Shift knobs or gear knobs might seem to be a trivial part of the car. However, the right choice of gear knobs can drastically change one’s driving experience. This opinion is shared by experienced track enthusiasts and race car drivers. It may seem like a trivial accessory inside your interior that does one easy job, but a shift knob is much more than that. This article gives an overview of shift knobs or gear knobs and suggests some best shift knobs for cars. To know more about shift knobs and cars, check carmonkey.in.
Types of Shift Knobs
- Pre-installed: Also known as stock shift knobs, they come with the initial design of the car. Usually, such knobs match the interior of the vehicle. Stock shift knobs are factory tested for compliance and safety.
- Vehicle specific knobs: Cars have various uses. Cars are one of the vehicles which have numerous utilities. The utility can be personal, professional racing, delivery services, etc. They differ from stock shift knobs as the manufacturer modifies the knob to fit the purpose of the car—off-road driving or ordinary driving or racing, for example.
- Weighted shift knobs: These knobs are heavier than the others. Weighted shift knobs enable faster shifting of gears that provides a better driving experience. Denser materials are used to create such weighted knobs.
- Customized knobs: These knobs are user-specific. Every user has their demands and desires. Customers may be big-time fans of Dragon Ball-Z, Batman (DC comics), Iron-Man (Marvel Comics) and many more. Gear knobs are one of the best car parts which can reflect one’s fandom.
Recommendations
Top brands which manufacture shift knobs are Mishimoto, Dewhel and Toyota.
- Carbon fibre gear knobs: Mishimoto offers the best quality shift knobs in this category. It is a hand-laid and resin-infused carbon fibre. It is ideal for drivers who prefer lightweight and durable shift knobs. Carbon fibre shift knobs offer a superior grip to the driver than any other gear shift knobs. It is ergonomic, aesthetic and simple in design, making it a perfect fit for the car interior. Mishimoto also offers a lifetime warranty to their carbon fibre shift knobs.
- Weighted shift knobs: Both Mishimoto and Toyota offer good quality shift knobs that are weighted. As discussed above, weighted shift knobs provide an easy and smooth transition between gears. Ball-shaped weighted shift knobs are a classic choice. But if that isn’t preferred, there are many choices to opt from.
- Colourful shift knobs: Many drivers prefer colourful, neon and transparent shift knobs for their cars. The car accessory company MOMO offers a wide range of colours when it comes to gear shift knobs. One can choose blue, carbon, chrome, red, or silver or any other custom made hue.
- Customized shift knobs: The company Dewhel manufactures Dragon Ball Z gear shift knobs for Dragon Ball enthusiasts. Such customizations add flavour and a personal touch to one’s vehicle. One can also demand shift knobs be made from wood and leather. Gear shift knobs made of wood and leather are usually luxury items. Customization of knobs may be costly, but it is worth the money.
Other Criterions
- Fit and Functionality: Many gear shift knobs have a universal fitting. However, one will need an adapter if the shift knob doesn’t fit the shaft correctly. One must choose the gear shift knob according to a manual transmission or automatic transmission. Some shift knobs work with both the technology. Choose them accordingly. Check carmonkey.in for more details.
- Material: This criterion is one of the most crucial ones while choosing a gear shift knob. Gear shift knobs are made of metal, plastic, carbon fibre, stainless steel, aluminium alloy, leather, wood, etc. The material dictates the durability of gear shift knobs. Consider the temperature profile of materials and match them with the weather conditions of a particular area.
- Design and Aesthetics: The design of gear shift knobs affects the ergonomics and how it feels in the driver’s hand. The right finish depends on the statement one likes to make with your shift knob. In the end, it is a matter of preference.
Conclusion
The article has provided many guidelines and suggestions to choose gear shift knobs based on many criteria. Selecting gear shift knobs can be fun. It is a vital addition to a splendid car purchase.
