Car Theft Foiled by Manual Transmission
Introduction
Car theft is a major problem in the United States, with over 700,000 vehicles stolen each year. Thieves often target cars with automatic transmissions, as they are easier to steal. However, one man recently foiled a car theft attempt by driving away in a car with a manual transmission.
The Incident
The incident occurred in Portland, Oregon, on March 8, 2023. The victim, a 22-year-old man, was driving his 1999 Honda Civic when he was approached by two men. The men demanded that he get out of the car, and when he refused, they pulled out a gun.
The victim, who had never driven a manual transmission before, panicked and stalled the car. The thieves, who were unfamiliar with manual transmissions, were unable to start the car and fled the scene.
The Aftermath
The victim was not injured in the incident. He called the police, who arrived on the scene and took a report. The thieves were not apprehended.
The victim’s story has been widely shared on social media, and it has sparked a discussion about the benefits of driving a car with a manual transmission.
Why Manual Transmissions Are Harder to Steal
Manual transmissions are harder to steal than automatic transmissions because they require the driver to use the clutch and shift gears manually. This makes it more difficult for thieves to get the car moving, especially if they are not familiar with manual transmissions.
In addition, manual transmissions have a higher stall speed than automatic transmissions. This means that the engine will stall if the driver does not press the gas pedal hard enough when starting the car. This can make it difficult for thieves to start the car even if they are able to get it moving.
Conclusion
The incident in Portland is a reminder that car theft is a serious problem. However, it also shows that driving a car with a manual transmission can be a deterrent to thieves. If you are looking for a way to make your car less likely to be stolen, consider getting a car with a manual transmission.
