistication of automatic transmissions, including continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) and dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs). However, manual transmissions are still favored by some drivers for their perceived engagement, control, and often lower purchase price. They are also common in performance-oriented vehicles and in certain markets where they remain the dominant choice.