Cars with automatic transmissions are becoming common. What was once a luxury feature now comes as standard in popular cars, for a much more – all thanks to technological advancement.
Automatic transmission continues to be an enigma to many. Because of this, there are a lot of myths or to be more exact, a lot of misinformation about automatic transmissions circulating among motorists.
In case you are interested in buying a car with automatic transmission but have doubts given some of the most common myths about automatic transmissions. Let’s explore to see if they are true, false or a combination of both.
Debunking Myths about Automatic Transmissions
Following are some of the common myths about automatic car transmissions and the truth behind them.
Cars with Automatic Transmission Use More Fuel – Myth
For a long time, this myth was considered to be true. That’s because, in the past, the automatic transmission had an inefficient technology. Older gears had problems managing shifting, so they shifted at a higher rpm. Consequently, fuel consumption was higher.
However, with technological advances, automatic transmissions have undergone great evolution. Today they work together with highly efficient computerised modules, which are capable of managing the entire transmission operation. It also provides precise changes, at the ideal speed of the engine.
In addition, more modern systems, such as the CVT gearbox, have brought advances in terms of car engine performance improving comfort and fuel consumption. Therefore, automatic transmission increases consumption is only a myth.
Automatic Transmission Increases Brake Wear – Myth
This is one of the biggest myths about automatic transmission, cars with manual or automatic transmissions have the same brake system. Therefore, there is no difference in operation between one and the other.
Some people also claim that, on slopes, there is more wear and tear because they can’t use the engine brakes. It is also incorrect as on some transmission models, placing the gear selector in position L, 1, 2 or 3, a reduced version is selected and you do not have to keep your foot on the pedal.
What causes the wear of the brakes is the activation of the system itself. Hence, regardless of whether the vehicle has an automatic transmission or a manual transmission, brakes will wear. Here is the difference between automatic transmission vs CVT.
They Are Sealed Units – Myth
Automatic transmissions are sealed units that cannot be serviced or repaired; therefore, you must buy a completely new one – this is untrue. automatic transmission is reparable. Those who know about automatic transmissions can often be a little cautious when repairing them. Since these cars contain many small and important parts, like tiny springs and bearings that can be easily lost.
Doesn’t Suit Bad Driving Conditions – Myth
It is a myth that automatic transmissions cannot withstand harsh driving conditions, especially snow or mud, and will make driving uncomfortable. This fact is already completely nullified by advanced technologies and improved control methods.
Many models with automatic transmissions today are controlled by a kind of electronic computer, which takes information from the entire vehicle (such as wheel speeds, accelerator pedal position, and vehicle lean) and decides which gear to be in.
Does not Need Maintenance – Myth
It is another misconception about automatic transmissions. However, just like any system in our car, the transmission also requires maintenance every certain mileage, depending on the type of box and the manufacturer.
The service for an automatic gearbox includes an oil change (especially for transmission), filters, gaskets and in many cases, an electronic adjustment after the fluid change. Here are some tips that can help you in the maintenance of automatic transmission.
Automatic Transmission Myths that Turned Out to be Truth
Here are some myths that turned out to be true
Gear Shifts in Automatic Transmissions are Faster – Truth
The automatic transmission has the characteristic of being more agile when changing gears. Some models come with dual-clutch systems, which are very efficient and fast, typically used in sports and high-performance vehicles.
Technology is always advancing and cars equipped with automatic gearboxes are often able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in shorter times compared to manual vehicles. Besides, there are some more differences between automatic and manual transmission.
High Maintenance Cost – Truth
This happens mainly due to improper use of the manual transmission, for example: shifting gears without the gear set being aligned.
As the automatic transmission is controlled by an electronic system, this is not the case – but everything has a price. This transmission is much more complex and not all workshops are prepared to carry out maintenance. In addition, special equipment is required and this increases the maintenance cost. Nowadays, you can find highly qualified automatic transmission service workshops.
That’s because what controls the automatic transmission is an electronic system, thus, everything ends up being complex. For example, repairs or maintenance of automatic transmissions requires special equipment. This raises the cost of maintenance.
That’s a wrap of common myths about automatic transmission. We have listed the most common ones that you need to know about. Now, you are certainly better informed about automatic transmission and can choose your car more consciously. However, there are several pros and cons of the automatic transmission, yet it is integrated into nearly all modern cars.
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