Standard vs. Automatic Transmission: Which is Geared for You?

One of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make when purchasing a new or used commercial work truck is whether to go with an automatic or standard transmission.  While there is a huge difference between the two, neither one is better than the other.  The best way to choose is to consider your individual needs and wants and weigh it all out for yourself.

Here are some factors to think about:

Which are you accustomed to – standard or automatic?  If you have driven a standard all your life and it comes as a breeze to you, you may want to stick with it.  There are a ton of benefits you’ll enjoy and the extra work won’t even be noticeable.  On the other hand, if you’ve never driven a stick shift, you may opt for the convenience of an automatic despite the few advantages of a standard.

Mileage is definitely something to take into account.  Do you put a lot of miles on your vehicle and if so, are they city miles or highway miles?  If much of your travel is spent on the highway, grinding the gears won’t be near as big of a deal as it is in the city.  Plus, you’re likely to get better gas mileage.  If you drive within the city limits most of the time, a standard transmission may be more work than you want to deal with.

What type of ground do you drive on?  If your work truck has to get through rough and rugged terrain, a standard will allow you to choose low gears for added power.  If you’ll mostly be on smooth turf, an automatic will glide right over it.

As far as fuel mileage, with today’s technology, automatic transmissions are built for efficient use of gas or diesel fuel.  Allison automatic transmissions have been proven to reduce gas consumption by up to 5%.

While a standard gives a good amount of control over the vehicle, if you are not in compromising positions very often, an automatic delivers smooth gear changes and may be an all-around safer, smarter choice.

The best way to access which will work best for you, standard or automatic, is to take inventory of the factors above.  Based on your needs and preference, you’ll be able to make the decision that is right for your situation.

MJ TruckNation

At MJ TruckNation, we are here to serve your every need.  We have a wide assortment of new and used commercial work trucks with both automatic and standard transmissions. If you aren’t sure which to go with, come on in or check out our trucks online.  We can help you figure it out. 

We have a helpful team who is devoted to making your shopping experience a pleasant one.  With onsite financing available, we can work wonders.  Give us a call today at (561) 840-9800.