käsikäigukastide

Käsikäigukastide, often translated as manual transmissions or stick shifts, are a type of gearbox used in vehicles that requires the driver to manually select and engage gears. Unlike automatic transmissions, which change gears without driver input, a manual transmission relies on a clutch pedal and a gear lever operated by the driver.

The core components of a manual transmission include a clutch, input shaft, output shaft, and a set of gears of varying sizes. The clutch acts as a disengager, temporarily disconnecting the engine from the transmission, allowing the driver to shift gears smoothly. The gear lever is connected to a series of linkages or cables that move synchronizers within the gearbox. These synchronizers match the speed of the gear to be engaged with the speed of the output shaft before engagement, preventing grinding and wear.

When a driver selects a gear, the synchronizer causes the chosen gear to lock onto the output shaft. The ratio of the gear teeth determines the mechanical advantage, influencing the vehicle's speed and torque. Lower gears provide more torque for acceleration and climbing hills, while higher gears allow for higher speeds with less engine strain.

The operation of a manual transmission involves a coordinated effort between pressing the clutch pedal, moving the gear lever, and releasing the clutch pedal. This process, while requiring more driver attention than an automatic transmission, is favored by some for its direct control over the vehicle's power delivery, fuel efficiency advantages in certain driving conditions, and often lower purchase price. The skill of operating a manual transmission is sometimes referred to as "driving stick."