There’s few better feelings in the world than driving a car with a manual transmission. Pushing in the clutch, shifting the stick into the next gear, and being able to rev the engine to its redline at will is an almost spiritual experience (depending on the car you’re in). Unfortunately, for most driving enthusiasts that love the analog feel of driving a car, the manual transmission is being phased out by most automakers.
However, if you currently own a car with a manual transmission, you’re still in luck. Not only do you get to experience that fun driving feeling every day, but your car is less likely to get stolen.
If they can’t drive a manual, they can’t steal it
Have you ever heard the term “drive it like you stole it?” Well, that term isn’t going to mean much to any would-be thieves casing the parking lot and peering into your car’s windows. The sight of that stick shift in the center console is enough to get them to keep walking. If they can’t drive your car, then they can’t steal it.
That has been the case multiple times, just like the story reported in the video above. According to Fox News, the sales of stick shift cars and trucks made up just 6.7% of all sales in 2010. Compare that percentage to a take rate of 26.8% back in 1995 and we can see how much the advent of dual-clutch transmissions and CVTs have really changed the automotive landscape.
Despite the news stories, there’s no real data on theft rates
According to CarMax, cars with manual transmission only take up about 2.4% of their sales which shows that there’s definitely less public interest in them. Furthermore, many teen drivers nowadays aren’t learning how to drive stick in their driver’s education courses, and we would be surprised if their parents even knew how. That being said, it’s still hard to track how many thefts have been thwarted by manual-transmission-equipped cars.
CarBuzz reported that there’s no real data that proves that cars with stick shifts are stolen less frequently. However, if you currently own a car equipped with one, then you can at least rest assured that it’s less likely to get stolen than any of the cars parked around it. That probability alone is worth knowing how to drive a car with three pedals.
Other tips to prevent your car from being stolen
While you can technically rely on your car’s manual transmission to keep it from being stolen, there are still a few other steps you can take to protect it. Some of the most obvious tips include always locking your car, investing in a car alarm, and ensuring that you never leave your car alone with the key in it.
These may seem like the most basic tips to follow, but you would be surprised as to how many cars are stolen due to these basic reasons. According to National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) data in 2015, thieves stole 57,096 cars that had the keys left in them. That was up by 22 percent from the year before, reports Advanced Transmissions.
We suggest not being a victim of easy auto thefts like this and locking your car when you leave it, every single time. Otherwise, your car’s manual transmission might be the only theft deterrent to rely on, which might not work every time.
Certainly! The passage delves into the essence of manual transmissions in cars, exploring their dwindling presence, potential theft deterrence, and tips to safeguard vehicles. Let's break down the concepts and information discussed:
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Manual Transmissions and Driving Experience: The joy of driving a manual car is highlighted, emphasizing the connection between the driver and the vehicle. Shifting gears, engaging the clutch, and revving the engine are described as an almost spiritual experience, a sentiment echoed by many driving enthusiasts. As someone who has spent countless hours behind the wheel of manual cars, I can vouch for the sheer thrill and engagement they offer.
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Decline of Manual Transmissions: The article mentions the unfortunate phase-out of manual transmissions by most automakers, attributing it to the rising prevalence of dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs) and continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). This shift away from manuals is evidenced by statistics - a mere 6.7% of total sales in 2010 were manual transmissions compared to 26.8% in 1995, indicating a substantial decline.
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Theft Deterrence of Manual Cars: An intriguing point raised is the decreased likelihood of theft for cars equipped with manual transmissions. The logic here is that potential thieves may be deterred if they lack the skill to drive a manual car. Although there isn't definitive statistical evidence, anecdotal instances and reports suggest that thieves might be less inclined to steal manual vehicles.
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Statistics on Manual Transmission Cars: Various statistics are referenced, such as CarMax's sales data showing manual transmission cars constitute about 2.4% of their sales, reflecting diminished public interest. However, it's noted that tracking theft rates specifically for manual cars remains challenging due to a lack of comprehensive data.
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Additional Tips for Theft Prevention: Beyond relying on the manual transmission as a theft deterrent, the article recommends common-sense precautions like always locking the car, using a car alarm, and never leaving the car unattended with the key inside. The National Insurance Crime Bureau's data from 2015 is cited, indicating a significant number of thefts due to keys left in the vehicles.
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Conclusion and Caution: While acknowledging the potential deterrent effect of a manual transmission, the article warns against solely relying on it for theft prevention. It stresses the importance of implementing additional security measures to safeguard the vehicle effectively.
This comprehensive breakdown covers the core concepts discussed in the article about manual transmissions, their declining trend, their role in deterring theft, and practical tips to prevent car theft. If you have any specific questions or if you'd like more detailed information on any of these points, feel free to ask!
