6 things you shouldn't do in an automatic car

Clutch, gas, brake. One two Three. Driving around the city during rush hours is accompanied by long traffic jams, frequent ascents to traffic lights and constant maneuvering with the pedals and the gear lever knob. Therefore, it is not surprising that more and more drivers are choosing cars with an automatic transmission, which eliminates the need for manual control of engine operating modes and gives them greater comfort. Unfortunately, when driving an “automatic” it is easy to make mistakes that destroy its equipment. What shouldn't be done in a car with an automatic transmission?

What will you learn from this post?

• How to drive a car with an automatic transmission?
• Is it safe to tow the "machine gun"?
• What driving habits will shorten the life of an automatic transmission?

Shortly speaking

Gearboxes that automatically adjust the gear according to engine speed provide the driver with greater driving comfort than manual gearboxes. Unfortunately, incorrect switching of driving modes, towing or simultaneously pressing the gas and brake pedals effectively reduce the service life of the automatic transmission, and often even cause their sudden failure. The state of the "machine" is also negatively affected by infrequent maintenance and incorrect selection of oil.

The most common mistakes of the drivers of "slot machines"

Drivers find automatic transmissions more emergency and more expensive to operate. In fact, the newer models of "automatic machines" are undoubtedly more useful than their manual counterparts. The key to the longevity of a self-steering drivetrain is to use it more carefully. Unfortunately, even avid car enthusiasts don't always know everyone. errors affecting faster wear of gear parts... Here is a list of behaviors to avoid while driving an automatic car.

• Switch to neutral when stationary or while driving

  Many drivers forget that N is only used to change gears between R and D. It is uneconomical and unsafe to engage it when driving downhill or when temporarily stopping at traffic lights. Moreover, setting the N mode is unfounded. puts a lot of stress on the gearbox, forcing it to suddenly equalize the speed of the elements rotating inside it... The result of this habit can be the formation of a backlash between the spline elements, faster wear of gearbox parts and its overheating due to a sharp drop in oil pressure.

• Activating P-mode while driving

  P mode is used only for parking, that is, a complete stop of the car before exiting it. Turning it on automatically locks the gear and wheels. Even accidental, one-time P-mode setting while driving or even slowly rolling the car can completely damage the automatic transmissionwhich in the worst case will have to be replaced. The price of such a mistake (or frivolity) of the driver, in simple terms, "breaks out of his shoes." In newer cars, manufacturers use special safety measures to prevent parking mode from activating before the vehicle comes to a stop, but this does not relieve the driver of careful driving.

• Incorrect switching between D and R modes

  When changing driving modes that allow the vehicle to move forward or backward, the vehicle must be blocked using the brake. Also be aware of the gradual shifting of gears - when set to D, you need to stop, enter N, then select R and then start moving. The same pattern is applied when switching from R to D. Causes of sudden mode change too much force is transmitted to the gearbox, which accelerates its wear... It is also forbidden to turn off the engine in position D or R, as this cuts off the supply of oil, which is responsible for lubricating elements that have not yet had time to completely stop.

• Press the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time.

  People who switch from a car with a manual transmission to an “automatic” often have to press the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time. Such a mistake (or deliberate behavior of the driver who wants to start driving more dynamically, that is, to put it simply, “burn the tires”) significantly reduces the service life of the transmission. When the engine receives start and brake signal at the same time the energy expended in both of these actions heats up the oil that lubricates the gearbox.... In addition, the "machine" is exposed to too heavy loads, which means that it wears out faster.

  

• (Incorrect) towing

  We already wrote about the consequences of towing a car with an automatic transmission in the article Is it worth towing a car with an automatic transmission? It is possible (and is described in detail in the instructions for the car), but the cost of troubleshooting caused by pulling a broken car onto a cable can significantly exceed the cost of renting a tow truck. The most common consequence of inept towing is destruction of the oil tank, as well as seizure of the pump and gears of the power unit... Therefore, it is best to avoid it or outsource it to professionals.

• Oil change intervals are too long

  Regular vehicle maintenance is essential regardless of the type and condition of the transmission. For automatic transmissions to function properly, a special transmission oil is required that meets the strict recommendations of their manufacturers. Lubrication intervals in automatic units depend on the model and condition of the gearbox, as well as on the quality of the oil to be filled.. It was assumed that the first service should be carried out after 80 50 kilometers, and the next - a maximum of every XNUMX kilometers. In used cars, however, the intervals must be much shorter, because the fluid used too long, firstly, causes impurities to accumulate in the transmission, and secondly, due to frequent overheating, it loses its qualities and becomes less effective. In some cases, chemicals or additives in the gear oil can help keep the system in top condition.

Cars with an automatic transmission mean a higher level of driving comfort and safety. However, in order for them to serve for a long time and without failure, it is necessary to take care of regular maintenance and driving culture “Automaton” and avoid behaviors that shorten (or abruptly stop) their lifespan.

On avtotachki.com you will find spare parts for automatic transmissions, recommended oils and oil filters.

Also check:

Gearbox - automatic or manual?

Advantages and disadvantages of an automatic transmission

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