AUTOMATIC MAGIC

Automatic gearboxes are as popular as manual gearing in many countries, and they’re far more prominent in the US. They’re favoured because drivers don’t have to mess around with clutch pedals and gear sticks. Most automatic cars use a torque converter system. Instead of using the clutch to separate the engine from the gearbox to change gears, the car relies on gearbox oil to transfer energy from the input shaft to the gears, and in turn the wheels. Computers determine exactly when gears need to be changed. This allows for smooth gear shifts and easier driving, and automatic gearboxes are often more efficient than their manual counterparts.