Montenegro is a country of exceptional natural contrasts, ranging from high mountain passes and steep climbs to narrow coastal roads along the sea. This means that the choice of vehicle and transmission type can significantly affect comfort, safety, and overall driving quality.
Stay with us until the end of the article and find out whether it is better to choose a car with an automatic or manual transmission when traveling through Montenegro, and when each option is the better choice.
Basic characteristics of roads in Montenegro
- Motorways and main high-speed routes are relatively new parts of the road network and allow easier travel over long distances. Still, the maximum permitted speed is lower than in some other countries, for example, 100 km/h on sections through Montenegro.
- Coastal main roads are often narrow, with many curves and changes in elevation, especially between cities such as Kotor, Budva, Tivat, and Herceg Novi.
- Mountain roads and rural routes can be sharp and demanding, with serpentines and variable road surfaces. Some sections are gravel roads or are less well-maintained.
In such conditions, the right choice of vehicle and transmission can significantly improve travel quality and safety.
Manual versus automatic transmission advantages and disadvantages
Basic characteristics of a manual transmission
- The driver manually selects the gear using the gear lever and clutch
- Direct mechanical connection between the engine and the wheels
- Simpler construction
- Fewer electronic components
- Very common in Europe
Advantages of using a manual transmission
Greater control over the vehicle
• The driver chooses the speed and engine revolutions
• More precise control when driving on steep climbs, long descents, snow, ice, or gravel
Better engine braking
• Easier to maintain a lower gear
• Less strain on the brakes, especially in mountainous areas
Lower fuel consumption in practice
• Experienced drivers often achieve lower consumption compared to older automatic transmissions
• Less power loss
Lower vehicle price
• Cheaper to purchase
• Cheaper to rent
• Lower taxes and insurance costs in some countries
Lower maintenance costs
• Simpler mechanics
• Fewer expensive failures
• Repairs are cheaper and more widely available
Reliability
• Breaks down less often
• Can function with minimal electronics
Better driving feel for enthusiasts
• Direct connection between the driver and the car
• Greater sense of control and involvement in driving
Disadvantages of a manual transmission
Fatiguing driving in traffic
• Constant clutch use
• Tiring during city rush hours
Greater chance of driver error
• Engine stalling
• Incorrect gear selection
• Improper clutch release causing wear
Increased strain on the left leg and knee
• Problematic during
• long city drives
• existing health issues
Requires skill and experience
• Not intuitive for beginners
• Improper driving can damage the clutch and transmission
More difficult handling on steep uphill roads
• Starting uphill requires experience
• Risk of the vehicle rolling backward
Basic characteristics of an automatic transmission
- Changes gears automatically without a clutch
- Operation using only the accelerator and brake
- More complex mechanics and electronics
- Different types include: classic automatic transmission (AT); CVT; DCT dual clutch transmission; automated manual transmissions
Advantages of an automatic transmission
Comfort and simplicity
• No clutch
• Ideal for city driving and traffic congestion
Reduced physical and mental fatigue
• The driver can focus on traffic
• Less stress on long journeys
Easier uphill starts
• No risk of stalling
• Most vehicles are equipped with hill assist
Better option for beginners
• Intuitive operation
• Fewer driving errors
Modern automatic transmissions are faster
• Gear changes are quicker than a human driver
• Better performance in sport-oriented versions
Less wear on mechanical components during everyday driving
• No traditional clutch worn out by the driver
• Electronics optimize gear changes
More suitable for urban and tourist routes
• Frequent stopping and starting
• Summer traffic congestion and mountain serpentines
Disadvantages of an automatic transmission
Higher price
• More expensive to purchase
More expensive and demanding maintenance
• Transmission oil changes are mandatory
• Repairs are costly
Reduced control with some types
• The driver does not always choose the optimal gear
• The transmission may hesitate in curves or during overtaking
Higher fuel consumption in older models
• Greater mechanical losses
• Heavier construction
Sensitivity to improper maintenance
Skipping scheduled servicing can lead to serious failures.
System complexity
• More electronics means a higher risk of malfunction
• Fewer mechanics specialized in automatic transmissions
Weaker performance in extreme conditions with certain types
• CVT transmissions may perform poorly in mountainous areas
• Automated manual transmissions can jerk during gear changes
Which transmission is better for traveling through northern Montenegro with mountains, gorges, and climbs
Northern Montenegro includes Durmitor, Kolašin, Žabljak, the Morača Canyon, and other mountainous areas. These roads are technically demanding, with climbs, sharp curves, and potentially changing weather conditions.
A manual transmission is the better choice, especially if you have experience and want greater control over gears when climbing or descending mountain serpentines. Driving through such demanding roads is easier when you have complete control over speed and engine revolutions. For example, if you feel you need more power on the uphill and higher engine revs, it is much easier and safer to personally choose when to use second or third gear, since the entire climbing process depends on you. When driving a car with an automatic transmission, nothing depends on the driver, as the car itself determines the gear ratio, and the driver can only press the accelerator and hope the vehicle will climb the steep road without difficulty.
If you plan to explore rural areas and gravel roads, a larger vehicle with higher ground clearance or even All Wheel Drive significantly increases safety and comfort.
Be sure to check your tires and brakes before traveling, plan your driving time, since daylight driving is much safer than driving at night, and have your route planned, as the mobile network signal can be weak in certain sections.
Which transmission is better for driving through coastal cities such as Budva, Kotor, Tivat, and Herceg Novi
Coastal cities are characterized by traffic congestion, narrow streets, and heavy traffic during the summer season. Parking can be challenging, and traffic during peak season is often heavy. Due to frequent stopping and starting, an automatic transmission is a much better choice.
With an automatic transmission, city driving is not exhausting, fuel consumption is often lower in stop-and-go traffic, and physical strain is reduced. In addition, if you are a beginner driver, an automatic transmission significantly reduces the risk of engine stalling while driving, lowers stress levels, and allows for more relaxed driving in the city.
The coast is also seasonally demanding. During July and August, traffic can be very dense, and temperatures are high. Automatic climate control, a quieter engine, and easier handling with an automatic transmission can be a significant advantage.
If you are not confident in your manual transmission skills, choose an automatic transmission, as driving through Montenegro will be significantly more manageable and less stressful. For mountainous regions, a manual transmission is a better option due to greater control over the vehicle, especially in winter, while for city driving along the coast, an automatic transmission is an excellent choice that, in addition to more comfortable and enjoyable driving, allows you to focus on some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world that this remarkable country has to offer.
