Automatic or Manual for off roading
Which one is better?
Well, stay tuned and find out some of the pros and cons
in this comparison of a
Automatic vs Manual Off Road
So first to start with, let’s talk about
Fuel Efficiency
Now, of course, there’s a lot of things to factor in for fuel economy
But
This is most (not all) of the time a
Manual PRO
Of course, when comparing the same make and model vehicle.
Because a manual transmission will have more direct power transfer with gear to gear meshing.
So they typically will use less fuel than an automatic would
And the reason why this is an
Automatic CON
Because with an automatic, you will not have the direct power transfer
As it has to pump and pressurize the fluid
To engage components and clutch packs, plus it can have torque converter slip,
So, therefore, it can have more power loss through the fluid
And with the added drag and lag.
Now the engine will have to work a little harder to move the vehicle.
Which can reduce fuel efficiency
But keep in mind in modern automatic vehicles.
With improved design and more speeds
They have seemed to help improve fuel efficiency.
.
Which one is more
Prone to Run Hot or Overheat
Now, this is an
Automatic CON
Because
They will be more prone to run hot or overheat.
When under heavy loads or even when going slow over obstacles tackling more technical terrain.
As you’re generally going to be on and off the throttle a bunch,
While also using the brake continuously.
And you will contribute to heating the fluid up more from the torque converter slip.
Add that to a scorching hot arid environment. or boggy sand on the beach type of situations.
Putting a lot of extra stress, laboring the engine, and transmission, creating more heat.
Along with the lack of air, flow under the hood.
So that kind of driving can be very demanding on an automatic.
So none the less
You need to have a good engine fan and airflow along with a good transmission cooler.
And always keep an eye on trans temp if you have a gauge. Now, as long as the operating temp stays cool, you’re usually good to go.
Manual PRO
It will run cooler temps with the gear to gear mesh.
So they don’t have the problems with creating heat as the automatic does.
Now when it comes to
Common Parts That Wear
When it comes to part that can routinely wear out, this would probably be more of a
Manual CON
Only because with a manual transmission, you have the clutch that will eventually wear out.
And of course,
How long the clutch lasts will depend on the driver.
A clutch can last for quite a while sometimes.
But, if a driver doesn’t know how to drive a manual/clutch transmission properly.
That could cause excessive wear on a clutch wearing it out prematurely.
Or if you’re driving terrain where you’re using it more will wear it sooner as well.
And an
Automatic PRO
Now, of course, this is assuming an automatic is respectfully driven and adequately maintained.
An automatic typically doesn’t have the same parts wear factor.
But this can be a toss adding in variables of how something is driven and maintained.
But an automatic most of the time, will have an edge here.
What about
Reliability
Now, this is a
Manual PRO
Because they are much simpler in design,
And they run cooler.
Which can help prevent premature failure and helps extend the service life of the transmission.
And they don’t have the electronics.
So, for the most part, a manual transmission gearbox, in general, is more reliable.
And could give years of trouble-free service.
Other than the clutch possibly wearing out like mentioned above.
Automatic CON
An automatic has more components and can be more complicated by design with a torque converter, valve body, and clutch packs.
Plus, with more modern automatics that have electronic controls.
You have added wires, computers, solenoids, etc.
So you always have the possibility for more to go wrong.
And with an automatic having more of a tendency to run hot, or possibly overheat, this can cause them to go up prematurely.
If you don’t keep them cool
So with those points in mind giving less reliability overall.
Although just keep in mind
Some vehicles can be more prone to transmission problems and failure,
So that’s always something to keep a close eye on when looking at a 4×4.
.
Maintenance
Now maintenance itself doesn’t have anything to do with driving off road.
But a few of these points could come in to play in some sort of trail repair scenario.
If you would have to top fluid off or something, so keep that in mind.
Manual PRO
Most of the time, they’re much easier to maintain when it comes to fluid change.
Most just have a drain and fill plug. So it’s pretty simple and straight forward.
Automatic CON
As a lot of them, you have to drop the pan. So you can change the fluid and or filter.
And even though many automatic transmissions, you can simply fill through the dipstick tube located somewhere in the engine bay.
Some may have sealed systems, and the filling process could be a bit more daunting to get the proper fluid level in a trail repair situation.
So, for that reason, automatics can be a little more trouble.
So what happens if you have a
Dead Battery
From running electrical accessories at camp. Like a portable fridge, lights, etc. (it happens)
Or, even if for some reason, the starter would quit working.
Now, this would be another
Manual PRO
As you will have the ability to push/pull, start your 4×4.
And get it back rolling again.
But an
Automatic CON
You won’t be able to do that.
Something else to consider is that when it comes to
Transmission Damage
Is which one will most of the time have a better chance of getting back
Manual PRO
Although a manual transmission is generally very reliable
But let’s say if something would happen in the gearbox.
With a manual transmission, you could very possibly slowly work your way out of something.
And usually have a better chance of limping it out of the woods and back to safety.
That is if you had no other option, of course.
However, say if something would go wrong in the transmission gearbox itself.
You might be able to avoid certain gears.
And if the clutch went out (assuming it’s not slipping where it won’t move)
On a manual transmission, if you know how to.
You could shift the manual without a clutch by matching the engine rpm with the right speed.
And get yourself back out of the backcountry.
And the
Automatic CON
You are pretty much stuck where you sit, especially if you lose transmission fluid.
As the automatic needs fluid to pump pressure to the clutch packs.
So you will have to be towed.
Cost to Repair
In most cases, this is an
Automatic Con
Because the automatic will probably cost more to repair.
Also, to beef them up to handle high horsepower with billet parts can get pricey.
vs a
Manual PRO
Things could be more little more reasonable
But depends on the specific transmission and the parts labor cost as things could vary.
Power Loss
Manual PRO
Most of the time, you will have less power loss and more direct engine power/torque to the ground.
And it will be more responsive when it comes to taking off.
With gear to gear meshing. Along with the direct clutch engagement.
And, the
Automatic CON
You will have a slight delay taking off
As you lose some power from the torque converter, slip until it builds enough fluid pressure.
To get everything engaged and moving.
So with power loss in mind, if you have a
Under Powered Vehicle
With a four-cylinder, every little bit of power is precious.
So this one will be a
Manual PRO
As it can help put more torque to the tires.
Also, more control to wind out the gears if need be.
And the
Automatic CON
It can take up precious torque.
But if you have a vehicle with plenty of power, this isn’t a problem.
Now when it comes to
On Road / Off Road Handling
In most cases, this is a
Automatic PRO
You typically have better control when it comes to the handling of the vehicle
Because in general,
You will have less to do with an automatic.
As you don’t have to worry about shifting, just drive.
And the
Manual CON
Now you have an extra pedal to push
Along with coordinating and selecting the proper gear to be in,
So it’s just more to think about. with all that jazz going on.
Also, when in situations where you have to be on and of the clutch a lot.
It can give you a leg workout.
Now keep in mind when talking about overall.
Control
And when it comes to talking about control, this could be a tie.
Why?
Well, because with a
Manual
Even though you will have more control because you can choose the gear it stays in.
But it could be challenging to drive, in some situations.
And the
Automatic
It can be easier to control and smoother to drive in some situations.
And the torque converter slip can allow for some gear manipulation.
But then, on the other hand, an automatic can shift up or down on you when you don’t want it too.
So this could be a toss.
Depending on the terrain you’re trying to tackle. And the type of control you need.
Keep in mind both transmissions have their strengths and weaknesses.
Sand
Now this another scenario that things can vary a bit, and it will depend on the type of sand and terrain.
So keep that in mind.
However, let’s say, for the most part, this is a
Automatic PRO
Because most (not all) of the time, an automatic tends to work better in the sand, especially when it comes to soft type sand.
Why?
Because with an automatic, you will have a smoother, consistent, and quick transition between shifts.
So it can allow you to keep your momentum up.
Where the
Manual CON
Would be when you would have to shift.
So you will have the delay to get it to the next gear, which in return could cause you to lose momentum.
Or even along with that, say you let the clutch out or accelerate too abruptly.
And you can get bogged during the transition of the shift.
But
As mentioned above, there can be a twist to this. Depending on the terrain you’re trying to tackle
However, automatics have their problems as well.
And sometimes, they can hinder you when it comes to situations like climbing those more massive dunes.
Because what happens when pulling the grade
Some autos can hunt/seek around or what is called busy-shifting.
And while the automatic is trying to figure out what gear it wants to be in.
It can lead to it shifting in the wrong place at the wrong time, and now guess what, you’re stuck.
However,
In some cases, you could manually select and put it in the gear where you want it to be.
So at least it doesn’t shift up to a higher gear.
But
That doesn’t always solve the problem either because automatics can still shift down a gear on you
Causing you to over-rev and lose speed/momentum and probably get stuck.
So this could be a toss depending on what your driving style is and the terrain.
Now how about
Technical Terrain
Now when it comes to technical terrain
Like when crawling over rocks or logs or other obstacles.
Now this will be an
Automatic PRO
And the reason why is that they have something that can benefit them
Which is the lag you feel with an automatic from the torque converter slip
And this will give an automatic edge for going over rocks in tough terrain and obstacles.
Aiding in smoother control/handling
But, if you’re good at driving a manual.
I’m sure you can get it done.
But, that’s the
Manual Con
As it would be a bit jerky/choppy on stuff like that
As you have to do a lot of fancy footwork with the brake-throttle-clutch in tricky situations.
On top of that, it just leads to jarring the driveline, which you don’t want.
And that can hinder momentum control and traction.
Plus hammering and putting extreme shock-loads on the driveline like that.
It can cause at, the very least, an increase in wear.
Or, even worse, cause something to break prematurely.
And a manual can even be tough to get going on a steep hill from a stop.
Just remember if you’re going over tackling tough terrain and obstacles with a manual transmission.
Also with you typically having to do a lot of pedal pumping.
And that can lead to increased wear on the clutch plate for sure.
Well, I guess unless you start modifying the transmission gear ratio on your rig.
Or change transfer case gearing with a much deeper reduction, doubler gears/crawl box.
So you are able just to let the clutch out and crawl.
Which can make a manual transmission very capable in rocky terrain, and you don’t have to worry about overheating issues like an auto would
How about
Mud
Alright, so this could be a bit of a toss here as well when it comes to mud,
But this could be more of a
Manual PRO
Now, most of the time, a manual works very well for when you want rapid acceleration,
Because of a more direct throttle response
As that can help, maintain your speed through the boggy sections.
And you can select and keep it in the gear you want.
So you can keep the RPMs where you want them for some wheel spin.
Which some wheel-spin helps self clean the tires for an increase in traction.
Of course, you don’t want the engine lugging in too high of a gear where you lose pulling power and possibly stall.
And you surely don’t want to be in too low of a gear.
Where you are going too slow and over-revving either,
Which decreases momentum and aids in breaking traction, and get yourself bogged.
Whereas why this is an
Automatic CON
Is because the automatic could shift a gear up or down
Not allowing you to keep the RPMs where you want them
So less control overall with an automatic that why this is a con.
But automatics can have pros and get the job done quite well.
And just like driving in the sand, they could help you keep your momentum better through mud ruts.
Not having to worry about shifting.
Like you would if you needed to grab a gear in a manual.
And I guess with an automatic you don’t have to worry about sloppy mud oozing up in the bell housing.
Working its way on the clutch plate as well causing some issues
If you were to get mired down into the thick of things.
Water
Automatic PRO
With an automatic generally being sealed up much better and have nothing to get water in.
Well, as long as the breather tube is high enough.
But you would also need to check that on a manual transmission and your diffs as well.
And with an auto, something to point out is that drivers will pull it down to the highest gear they want it to shift up to.
To keep it from shifting into too high of a gear.
But the
Manual CON
Because if you get water and or mud residues on the clutch plate. That could cause it to slip.
Or, it’s even possible that water could work its way in the throwout bearing, causing some problems there as well.
For that reason,
Some drivers try their best not to switch gears when you go through deep water.
They put it in the proper gear they need and go.
Now which one is best when it comes to a
Going Up Steep Terrain (Ascending)
So this would be a
Manual CON
As it can be dangerous if you stall, you could roll back easier
And along with that, it will be more challenging to get going on a steep grade. If you would happen to stall it.
And getting good at taking off on grades will take a lot of practice.
Overall much more to deal with on the restart process.
And much more challenging to control on slow accents up rough rocky terrain.
So for this reason, this will be an
Automatic PRO
And also, the automatics lag isn’t totally a bad thing.
The lag (delay taking off) can help a bit when going over technical obstacles like rocks.
Or even allowing you to have a smoother form of control on steep hills for crawling (slow ascents)
Along with more controllable, it’s less likely a stall will happen when going up.
The reason being is you won’t have all that fancy-foot-work going on down on the floorboard.
And if you lose traction on a steep grade.
Or say on rocky terrain, you have to stop and change a line as your spotter guides you.
An automatic has a torque converter.
That will slip when you hit the brake so the engine will still stay running.
And to get going again will be much simpler and smoother.
If you break traction with a manual transmission or need to stop and restart again, it could get tricky.
But
Now when
Going Down Steep Terrain (Descending)
Well, just keep in mind, for the most part; this will be a
Manual PRO
Because it will typically have a lower first gear ratio than an automatic would.
Which is an added benefit of a manual transmission
Because that helps with engine braking going down steep grades
To help, hold the rig back better.
To maintain a more consistent speed when descending a hill.
Allowing you to stay off the brakes more.
Whereas the
Automatic CON
It would be that you typically have to ride the brake more.
And although, most of the time, you can manually pull an automatic down into first gear.
And they can hold you back.
However, they don’t always work very efficiently.
And something to
Note
When it comes to modern automatics
Some can have downhill assist and possibly more transmissions speeds
With the gears ratios being closer together
So that helps.for quick, seamless shifts.
And these types of transmissions can work more efficiently.
But on the other hand, older automatic vehicles.
Didn’t have all those fancy modes and settings going on
Which they also had fewer speeds
Along with the gear ratios between gears were typically further apart.
And the torque converter, most of the time, might not lock up right away.
Which the torque converter lock-up allows it to spin the engine to help give some engine braking.
And without some effective engine braking.
You could gain some more speed rolling down a hill.
Which then can lead to riding the brakes a bunch, which is something you don’t want to do.
Because say if the brakes get too hot, that could lead to brake fade, and you certainly don’t want that.
So even though this post isn’t about high performance, modified transmissions.
Let’s toss this one in, and when it comes to
Off Road Racing
Now when it comes to racing off road, this is generally, for the most part, a
Automatic PRO
Because in most of the off road racing applications. They use automatics to reduce shock load to the driveline.
Which can help prevent driveline components from getting damaged or broken.
And if you have the budget. You could build an automatic to handle a hammering.
As you can find them in rock crawlers, trophy trucks, Ultra 4
Plus, you could add an automatic having more consistent shifts.
Manual CON
Although you do find them used in some instances
The manual transmission doesn’t dampen the shock load to the driveline
And it can be more challenging to drive
So not as desirable.
Now the
Final Conclusion
So,
Is manual or automatic better for off road
For the most part, automatics, in general, are probably a better option for most people.
Because of the ease of handling, they offer on most varying types of terrain.
From on road use, along with moderate to more difficult off-road-terrain.
As you don’t have to think about shifting and fancy-foot-work on the floor-board (clutch-brake-throttle.)
Allowing an automatic to be easier, smoother, and safer to drive overall vs the manual transmission.
Along with that, keep in mind an automatic transmission might be what you will mostly find.
As it seems, these days, most modern vehicles come with an automatic as standard equipment more often than not.
But,
To be honest, it’s just a matter of opinion and preference.
And
It will just come down to what one you have the most experience driving.
And ultimately, what’s most comfortable for you.
A manual is more simplistic and less to go wrong.
Gives the option to pop start the vehicle when you have a drained battery.
And they help out more when it comes to underpowered vehicles.
Also, a manual can be enjoyable to drive.
As you have more points of contact with your 4×4 and it can help to keep you engaged and more alert.
Allowing you to stay involved in the driving experience a little more.
Furthermore, you have more direct control of the gear you want to be in.
But,
A manual transmission can be difficult and cumbersome to drive when it comes to technical tough, or steep terrain.
So when it comes to a manual, if you want to go off road, its best left to a skilled manual driver.