How to use automatic transmission correctly

How to use an automatic gearbox correctly - DRIVE2

Maybe nothing new, but everything together is well written. Therefore, let's add to the treasury of knowledge.

Unfortunately, not all car enthusiasts, especially those with little driving experience, know how to properly operate an automatic transmission. We propose to fill this gap.➡ Advantages and disadvantages The presence of an automatic transmission significantly increases the comfort of driving. Nobody disputes this fact. The absence of the need to constantly select the desired gear makes it possible to concentrate entirely on driving, especially in difficult road conditions. The torque converter and automatic transmission control system make it possible to avoid overloads of the engine and chassis caused by incorrect driver actions, creating optimal operating conditions for them and significantly increasing their service life On the other hand, due to power losses in the torque converter, the efficiency of the engine and transmission is slightly reduced, leading to an increase in fuel consumption. And the acceleration dynamics of a car with an automatic transmission is worse than that of a similar model with a manual transmission.➡ Starting to move Before starting to move, especially in the cold season, you need to warm up the oil in the automatic transmission. To do this, after starting the engine and warming it up, you need to press the pedal brake and, without releasing it, alternately move the range selection lever (in manual transmissions it is called the gearshift lever) to all positions, holding in each operating mode for several seconds. For additional warming up and improved oil circulation, it is recommended to turn on driving mode D (Drive ) and stand for 1-2 minutes, holding the car with the brake pedal pressed. Particularly dangerous for the “health” of the transmission is driving away without warming up the oil in the box, using the reverse driving mode R (Reverse). Due to the heavy load and high viscosity of the lubricating fluid, the planetary mechanism of the automatic transmission will experience excessive loads and can quickly fail. You should start moving by pressing the brake and switching the range selection lever (RVD) to the desired position. Then, after waiting for a slight push, you need to release the brake pedal and only after that, pressing the accelerator pedal, accelerate the car and start moving.➡ Using the neutral mode When stopping at a traffic light or in small traffic jams, many drivers use the neutral mode by moving the range selector lever to the position N (Neutral). This is a very serious mistake, generated by the erroneous opinion that neutral gear in a manual transmission and neutral mode in an automatic transmission are one and the same. For an automatic transmission, neutral is an emergency mode and is needed exclusively for moving a car with an engine, disconnected from the transmission. Therefore, switching the automatic transmission to neutral mode is justified only in large traffic jams in hot weather, avoiding overheating of the lubricant in the automatic transmission. In other cases, it is recommended to hold the car in place by holding down the brake pedal.➡ Switching modes while driving It is strictly forbidden to switch antagonist modes while driving. When moving forward, it is unacceptable to move the hose into reverse motion ® or parking (P). You can switch to these modes only after the car has completely stopped. It is not recommended to switch the Automatic transmission to neutral mode while driving, since in this case there is no connection between the wheels and the engine and sharply pressing the brake pedal can cause the car to skid.➡ Parking When parking the car on level ground In areas, it is enough to move the automatic transmission lever to position P, in which the output shaft of the automatic transmission will be securely locked by the locking mechanism. In case of parking on a slope, in order to avoid damage to the transmission lock, you must first tighten the handle of the parking (hand) brake and only then switch the automatic transmission to the R.➡ Towing a car with automatic transmissionMany cars equipped with automatic transmissions are either not recommended by the manufacturers to be towed, or they impose strict restrictions on their towing in distance and speed. The best option for transporting a faulty car would be to move it using a tow truck. It is also strictly forbidden to start it with an automatic transmission. towing a car equipped with an automatic transmission. An unnatural operating mode of the transmission and reverse load will quickly render the automatic transmission unusable.

Source: https://www.drive2.ru/b/2896137/

How to use an automatic transmission correctly

Nowadays, it is difficult to imagine a modern car that is not equipped with an automatic transmission. However, not all modern drivers know how to use this unit correctly. They do not turn on the winter mode of the automatic transmission in cold weather and use other modes not in accordance with the needs of the car. The consequences of this are very dire - the automatic transmission may break.

Hydraulic automatic transmission

The automatic transmission provides automatic selection of the gear ratio that matches the driving conditions. Due to this, the driver does not need to make unnecessary movements. Despite the ease of use of an automatic transmission, there are some important nuances of its operation. Every driver should know about them. First, let's look at the types and operating modes of automatic transmissions.

Automatic boxes are divided into hydraulic and electronic (depending on the type of control). Please note that if the automatic transmission does not have additional buttons (such as PWR, SNOW, OD), it is a regular hydraulic box. Otherwise, you are dealing with an electronic-hydraulic design.

Depending on the number of gears, the units are divided into three- and four-stage. The latter have an additional mode called Over-drive. The 4-speed transmission can be used as a 3-speed if OD is disabled.

Automatic transmission operating modes

There are different types of automatic transmissions, which differ from each other in their design features. However, the main operating modes of automatic transmissions are present on all such units. Depending on the manufacturing concern, their designations may vary, but the essence is the same. Main modes:

Parking (P) - allows you to start the engine (can only be used after stopping the car and applying the handbrake).
Drive (D) - Activates the drive of the vehicle, automatically selecting the required gear.
Reverse (R) - activates the car to move backwards (can only be activated after stopping and when the brake pedal is pressed).
Neutral (N) - ensures engine idle (cannot be turned on while driving, used to warm up the engine in winter).
D3 - used for downshifting (should be started on small descents or ascents).
D2 (L) - also used to downshift (used in difficult road conditions - on ice, mountain serpentine roads, and so on).

In order to use automatic transmission correctly, you must follow certain rules when using one or another mode:

Parking . When stopping on steep ascents or descents, you should use the handbrake to reduce the load on the elements of the parking mechanism. The handbrake must be tightened before setting the mode, and removed after switching the selector to another position. You can shift from “park” only if the button on the lever is pressed and the brake pedal is pressed.
Reverse . The selector lever must not be moved to this position while driving forward. Otherwise, the transmission or its individual elements may break. Reverse gear can only be engaged when the lever button is pressed and the brake pedal is depressed. Once you select this mode, do not start moving immediately. Wait a second until you feel the push of the automatic transmission.
Neutral. You should not move the selector to the “neutral” position if the car is moving by inertia. You can't put it in neutral if you're standing at a traffic light. Put your car into this mode only if you need to move it freely and still have it working. For example, neutral is ideal if the car is being repaired.
D. Under normal driving conditions, this mode should be used. When switching to D from P/R mode, it is recommended to press the brake and lever button and wait 1 second until the automatic transmission turns on. Only after this can you start moving. Maximum speed can only be achieved when the lever is positioned on button D.
2. The mode is recommended to be used when driving on roads of poor quality, as well as on frequently alternating descents and ascents. When braking frequently, using this mode saves fuel. You should not turn on the “two” if the car is moving at a speed of more than 80–100 kilometers per hour (depending on the type of transmission). You cannot switch to mode from position D if the driving speed is more than 80–100 kilometers per hour.
L. Can only be used when pulling out a stuck car, climbing steps, entering a garage, and so on. It cannot be turned on without pressing the lever button; when starting it, you cannot drive at high speed.

Video on how to drive a car with automatic transmission:

Additional modes make it possible to make wider use of the automatic transmission's capabilities. They are used depending on the road surface, the driver’s mood, and the situation on the road. As a rule, they are implemented through electronics that control the hydraulic system of the unit.

There are three main additional modes. These are NORM (or ECON), PWR (or SPORT), SNOW (or WINTER). It is very important to use each of them for their intended purpose.

NORM

Provides minimal gasoline consumption when the vehicle is moving. Gear changes are carried out at medium engine speeds. At the same time, the car moves calmly and smoothly.

PWR

Makes maximum use of engine power. In this regard, switching to higher gears is carried out at maximum speed. Due to this, the car accelerates with high acceleration. The “sport” mode of the automatic transmission is used with the appropriate driving style.

SNOW

Designed to facilitate movement in winter. Due to it, the car starts from second gear.

In addition, it allows you to easily move on hills with a hard ground surface or on asphalt hills. Effective when driving on wet grass.

In cold weather, this mode will only work effectively if you combine it with high-quality winter tires.

Manual mode

Basically, the manual mode of automatic transmission is used when driving off-road, in the mountains or when overtaking. When it starts, the driver changes gears independently. For it to work, it is necessary that the automatic transmission be equipped with an electronic control system.

The video shows how to use an automatic transmission in manual mode:

Manual control is carried out by electronic impulses. In this selector position, the gearbox can “adapt” to the driver’s driving style. Not all automatic transmissions with manual mode are equipped with the SNOW function.

If the transmission is in emergency mode

If the transmission is used incorrectly, it can go into the so-called emergency mode of the automatic transmission. The automatic transmission self-monitoring system allows you to identify violations of its operation without driver intervention. The car will notify the driver about switching to the emergency lights using a special indicator on the dashboard.

The causes of automatic transmission malfunctions may be:

malfunction of electronics;
discrepancy between the amount of oil in the box and that required in the instructions;
mechanical problems.

In order to avoid breakdowns of the automatic transmission, carefully study its operating modes. Learn how to use them correctly depending on driving conditions and road surfaces. Then your automatic transmission will last a long time and without failures.

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Source: http://365cars.ru/soveti/kak-pravilno-polzovatsja-korobkoj-avtomat.html

Automatic transmission - how to use it correctly? :

Automatic transmissions are found on most modern cars today. People willingly buy such cars, because the automatic machine makes it easier to operate the car. Women especially buy them. But few people know how to properly use an automatic transmission in a car. Let's learn about the history of automatic machines, the subtleties and nuances of use, as well as what can and cannot be done with automatic transmissions.

How is automatic transmission convenient?

This gearbox is a good help for novice drivers. If those who have literally just gotten behind the wheel of their brand new car are not too distracted from driving by changing gears, then the process of mastering the practice of using a car will go much faster.

But in order for an automatic transmission to please the car enthusiast, you need to use the automatic transmission in the car correctly. Automatics are very convenient. And the main convenience becomes noticeable during utilitarian, everyday use of the machine. With such gearboxes, you no longer have to make unnecessary movements when pressing the clutch pedal or using the shift lever.

Also, automatic transmission is very convenient when traveling long distances, when the driver gets very tired with a manual car.

Despite the advantages, such boxes have some features. In addition to their advantages, these devices also have quite serious disadvantages. For some cars, an automatic is a real gift, while in other models it was not worth using at all.

History of the creation and implementation of automatic transmissions

The very first automatic machines can be attributed to the beginning of the development of the automotive industry. This is the 1930s. Thus, the first Ford-T models used planetary systems as a transmission. General Motors and Reo installed the very first semi-automatic machines during this period.

Although these first automatic transmissions were far from ideal, they were the necessary breakthrough for the further development of this direction.

The very first full-fledged models of automatic transmissions began to be installed on General Motors cars in the early 1940s. The most famous cars, such as Cadillak or Pontiac, received an automatic transmission as an option.

Few people knew what an automatic transmission was or how to use it (photos of those mechanisms are especially interesting).

Automatic transmission and the domestic auto industry

In the domestic automotive industry, things were somewhat worse, but engineers carried out developments in these areas, and very successfully. The very first such transmission systems were installed on state-owned “Seagulls”, and then “people’s” cars were also equipped with automatic transmissions.

In addition, these systems began to be used in the design of buses and special vehicles.
Naturally, few people thought then about what an automatic transmission was or how to use it more efficiently. From the 1970s to the 1990s, automatic machines were not used in the domestic automobile industry. The cars were equipped with manual transmissions.

In the 2000s, our auto industry began to use these technologies, and cars began to be equipped with these systems.

Practice using automatic transmission

These units are extremely simple to operate. After the engine starts, just press the brake pedal. Then you need to set the shift lever to the desired position. Next, you can release the brake and gently press the accelerator pedal. The car will immediately begin to move smoothly.

To brake, you just need to release the gas pedal. If greater braking efficiency is required, then a brake can be applied. It should be borne in mind that such transmissions usually consume more fuel than manual ones. Therefore, it is important to know what an automatic transmission is. Let's look at how to use it more economically below.

Operating modes of automatic transmissions

Any boxes of this type have all the necessary and popular modes for driving in the city and on highways. Also, some mechanisms have some optional operating modes. Let's look at the most popular of them.

Main functionality

P – this is how parking modes are designated. This is where the internal blocking system starts. Your car will remain as motionless as possible. R is the mode for driving backwards. N is the designation for free movement mode for all directions.

You shouldn't use it constantly. This is harmful.D - in this mode the car moves forward. There is a special lock here that protects the automatic transmission from accidental activation. You can switch to this mode only when the brake pedal is pressed.

4-3-2-L are special operating modes for various difficult road conditions. Everyone uses a certain number of gears. For example, 4 is four gears per mode, and L is one gear.

About special modes

Any automatic transmission has them. How to use it, for example, in mountainous areas? To avoid the need to overexert the brake system, the driver just needs to switch the box to one of these modes. The car will not pick up speed higher than necessary. The same can be said about driving in difficult conditions.

It could be traffic jams, ice or something like that. For example, L can be used on steep hills and inclines. The engine reaches maximum speed, which is enough to storm even the steepest hill. In normal mode, automatic transmissions may change gears incorrectly.

Often the car then stops or breaks down.

Tiptronic mode

The car enthusiast can change gears independently. Here you can monitor the car’s driving modes much better. This is especially true in difficult conditions.

This mode is available if there is a special cutout on the selector path. Today, any automatic transmission has this mode.

How to use? Simply turn it on as needed, depending on road conditions.

Sports modes

Often this is either Sport or Kickdown. Here the engine picks up speed higher than when driving in mode D. It artificially engages a lower gear. This way you can achieve sharp acceleration. Although this uses all the power of the motor, it is very uneconomical and should not be used every day.

Other modes

You can also use lower gears for uneven terrain. This is D2 or D3.

Some boxes have overclocking modes. These are usually sporty, normal and economical. Many boxes have winter settings. They include a gentle driving mode on snow, mud or ice. There is no need to use these modes when driving on asphalt surfaces. This poses a risk of overheating.

How to use an automatic transmission? Instructions

Let's consider the main aspects of operating such an automatic transmission.

If you need to use parking mode, reverse, or move forward, you must first stop the car completely.

You need to start and brake more smoothly. Try not to make the squealing sounds of tires on asphalt. Otherwise the box won't last long. If you are lucky and do not break the automatic transmission right away, then sharp jerks from a stop and sudden braking can further lead to wear of the friction discs.

It will feel like jerking when shifting. Such a car will no longer provide comfort and pleasure. Also, you should not tow trailers or anything at all. Do not try to pull out stuck cars in a car equipped with an automatic transmission or try to start the car while moving, as is customary.

If you do all this, the box will soon become unusable. If you know what an automatic transmission is and how to use this device, then this will not happen to you. Automatic machines like regular maintenance. Such boxes are highly sensitive to lubricating fluids.

If the replacement is not carried out in a timely manner, then this threatens to cause the box to fail. Oil bottles must be labeled ATF.

If you need to drive on country roads and dream of a powerful SUV, then you should forget about the automatic. This checkpoint is ineffective in such conditions. There is an opinion that SUVs and automatic transmissions are completely incompatible.

If the car is stuck somewhere in the mud, do not press on the gas and skid. The machine may overheat, and this is serious. It could all end in costly repairs.

If you drive at low speeds, you need to carefully monitor the speed. There is no need to exceed the red zone. In winter, when starting from a standstill on a cold engine, you need to pre-warm the machine.

To do this, you can switch the mode to force the oil to circulate. This transmission is highly sensitive to lubrication. Without lubrication - repair.

Parking mode is not a replacement for the parking brake.

We must not forget about this.

Automatic transmission: how to use it in traffic jams?

Traffic jams are part of a motorist's life. Car enthusiasts spend a lot of time in them every day. Let's look at how to use an automatic transmission in these conditions.

If you are stuck in a traffic jam, then it is better to give the engine a little break. It's much more economical and better for the transmission. In mode D, the power unit will try to push the braked car. You can also turn on N, but it is better not to release the brake. Or you can use P. It will lock the wheels and allow your legs to rest.

Steering column switches

Their use is possible in the “Tiptronic” mode. The rules for working with automatic transmission are completely the same. What to do if you have an automatic transmission on the steering wheel, how to use it? Everything is very simple.

A petal with a “+” sign works to increase, and with a “-” sign, respectively, to decrease. Many people find this very convenient. The paddles are very useful during more dynamic driving and in normal driving mode.

Using them, you can change the intensity of acceleration and spin the engine as needed.

Source: https://www.syl.ru/article/194598/new_korobka-avtomat—kak-polzovatsya-pravilno

How to properly operate a car with an automatic transmission

Despite the already quite significant prevalence of automatic transmissions, many car owners do not know how to properly operate such a mechanism so that it serves properly the entire period stated by the manufacturer and never causes serious problems.

In particular, the material presented below will be useful to those who are planning to switch to a car with an automatic transmission and want to understand all the basic rules for successfully using an automatic transmission and some of the subtleties.

An automatic transmission is most convenient for beginners in driving a car without experience. The most noticeable advantage is the absence of the distraction of changing gears, which allows you to master practical skills related to driving much faster. The automatic transmission is also convenient on long trips, during which you will be less tired than with a manual transmission option.

However, despite their undoubted convenience, automatic transmissions require a noticeably more careful approach to operation and have a number of their own features.

Automatic transmissions began to be developed back in the 30s of the last century. The first fully-fledged, well-functioning devices were used on American cars in the 40s of the twentieth century.

Certain developments were also produced on the territory of the USSR, which were successfully used on Chaikas and GAZs, and on LiAZ buses, as well as other special vehicles.

So, how to use an automatic transmission correctly? It's quite simple. The engine starts, the brake is pressed, the gearbox lever is moved to the desired position. Typically this is position "D". Next, release the brake and smoothly press the gas pedal.

The car starts moving smoothly. To brake, the gas pedal is released; to stop suddenly, the brake is pressed.

One of the main factors to consider is that a car with an automatic transmission will always consume more fuel on average than a manual transmission.

All automatic transmission models most often have a standard set of modes, with the exception of some proprietary options that are characteristic of certain models of the transmission itself or specific car models.

Automatic transmission modes

A mode called “Parking” - P – parking mode. When the lever is installed in this position, a blocker operates inside the unit, making the machine immovable.

“Reverse” mode – R – for reverse gear.

Neutral mode – N – car for free movement of the car in any direction. Can be used for short towing, while neutral mode should not be used constantly.

“Drive” mode – D – driving forward. To activate this mode, you must first press the brake pedal.

Further, for each mode there are four variations, these are the “4, 3, 2, L” modes. All of them are designed for various road conditions, steep ascents and descents, ice and other things.

For example, in “L” mode you can “storm” steep hills due to high revs and powerful traction.

If you try to climb steep slopes in the normal automatic mode, the transmission may switch at the most inopportune moment, which threatens to stop in the most inappropriate position with a slope or break the car.

Tiptronic automatic transmission

Often automatic machines are supplemented with a tiptronic or steptronic manual control mode. When this mode operates, you can drive the car in difficult conditions in a more controlled manner, having cutouts for the trajectory of the automatic transmission selector with the values “-” and “+”.

BMW M gearbox

There are also “Sport” or “Kickdown” modes, which allow you to accelerate sharply when overtaking and perform other maneuvers. However, it is better not to use it every day, as it is very uneconomical.

Using the D3 (S) mode, a lower gear is engaged, which also allows for much better control of the car under conditions of uneven terrain, steep ascent or descent.

Automatic transmission with modes D3, 2, L

D2 is similar to modes “2” and “L” - even lower gears to overcome sand, ice and other difficult road conditions.

In addition, the automatic transmission may include other mode options, for example E - economical or S - sport.

Some boxes also have a winter mode, indicated either by a snowflake or “SNOW”, “W”, “HOLD”, “WINTER”. It can be used in winter on snow and ice, but it is highly not recommended to turn it on in the summer for driving on asphalt, due to the creation of a large load on the components of the box, which can easily overheat.

The “Shift” button is used to disable the selector lock in a situation where the machine is completely de-energized.

At the same time, automatic transmission technologies are constantly changing and developing, and different car manufacturers may have different designations for the same modes. Therefore, it is worth carefully studying the manuals specific to your car.

Tips for use

Engage the reverse, park or forward modes only after making sure that the car is completely stopped.

Always try to start smoothly and brake smoothly. Sudden actions lead to breakdowns or, at least, increased jerking during switching.

Do not tow other cars or trailers, do not pull other cars out of the mud. For a machine, this will almost inevitably lead to rapid wear and tear.

The automatic transmission should be serviced promptly. Such a device is sensitive to the quantity and quality of oil in it. Only oil marked “JAK” or “ATF” is suitable for the machine.

When stuck in mud or sand, there is no need to persistently skid, pressing the accelerator to the floor. The unit will overheat quickly and there will be a high risk of breakdown. It is better to push the car outside or wait for help.

When using the “3, 2, L” modes, monitor the speed on the tachometer, making sure not to exceed the permissible limits of the red sector!

If your car with an automatic transmission needs to be towed, remember that the speed limit for such towing will be 40-50 km/h, and the distance will be about 40-50 km. For certain car models these values are even lower. However, calling a tow truck will still cost less than repairing an automatic transmission.

When starting off in a cold car in winter, the automatic transmission must be warmed up by starting the engine and switching gearbox modes one by one to start the oil circulation process. You can also stand for a while in operating mode with the brake pressed.

Do not neglect the handbrake for parking. The manufacturers themselves recommend using the handbrake in conjunction with the “P” mode.

Never start your car by towing. Sometimes this can be done, but most likely an incorrect algorithm will lead to breakdown of the automatic transmission, which will be very expensive to repair.

Be extremely careful when moving the lever at speed. For example, at speeds over one hundred mph, turning on mode “2” or “L” will sharply slow down the car and can lead to skidding and an accident.

During any movement, you cannot switch to antagonist modes. Switching to reverse or parking is possible only after a complete stop.

Use the parking brake when stopping downhill - you will save the blocker from damage.

Do not use neutral mode during traffic jams or short stops. This mode disconnects the engine from the chassis and is used only in emergency situations. “Neutral” on an automatic transmission and on a manual transmission are two different things!

Do not experiment with different oils and additives. They very easily lead to automatic transmission breakdown and costly repairs.

Do not ignore the automatic transmission service intervals specified by the manufacturer, even if you do not use the car very intensively.

By following these simple recommendations, you can protect your automatic gearbox for a long time, which will last the entire period stated by the manufacturer.

Rules for using automatic transmission for beginners

Using an automatic transmission is much easier than driving a manual transmission. Even if the automatic transmission has many more functions. Let's consider all the possible modes and functions of cars with an automatic gearbox. So, the main and additional modes and functions:

Р–Park – this mode means parking (parking). When this mode is enabled, the internal blocker is activated. This function acts as a parking brake. The car is stationary.
R–Reverse – reverse, a function responsible for moving the car backwards.
N–Neutral – neutral gear (before choosing the direction of movement). In this mode, the car can also be towed. It is not recommended to use very often.
D–Drive – when this position is selected on the rocker, the vehicle will move forward. You can switch to drive mode only if the brake pedal is pressed (not at high speeds). This mode provides locking.
“4-3-2-L” modes are special modes that are designed for different roads with different surfaces. Each of these modes uses a different number (number) of gears. Such modes provide for different travel conditions. For example, you need to move through mountainous areas where there are no proper roads. For this condition, you can use the “L” mode. In this mode, the car will maintain one designated speed, but will not go beyond these limits. This mode can also be used to lift the vehicle upward, since in this position the traction increases (closer to maximum).
Mode D3 (S) is a gear in which it is better to control the car on uneven surfaces, especially when ascending and descending. This makes the brake work better.
D2 – the gear is similar to the “L” position, since it is a low gear that allows the car to overcome very steep descents and ascents, and is especially effective on sand and ice.
Steptronik, tiptronik (steptronic, parking sensors) - in these modes it becomes possible to change gears manually. This increases control over vehicle control on particularly dangerous sections of the highway. This mode is not provided in every system, but if it is present, it usually has some kind of cutout and is designated “+” and “-”.
Sport or Kick down - with this mode it is possible to spin the engine more and at the same time generate less speed. It is this mode that allows the car to accelerate sharply (often used when overtaking or getting ahead). In this mode, the engine operates at maximum. Cannot be used for everyday use.
You can also find additional modes that the cars are equipped with. These are: normal (N), sport (S) and environmental modes (E).
Very often the box has functions for the winter period. That is, there is also an operating mode for winter. This mode can be designated differently (HOLD, SNOW, WINTER), but this transmission has the same meaning - it insures the car when driving on a road with ice, mud, snow, etc. It is prohibited to use this functionality during warm periods of the year, as the box will constantly overheat.
The Shift function is a button that calls up a service. It serves so that in the event of a complete power outage, it is possible to disable the locking of the automatic gearbox lever. Its use is extremely rare.

All (old and new) functions and modes of automatic transmissions are described above, but the automotive industry does not stand still; specialists are trying to come up with something new every day. Perhaps the automatic transmission will also undergo some changes in the future.

Terms of use

For anyone who wants to learn how to use an automatic transmission and properly operate a vehicle with such a gearbox, I will tell you the basic rules.

The main rule is that the use of slip is prohibited. The mechanical version does not tolerate various slippages at all. This rule is quite relevant for driving in winter, when there is snow and ice on the roadway.

Under such conditions, it is necessary to be extremely careful so as not to overload the operation of the box, and indeed the entire system. It is also not recommended to resort to slipping in warm seasons.

Very often, modern cars with an automatic transmission are equipped with additional features, such as anti-slip. This feature must be turned off in situations where your car is stuck.

This maneuver will allow you to safely drive onto a normal surface. Since it is impossible to completely disable this system, its performance can be reduced to a minimum.

It is not recommended to switch to the neutral gear position while moving, without special reasons. This mode is mainly intended for driving in “service mode”, that is, you can move in this position only with the engine turned off (when towing). Otherwise, if this mode is used frequently, there may be undesirable consequences in the operation of the automatic transmission.

In addition to these rules, it is also necessary not to forget that the automatic type of transmission is a rather complex mechanism that requires timely diagnostics, warranty service and replacement of the transmission fluid. It is important to remember that service must be carried out strictly according to the schedule, this is especially true when driving on our roads.

Use in winter: As a rule, special difficulties when driving when the car has an automatic transmission arise precisely in winter. Therefore, this time is considered the most dangerous for drivers. In order not to break down under the influence of weather conditions, you need to know the features of driving a vehicle in winter.

Always enter a turn on a slippery road only in a low gear. This will allow you to perform the maneuver more correctly and smoothly and increase safety on the road.
In winter, before you start moving, you need to warm up the system a little. This will allow not only the car, but also the oil in the box to warm up to operating temperature. And in the case when you need to leave immediately, then at first try not to exceed the speed limit while driving above forty kilometers. In this mode, the car will warm up to the desired level.
After the car is warmed up (when parked), move the gear shift lever several times to different positions while holding the brake pedal. At the same time, stop in each of them for a few seconds.
It is very important to take special care of your car in winter; after you have warmed it up, you should drive the first few kilometers after parking in a “gentle mode”.

It should be remembered that the higher the load, the more warm air is released in the torque converter. Therefore, it is necessary to take some measures, provided that you use the trailer frequently.

To ensure normal operation, you need to consider an option with an additional radiator to further cool the box. When towing a trailer for a long time, it is not advisable to use a higher gear (tow at 2-3 speeds).

Before using a trailer, keep in mind that the life of the automatic transmission is exhausted faster when towing, that is, some elements of the system may very soon become unusable.

How to use it is not worth it

Do not try to start the car using a pushrod (use is allowed only in forced situations). Otherwise, it may cause system failure.
In addition to the fact that it is prohibited to tow a car with an automatic transmission, it is also not advisable to tow it yourself.

The thing is that when the car is moving, transmission fluid must continuously circulate in the box. And provided that the engine of the towed vehicle is not running, circulation naturally does not occur. This behavior causes serious harm.

But, nevertheless, if it is not possible to call a tow truck, then towing is possible only on the condition that it is carried out at low speed (up to thirty kilometers) and over a short distance.
It is strictly forbidden to switch opposite modes while the vehicle is moving.
Parking or reversing can only be done after the car has come to a complete stop.
To protect the parking lock, you additionally need to use the parking brake when stopping on a slope.
It is strictly forbidden to use neutral gear while sitting in traffic jams.
It is not recommended to fill (mix) different oils with additional additives.
It is extremely important to adhere to maintenance schedules.

Important to remember:

Do not exceed the speed limit for each range.
In case of forced speed switching, it is necessary to select a mode for which the actual speed is not the maximum or higher.
In some models, you can use a fourth overdrive gear; an OD button is provided for this. If it is disabled, the indicator will show this. It is forbidden to turn it on when it is recessed and the RVD is in the “drive” position.

I wish you success in mastering a new type of driving.

Video “The nuances of driving a car with automatic transmission”

The recording will tell you about the correct use of automatic transmission and the opportunities that will open up for you while driving a car with automatic transmission. By watching the video, you will also learn many useful nuances related to the automatic transmission.

MineAvto.ru » Repair and maintenance » Transmission

Source: http://MineAvto.ru/remont/transmissiya/pravila-polzovaniya-akpp-2230.html