Should I choose a manual or automatic rental vehicle?
Hiring a car and unsure whether to get an automatic or manual vehicle? Get the facts in our guide.
Hiring a car for the first time can be a liberating experience. But for many drivers, there's plenty to think about before you sign on the dotted line.
First and foremost, of course, is whether the car is the right size. Then there's the issue of extra features. Are you willing to pay that bit extra for built-in Bluetooth and GPS, say, or is that a cost too far?
But before you get to these finer details, there's a more fundamental question to answer. Should you choose a manual or automatic rental vehicle?
Until recently, it wasn't a question that affected many people. Brits have traditionally favoured manuals, but the times they are a-changin'.
The number of driving tests taken in automatic cars
increased dramatically between 2019 and 2022, going from 13% to 19%. More and more new vehicles – especially EVs and hybrids – boast automatic gearboxes.
So, which should you choose? As so often, the answer depends on you – your requirements, experience and wishes. We hope this article helps you hit on the right vehicle for your purposes.
What's the difference between a manual and an automatic vehicle?
The difference between manual and automatic vehicles is all in the gears.
In a manual car, the driver shifts through the gears manually with the gear stick and the clutch. This helps them manage the speed of the vehicle safely.
Automatic cars, by contrast, don't have a clutch to play with. Instead, the car automatically cycles through gears. Some models still have a gear stick, but this is used to switch between driving modes (reverse, drive, neutral, park) rather than switch between gears.
Manual cars are still the more popular option of the two – but automatic vehicles have their benefits. Mostly, it comes down to the amount of control you want over your vehicle.
Automatic gearboxes have been around since the late 1930s. Despite this, manuals have been the overwhelmingly popular choice in the UK until relatively recently. It remains to be seen whether the Age of the Automatic will soon be upon us.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of automatic vehicles?
When you learn to drive in a manual car, you have four main areas of practical driving to learn: steering, acceleration, braking and gears. Automatic cars remove the question of gears altogether.
This can be beneficial for drivers who lack confidence, experience or a bit of both. If you find yourself moving between gears with a bump, you may find the smoothness of an automatic car a welcome change.
This is especially true in busy areas. With an automatic car, you're always in the right gear, so you won't be hammering at the clutch in stop-start, congested environments.
The same goes for hilly areas. If you find gear changes difficult when mounting a hill, an automatic can do the donkey work for you. Hill starts, too, can change from being a chore to a breeze with a single push of the pedal.
Automatic gearboxes allow you to focus on steering. This can help you respond more quickly to hazards as they arise.
The main advantage of automatics, then, is that they take a potentially difficult aspect of driving out of your hands. The main disadvantage is, well, the same. Some drivers want full control over the vehicle – especially accomplished and confident drivers. What's more, manual cars can usually pick up speed more quickly than automatics.
There's also the question of cost, which applies to both renting and buying. It's perfectly possible to get a good deal on an automatic from a reputable dealership. However, they tend to be more expensive than their manual counterparts.
Which should you choose?
It all depends on you – your experience, requirements and wishes.
First of all, ask yourself what you normally drive. It can be best to stick to what you know when driving a rental vehicle.
Secondly, consider your confidence levels. If you find driving a breeze, you may want the added control that a manual gearbox provides. Conversely, if you find driving a more or less stressful experience, you may want to remove a layer of stress by hiring an automatic.
Thirdly, consider your budget. As we say, there are good deals on automatic vehicles to be had. But, generally speaking, automatic cars are more expensive to make, buy, maintain and hire.
Finally, are you visiting the UK from abroad? Are you used to driving on the right-hand side of the road? Then you may find that driving on the left is challenging enough without also having to change gears with your left hand.
Still not sure? Let's talk. Give us a call on (0191) 4888 700 or
drop us an email. We'll be sure to help you pick the right car for your rental.
Are automatics on the rise?
Most drivers in the UK still drive manual cars. But there's a definite increase in the availability of automatics. This is reflected in the number of learners choosing to take their tests in automatic vehicles.
There are two key reasons for this. The first is that most new cars are automatic. Why, a student might ask herself, should I bother learning to use a manual gearbox when manuals could one day be a thing of the past?
Secondly, learning in automatic simplifies driving lessons. Now that you don't have to learn how to control the clutch, you can focus on steering, acceleration and manoeuvres.
Another factor is that many driving instructors are switching to the automatic. In 2023,
37% of trainee instructors went for an automatic rather than a manual vehicle.
Despite all this, it's not necessarily easier to pass your test in an automatic vehicle. By the time you've passed, however, automatics are usually the easier option.
Looking for
cheap car hire in Sunderland or Gateshead? At MVH Rental, we're known for matching affordable rates with exceptional service. To get started,
browse our fleet online or request a quote on (0191) 4888 700.
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