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If you’re planning to rent any vehicle, you’re likely thinking about having to deal with a manual transmission—after all, it’s what everyone drives.
Nowadays though, cars with automatic transmissions are becoming more commonplace, especially as much of the world’s vehicle makers transition to creating cars that run efficiently in regards to costs.
Automatic Car Hire FAQ
I need to hire an automatic car in France? |
It should be no problem as long as you reserve a car early. The busiest locations include Nice Airport, Paris CDG, Toulouse, Carcassonne etc |
Is it true that the majority of cars in Europe are manual? |
Yes, It's estimated that less than 20% of cars in Europe are automatic. |
Can I hire an automatic car in the UK? |
Of course. Stick to what you know and rent an automatic car in London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Bristol, Glasgow, Edinburgh etc |
Are there many automatic vehicles in the United Kingdom? |
The number is growing steadily. Over 8 million are in use. Car manufacturers have seen an increased demand for automatic transmissions. |
Is it easier to drive an automatic car versus a manual? |
Many people will say Yes. Of course it depends very much on what you are used to. Changing gears is faster in many automatics these days so picking up speed can happen quicker. |
Will I be able to rent an automatic car in Italy? |
Automatics are not particularly popular in Italy so again it will depend on how early you book. Some of the busiest destinations include Milan, Rome, Pisa, Naples,. Bergamo Airport, Brindisi Airport, Sicily, Sardinia and more. |
I see a lot more automatic cars on the road these days. Are they growing in popularity? |
Absolutely, year on year increases suggest that this trend is not likely to change anytime soon |
How about Portugal? Can I get an automatic car hire in Faro Airport or Lisbon, Porto etc? |
Yes, there should be reasonable availability. Reports suggest that car hire firms have around 20% automatics in their fleets. |
Cheap Automatic Car Hire
Find the cheapest automatic car hire offer today. Some of our most popular locations for pickup include Majorca, Alicante, Malaga, Nice, Canary Islands, Faro Airport, Barcelona, Rome and car hire Geneva Airport French side.
Spain, Italy, Portugal and France offer plenty of choice for those who require an automatic with numerous pickup locations.
Automatic Car Hire UK
There are numerous options within the United Kingdom for pickup such automatic car hire London, Heathrow Airport, Stansted, Gatwick, Luton, London City Airport, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, automatic car hire Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Bristol, Dublin, Belfast, Leeds, Cornwall, Sheffield and more.
Driving a car, especially on a family holiday, doesn’t have to be that much of a hassle. That’s a good enough reason alone to consider an automatic car hire over a manual one.

In this article, we’re going to briefly review the differences between manual and automatic transmission vehicles and why you should consider an automatic car rental for your next holiday.
Automatic transmissions, also referred to as automatic gearboxes, are automatic vehicle transmissions that immediately switch gear ratios as the vehicle drives. This relieves the driver of having to manually shift the gears, as they would with a manual transmission vehicle.
Due to this mechanism of action, many people increasingly prefer automatic transmission vehicles over their manual counterparts.
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Benefits of Hiring an Automatic Transmission Car
Why go automatic when renting? Plenty of reasons to think about, making your trip better all around.
Benefit | Explanation |
---|---|
Ease of Use | Easier for beginners, making driving less stressful. |
Enhanced Safety | Hands stay on the wheel for better control and quick response. |
Greater Comfort | Modern features usually mean a smoother ride. |
Fuel Efficiency | New automatics often save on fuel, going the extra mile. |
Variety of Options | Rental companies offer loads of models to fit any taste or group size. |
Opting for an automatic transmission car hire means a chill, laid-back journey with all the ease and peace of mind that automatics deliver.
Automatic Car Transmission
Most modern cars have what’s known as a hydraulic automatic transmission; larger versions of this device are naturally used in much larger vehicles.
This particular transmission makes use of a fluid coupling, instead of a friction clutch, and performs the characteristic gear changes by unlocking and locking its associated planetary gears system.
Increased popularity over the years
Automatic transmissions are very popular in North America. They’ve been made available in practically most cars since the 1950s. In Europe, however, automatic transmissions account for around 20 per cent of drivers’ preferences regarding their choice in transmission.
The lack of popularity doesn’t mean that automatic transmissions aren’t available in the UK and Europe as a whole—because they are.
Why Rent an Automatic Car over Manual?
There’s a reason why automatic transmissions are gaining popularity throughout Europe: they’re not as difficult to drive as manual transmission vehicles.

Although European drivers will always know how operate manual transmission, since that instruction is long ingrained in their minds, some may want to, well, take a break from such precise controls.
If you’re heading off on holiday or just want a break from manual controls, automatic transmission vehicles can give you such a freedom.
First and foremost, you might not be able to drive automatic without being permitted to do so. If you’ve already been tried for a manual license and, thus, hold one, you’ll be able to freely drive both manual and automatic.
Automatic Car Hire versus Manual
Although both transmissions perform the same task, they ultimately possess various differences. Let’s take a look:
Automatic:
As mentioned, an automatic transmission will shift gears automatically. You won’t need to worry about working with a clutch pedal, as it only uses an accelerator pedal and brake pedal.
Although you’ll have to use the brakes more often to maintain control of the car, it’s still a decidedly easier vehicle to operate on the road for most.
Manual:
Manual transmissions require you to shift the gears up and down on your own. Due to this, manual cars have three pedals: the brake pedal, the accelerator pedal and the clutch pedal.
The nature of manual transmission vehicles make them difficult to learn at first, but many drivers adapt to them fast. They’re also considerably more fuel efficient; automatic vehicles, however, are catching up in that regard.
Which transmission will you choose?
Driving a manual transmission vehicle is as normal as it’s admirable in other parts in the world. But, there’s a reason why automatic vehicles are becoming popular.
With a transmission that’s automatic, you don’t have to make concessions to ensure you’re safely operating the car —pedals and all. If you’re driving on unfamiliar roads, to provide an example, you won’t feel nervous about running into road troubles while treading unfamiliar territory.
Of course, that’s not the only reason why we highly recommend an automatic car hire.
Understanding Automatic Transmission
Automatic transmission cars are the go-to for folks wanting a relaxed drive. Let’s break down how these mechanical marvels work and why they might just be your next favorite ride.
How Automatic Transmissions Work
No clutch pedal dance here—these babies shift gears for you. Magic? Nah, just a blend of hydraulic genius and electronic wizardry. Here’s the scoop on what makes them tick:
- Torque Converter: Transfers muscle from engine to gearbox, letting you pause without the dreaded stall.
- Planetary Gear Set: Helps glide through gears like butter, matching vehicle speed and load.
- Hydraulic System: Uses fluid gymnastics to smoothly select the right gear for the moment.
Here’s a quick rundown for the mechanics behind the scenes:
Component | Function |
---|---|
Torque Converter | Moves power, pause without stalling |
Planetary Gear Set | Smooth glide through gears |
Hydraulic System | Fluid wizardry to pick gears |
The Convenience of Automatic Cars
Automatic cars make driving smoother, especially for those who aren’t used to manuals. Forget clutch juggling or gear guessing; just keep your eyes on the road and cruise. This feature proves especially helpful in hectic city traffic or on long roads.
What’s so handy about driving automatics? Check it out:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
One-Pedal Driving | No need to bother with gears—just go and stop easily. |
Less Driver Fatigue | Less effort on long drives means more comfort. |
Intuitive Driving | Anyone, regardless of skill, can handle it. |
Adaptability | Handles different road conditions, be it traffic or hills. |
Automatic Car Rental
If you’re driving around a luxury car rental or a spacious minivan, wouldn’t you want the actual driving to be easier?

Wouldn’t be preferable if you didn’t worry too much about whether you’re driving well or not? I mean, you shouldn’t concern yourself with such trivialities while you’re driving around an entire party of people.
If that were one reason to consider automatic car rental over manual, that would be it. The lack of needing to worry about safely maneuvering a luxury or larger vehicle around while you’re on holiday.
So, how do you go about getting your preferred choice. Well, to start, securing an automatic rental car is a little tricky, given the prevalence of manual vehicles.
Most rent a car places, however, will have a stock of large, midsize and small automatic vehicles for rental. You just need to get there first—and well before other locals and tourists who need an automatic car hire.
You’re likely to find more automatic cars available at rental places, now since they’re becoming more popular among the crowd. But, you shouldn’t take any chances, particularly if you need that car well in advance.
You might need to pay more than what you would renting a manual transmission, so that presents another reason why it’s best to book well in advance.
Can I find Automatic Car Hire near me?
The popularity of automatic vehicles is becoming apparent, especially in recent times. You should have no problem finding cheap automatic rental cars near you. Enter your location in the booking form and see what’s currently on offer.
Factors to Consider when Renting an Automatic Car
Looking to rent an automatic car? Here’s what should grab your attention to ensure things go off without a hitch.
Location Availability
Automatic car availability can be a bit of a guessing game based on where you are. Bigger places might have more auto rides, which could open up plenty of choices.
Location Type | Availability of Automatic Cars (%) |
---|---|
Major Cities | 75 – 90 |
Tourist Destinations | 65 – 80 |
Regional Airports | 50 – 70 |
Remote Areas | 20 – 40 |
Automatic Car Rental Costs
Your wallet will feel it when renting automatic cars. Prices can hop around depending on where you’re renting, how long you’ll need it, and the car style. Knowing your numbers puts you in charge when planning ahead.
Duration | Average Daily Cost (£) | Total Cost for 7 Days (£) |
---|---|---|
Weekend (2 days) | 40 – 80 | 80 – 160 |
Week (7 days) | 30 – 70 | 210 – 490 |
Month (30 days) | 25 – 60 | 750 – 1800 |
Auto Car Hire Models Available
What you can drive depends on where you land and the rental company. Do you want a petite or something with pizazz? It’s all about what suits your style and needs.
Car Category | Common Models | Features |
---|---|---|
Compact | Economy Cars | Fuel-efficient, easy to park |
Midsize | Sedans, Crossovers | More space and comfort |
Luxury | High-end Sedans, SUVs | Premium features, top-notch comfort |
SUVs | Off-road Capable Vehicles | Strong, roomy, flexible |
Timing Tricks: When to Hit the Road
When you rent can make a world of difference to what you pay. Busy times like holidays, school breaks, and super popular travel periods usually mean higher prices. When everyone else stays home, you get the discounts.
Check out this table showing how rental costs can change with the seasons.
Season | Daily Rental (£) | When It Happens |
---|---|---|
Busy Season | 70 – 120 | Holidays, summer fun |
Quiet Season | 30 – 60 | Cold months, weekdays |
Picking a quieter time to rent not only gives your wallet a break but also provides a less hectic travel experience.
Early Bird Gets the Deal: Booking Ahead
Want a steal on an automatic rental? Here’s a hot tip—book early! Rental companies love it when you plan ahead and will often reward you with smaller price tags.
Scope out the table below, which spells out how booking early affects rental costs:
Booking Timeline | Daily Rental (£) | Cash Savings (%) |
---|---|---|
3 months out | 35 – 55 | Up to 30% off |
1 month out | 50 – 85 | Up to 15% off |
Last minute | 80 – 150 | Ouch! Regular rates |
Planning early means more cash in your pocket and a better chance of getting the car you want. These smart moves can make your car rental journey smoother and kinder to your budget.
Using Comparison Websites
Comparison websites such as ours are like treasure maps, leading you to the best deals out there for automatic car rentals. They gather up rates from a bunch of different companies so you can check out options by price, type of car, or rental terms. This side-by-side look is a wallet-saver for sure.
Website Feature | What’s in it for You? |
---|---|
Diverse Choices | See offers from loads of rental companies all in one spot. |
Price Check | Spot the cheapest deals with ease. |
Filters | Zero in on automatic transmission rides only. |
To get the most bang for your buck, make sure you pop in your travel details correctly—think precise dates and where you’d like to pick up the car. This way, you’ll see the best matches.