what is it in the car? Kickdown: what is needed and how it works
The automatic transmission is one of the most popular types of transmission today. To make it as easy as possible to use it, the developers have provided various modes with which you can achieve both significant fuel savings and an increase in the efficiency of all engine systems.
Owners of cars with automatic transmission know such options as Kickdown and Overdrive. They are even often confused. In fact, if you want to achieve professionalism, you need to clearly understand what the differences are:
- the “Overdrive” option is an analogue of 5-6 gears on cars with manual transmission, thanks to it you can achieve efficient engine operation when driving, for example, along the highway for long distances and at high speed;
- the kickdown option is similar to the lower gears on a car with a manual transmission, it will help you get the most out of the engine when you need to, for example, accelerate sharply for overtaking or when driving up an incline.
How does Kickdown work? - we will try to deal with this issue on our website Vodi.su.
What it is?
Kickdown is a special device that reduces the oil pressure in the automatic transmission and causes a sharp gear shift from higher to lower. There is a small button under the accelerator pedal (in older models it can be a simple button on the selector or on the gearbox) that works as soon as you press the gas pedal to the floor.
In simple terms, Kickdown is "gas to the floor". The main element of Kickdown is a solenoid. To switch to a lower gear on an automatic transmission, you need to reduce the oil pressure in the system. When you press the accelerator hard, the solenoid is energized and the kickdown valve opens. Accordingly, a downshift occurs.
Further, when you release the gas pedal, the pressure in the system begins to increase due to an increase in engine speed, as a result of which the valve closes and a shift to higher gears occurs.
Driving Features and Common Mistakes
You can often hear that this feature leads to rapid wear of the torque converter and the entire automatic transmission. This is true, because with an increase in power, any technique quickly breaks down.
The situation can be corrected only by correctly fulfilling the manufacturer's requirements, using Kickdown for its intended purpose, namely, for a quick increase in speed. If you are driving on Overdrive, then this function is automatically disabled as soon as Kickdown starts to work.
The main mistake of many drivers is that they squeeze the gas pedal all the way and keep their foot on it for a long time. Kickdown is turned on with a sharp press, after which the foot can be removed from the pedal - the system itself will select the optimal mode for a given situation.
Thus, the main rule is to use this option only for its intended purpose. Never overtake if you are not sure that you will be able to overtake, especially if you have to go into the oncoming lane for this.
It is not recommended to use Kickdown frequently and in the following cases:
- there are malfunctions in the operation of the automatic transmission;
- you have an old car;
- The box has been previously repaired.
It is also worth noting that on some cars, the manufacturer recommends using this function at least once a day.
Is kickdown bad for the gearbox?
Automatic transmission loves a smooth ride. Kickdown, on the other hand, causes the engine to run at full power, which naturally leads to increased wear. On the other hand, if such a function is provided by the manufacturer, then the machine and all its systems are designed for such loads.
From all that has been written, we draw the following conclusions:
- Kickdown - automatic transmission function for a sharp downshift and power gain;
- it must be used skillfully, since too frequent use leads to faster breakdowns of the machine.
Do not forget that sharp acceleration on an icy road can lead not only to increased fuel consumption and automatic transmission wear, but also to loss of control, and this is a serious risk for the driver and his passengers.
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