Cars, Trucks, Etc.

Gear Shifters have Changed since Last Generation

New shifters: a potential game-changer for automotive innovation and understanding

By: Noor Ouertatni, Journalist

March 20, 2025

A gear shifter

Introduction

Today numerous people struggle with new car mechanics. The main reason for this issue is because of new and varied gear shifters that are being put into new cars by car manufacturers. A few years ago, nearly all cars had the gear shifter in either the steering column or the console. However, today, the new gear shifter could be a small joystick shifter, a touch screen gear shift, or a dial, and these shifters can be located anywhere in the car. Car manufacturers moved away from the traditional location of the gear shifter because the adoption of onboard computers in cars meant that the gear shifter didn’t need to be directly linked to the transmission. While this innovation has allowed for the creative placement of gear shifters, it is causing a significant problem.

Its Impact on America

This invention impacts America because many people are losing their understanding of cars, especially older people. Because the gear shifters are in different shapes and different places in different cars, the days of getting in a car and being able to drive it are over. Another con of the new technology is the inability to understand the mechanism entirely at first sight. As a result of this, more car crashes could occur because of confusion about how the gear shifter works. For example, someone could put the car in the wrong gear and cause an accident. However, there are some benefits to the changes in gear shifters. First, a new gear shifter could make driving more comfortable for many because they could keep their hands on the steering wheel. Second, an electronic gear shifter could improve performance by having a faster gear shifter compared to other types. These new gear shifters could be more efficient for users. Third, another way this innovation impacts America is by having more environmentally friendly cars. With the new technology, we could put less strain on the engine and use less fuel. Moreover, if this technology is adopted by the majority of cars then emissions could decrease. The new gear shifters’ location and design could cause catastrophic events or improve the country’s automobiles.