Manual transmissions have a clutch pedal and a shifter the driver uses to manually change gears. ... With a manual transmission, the driver has to select the proper gear and engage or disengage the clutch. The transmission uses a flywheel, pressure plate and clutch to engage and disengage the engine from the transmission.

How does a car's transmission work?

According to How Stuff Works, this device combines a torque or fluid coupling converter with gearsets that provide the desired range of gears for the vehicle. The torque converter connects the engine to the transmission and uses pressurized fluid to transfer power to the gears.

How do automatics know when to shift?

An automatic transmission uses sensors to determine when it should shift gears, and changes them using internal oil pressure.