10 Car Myths You Probably Believe

Manual Transmissions Are Better

Manual transmission, five-speed, stick shift…whatever you call it, you’ve probably heard plenty of opinions on it. Manual transmissions used to be praised for offering better gas mileage and generally being safer, more enjoyable cars to drive. However, now that automatic transmissions are more mainstream they are typically the safer and more fuel-efficient alternative. Newer automatic cars are equipped with a top gear that reduces your RPM at highway speeds as well as lock-up torque converters, both of which maximize efficiency.

If you’re choosing an older car, the manual transmission may be more fuel efficient, but with newer cars this simply isn’t true. There’s also the myth that driving a stick makes you a better driver. While driving a five-speed may make you look like you know what you’re doing, a responsible driver with knowledge of their own vehicle is always the better no matter what they drive.