Taking test in automatic car - can you drive semi-automatics

owen_money

Arklight wrote: »

As fossil fuel engines are phased out there won't even be gear ratios in the engines.

There's never been any gear ratio's in the engine, they're in the gearbox

James2k

neilmcl wrote: »

Having problems?

Yes, i have no idea what you said. please rephrase it for my simple mind.

neilmcl

James2k wrote: »

Yes, i have no idea what you said. please rephrase it for my simple mind.

Try reading it in the context it was written. When you're have to perform a manoeuvre with multiple changes between forward and reverse, such as multi-point turns or getting out of a tight parking space, then a manual is so much easier and quicker to use than an auto, plus you have a greater deal of fine control with the clutch (that's assuming you're capable of decent clutch control)

James2k

neilmcl wrote: »

Try reading it in the context it was written. When you're have to perform a manoeuvre with multiple changes between forward and reverse, such as multi-point turns or getting out of a tight parking space, then a manual is so much easier and quicker to use than an auto.

Try not being a douche about it.

And I think you are incorrect. unless moving a lever back and forward is harder than moving a lever back and forwards AND pushing a clutch?

iolanthe07

If you're set on an automatic, for goodness sake get one with a torque converter. They may use a little more fuel, but it is a tried and tested system that is generally utterly reliable. Manufacturers who dallied with ghastly jerky semi-autos are gradually returning to Torque converters.

James2k

iolanthe07 wrote: »

If you're set on an automatic, for goodness sake get one with a torque converter. They may use a little more fuel, but it is a tried and tested system that is generally utterly reliable. Manufacturers who dallied with ghastly jerky semi-autos are gradually returning to Torque converters.

someone who clearly hasnt ever driven a good dual clutch.

Id have a normal torque converter if i did a lot of city driving, its just better suited to slow speed driving.

But for spirited driving? forget about it, dual clutch is awesome.

Richard53

James2k wrote: »

And I think you are incorrect. unless moving a lever back and forward is harder than moving a lever back and forwards AND pushing a clutch?

I'd agree with neilmcl here. And old-school TC gearbox can be a bit ponderous moving between D and R and vice versa. On my Range Rover it took a couple of seconds for the box to engage Reverse, although it seemed to be slightly quicker into Drive. Trying to hurry it just made horrible noises. Even the clunky old LT77 box in my Defender was quicker than that.

Robisere

I learned to drive in the Army, too many years ago! I drove everything from tracked fighting vehicles to Land Rovers and aircraft transporters, all with manual transmission. When I came out I became a workshop foreman in a large independent garage business, mainly working on Classic vehicles, some of which were Auto box cars. So I was lucky enough to get used to the difference, until injury and disability ruined my spine and I lost left leg function. I have now been a Motability driver since 1995 and each 3 year Lease has been an automatic. Gradually, over the years, auto boxes have improved in function and use. IF I could return the use of my "clutch leg" I would still not return to a manual gearbox. I found that driving is more relaxed and I took more notice of the road around me, including looking out for the daft antics of other drivers. My current car is a Hyundai iX20 auto and I love it. It was a demo model and a special, I was lucky to get it. 1.6, twin cam, 12 valves, 125 bhp and drives so smoothly through its 7 speed auto box that I rarely feel the changes.


However, I do recommend that this young lady tries to drive a manual car at first. There would be no change to her license, should she wish to step up to an auto later.


Comments about manual cars being easier to reverse, etc., is laughable: move into Neutral at lights/junctions, wait for the manual driver(s) in front to engage gears, select "D" and move off. Reversing is made simple by sensors: again, move one stick, watch door mirrors carefully, listen for the beeps, adjust position slightly and park or drive away. Simples!

George_Michael

James2k wrote: »

Try not being a douche about it.

What was wrong with the reply from neil?
In your own words, you wanted a reply worded so that that someone with a "simple mind" could understand it and from what I can see, that's exactly what you got.

James2k wrote: »

Yes, i have no idea what you said. please rephrase it for my simple mind.

George_Michael

Robisere wrote: »

Reversing is made simple by sensors: again, move one stick, watch door mirrors carefully, listen for the beeps, adjust position slightly and park or drive away. Simples!

Why no mention of using the rear view mirror? (provided there is one fitted).
Reversing sensors are there to aid reversing and like anything electrical or mechanical, they can fail and without using your rear view mirror, there could easily be someone or something close to the rear of the vehicle and in the blind spot from the door mirrors.