From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

ThatrCOs definitely worth a chortle! In the UK manuals are still common, so rental companies often double-check yourCOre comfortable with an automatic, whereas in North America itrCOs the opposite rCo the vast majority of rental cars are automatic and finding a manual can be surprisingly difficult, so most drivers never think twice about it; itrCOs just one of those regional quirks of car culture, like driving on different sides of the road or arguing about wheel bearings and other mechanical bits over a pint rCo different norms, same love of motoring. Happy New Year to you too, Rich!
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For full context, visit https://www.polytechforum.com/metalworking/uk-rental-okay-with-auto-1625780-.htm

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From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

"zjacker" wrote in message news:189a6121fed4c23d$2865$1996024$4056de03@news.newsgroupdirect.com...

That|ore4raos definitely worth a chortle! In the UK manuals are still common, so
rental companies often double-check you|ore4raore comfortable with an automatic,
whereas in North America it|ore4raos the opposite |ore4rCY the vast majority of rental
cars are automatic and finding a manual can be surprisingly difficult, so
most drivers never think twice about it; it|ore4raos just one of those regional
quirks of car culture, like driving on different sides of the road or
arguing about wheel bearings and other mechanical bits over a pint |ore4rCY different norms, same love of motoring. Happy New Year to you too, Rich! ---------------

https://www.reddit.com/r/FordBronco/comments/1lr1sb8/how_popular_is_the_7speed_manual_transmission/

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From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

ThatrCOs definitely a funny cultural differencerCohere in North America most rental cars are automatic, so many drivers wouldnrCOt even think about being asked if they can drive one, while in the UK manuals are still common and people are much more used to shifting gears themselves; itrCOs just one of those regional quirks of car culture, a bit like driving on different sides of the road or chatting about mechanical things like wheel hub bearings from https://en.tradebearings.com/clist_184.html and other car parts over a pint, where the habits may differ but the enthusiasm for cars is the same.
--
For full context, visit https://www.polytechforum.com/metalworking/uk-rental-okay-with-auto-1625780-.htm

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From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

I have both types. When I change from the automatic to the manual, usually because I'm working on the automatic vehicle, I'm reminded that I instinctively shift to prepare for conditions ahead such as a tight corner. The automatic doesn't make me plan ahead as much though I still do.

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From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

On 3/13/2026 4:35 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:

I have both types. When I change from the automatic to the manual,
usually because I'm working on the automatic vehicle, I'm reminded that
I instinctively shift to prepare for conditions ahead such as a tight corner. The automatic doesn't make me plan ahead as much though I still do.

Knowing how to shift can help with hauling heavy loads and heavy
trailering even when driving a vehicle with an automatic.

I think BIG trucks still mostly have manual transmissions, (I could be
wrong) but I'm thinking when running an automatic in a 3/4 or 1 ton
pickup running near capacity on mountain roads. On the flat and level
not so much, but climbing in and out of Salt River Canyon hauling a full
size 3/4 ton pickup with a full size 3/4 ton pickup I was reminded that knowing how to shift, manage rpm, and use brakes without burning them up
was invaluable and the truck I was using only had a 6 speed. Even
sometimes climbing over telegraph pass I like to keep an eye on
everything and have been known to shift manually instead of trusting the automatic to stay in the right gear for engine braking or descent assist depending on the make.
--
Bob La Londe
CNC Molds N Stuff
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From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

"Bob La Londe" wrote in message news:10p1d3r$3bg0r$1@dont-email.me...

I think BIG trucks still mostly have manual transmissions,

https://schneiderjobs.com/blog/what-is-an-automated-manual-transmission

My 2000 CRV has an AT with an effective engine braking hill descent mode. It has many of the good features of the Land Rover Freelander it's a near copy of, from a failed joint venture. Fortunately the mechanicals and electricals are Honda, boringly reliable for 20 years or 200,000++ miles. Then the
plastic and rubber need replacing, which hasn't been too difficult. Stylists replaced engineers for the later models and made them more normal looking
and less practical.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=140&t=1262140

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From Newsgroup: rec.crafts.metalworking

"Jim Wilkins" wrote in message news:10p1r6p$3i7ad$1@dont-email.me...

"Bob La Londe" wrote in message news:10p1d3r$3bg0r$1@dont-email.me...

I think BIG trucks still mostly have manual transmissions,

https://schneiderjobs.com/blog/what-is-an-automated-manual-transmission ------------------------
It appears to me that an automated manual has spur gears driving to and from
a countershaft like a manual, and computer control of clutch engagement and gear pair selection. This contrasts with an AT which has a torque converter input and planetary gearset as explained here: https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/how-automatic-transmission-works/

I still see trucks pull away from green lights in separate distinct steps,
as if the driver is rowing the gearshift and double-clutching. Driving Army trucks was sort of like that. https://www.nf6x.net/1999/10/m109a3-2-5-ton-6x6-shop-van/
"Tire+wheel weighs around 200 lbs."
It's a split rim and I learned to change tires. A friend and I broke one of the 1" wheel studs because the L for left-handed thread was filled with
paint. The mechanic was more impressed that we could than angry that we did.

I was assigned it because it had a safe welded to the floor in the back to lock up classified material. If at all possible I drove my VW instead, as an uninteresting Bug allowed me to stay overnight in usually delightful village inns where foreigners were rare.

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