The invention of automatic transmission revolutionised the automotive industry. It exempts drivers from shifting gears regularly, making driving convenient. However, with this convenience comes a lot of precautions that need to be catered to.
Precautionary measures help increase the transmission’s lifespan and also ensure safe driving practices. Therefore, people driving a car with an automatic transmission system should adhere to these practices.
That said, here we have mentioned some common things not to do in automatic transmission.
Things You Should Never Do to a Car With an Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission system transfers power from the engine to the driveshaft without human input. Since it works autonomously, it is more prone to damage if not used properly. That said, to restrict transmission wear and tear, there are certain driving habits should be adopted.
Here we have listed some of the driving habits that should be ignored when driving an automatic transmission car.
Driving Downhill in Neutral
The first thing to avoid when driving an automatic car is to coast downhill in neutral. Since the automatic transmission fluid lubricates the system, its supply to the transmission stops once the driver engages the neutral gear. That said, continued cruising in this condition can cause significant wear and tear to the car’s transmission.
Driving the car downhill in neutral can be risky since the driver may lose the vehicle’s control. Therefore, in case of an emergency, the driver can only stop the car and not accelerate it, increasing accident chances.
On the other hand, driving downhill using B-gear in hybrid cars can increase the engine drag and recharge the car battery through regenerative braking.
Engaging Parking without Stopping the Car
Shifting from driving to parking gear when the car is still moving causes irreversible damage to the transmission system. The parking gear is specially designed to block the transmission and seize the tyre movement to keep vehicles in place. When parking is engaged in a moving car, the transmission comes to a sudden stop damaging its components.
In some vehicles, a pin blocks the transmission when parking is engaged. Shifting from driving to parking in a moving car can break this pin, and repairing it can cost you a fortune. However, many modern vehicles have wheel speed sensors to restrict shifting from driving to parking until the car comes to halt.
Shifting from Drive to Reverse in a Moving Car
As mentioned above, gear shifting in a moving car results in significant damage to the vehicle transmission. If you shift gears in a moving car, the transmission system is used to stop the vehicle rather than brakes. Moreover, the gears have to move in opposite directions leading to wearing out and excessive friction.
Revving the Engine
Revving the engine before accelerating is a common practice, but it is something not to do in automatic transmission. Revving the engine in neutral can damage the automatic transmission bands, which are expensive to repair and replace. Therefore, always engage driving, press the brake and then rev the engine.
Unnecessary Gear Shifting
Excessive gear shifting leads to excessive wear and tear of the transmission system. For instance: it is a common myth about automatic transmission that engaging neutral on the traffic signal can reduce fuel consumption. However, this only causes wear and tear to the transmission and fuel efficiency are not affected.
Driving on Low Automatic Transmission Fluid
A car with an automatic transmission system depends upon different types of fluids for the smooth functioning of its parts. The appropriate level of transmission fluid must be present to avoid transmission wear out. Driving a vehicle at low fluid level results in wear and tear of components resulting in complete malfunctioning. Moreover, the car won’t go into gear when running when driving on low transmission fluid levels.
Exposing Transmission to Water
The automatic transmission system consists of different components that are sensitive to water. When transmission components come into contact with water, it results in rusting and deterioration.
Moreover, water mixing with transmission fluid can increase friction leading to transmission malfunction. Therefore, when the transmission is exposed to water, replace it rather than repair it.
Resting Hand on the Lever
Resting hands on the gear level can result in premature wearing of the transmission components. A hand resting creates pressure on the gear stick which transfers this pressure to the shifter rail and then to the synchronizers. In this way, the added pressure creates more friction resulting in damage to the teeth of the gear.
Using Two Feet to Drive
A car with an automatic transmission system requires you to change certain driving habits including driving a car with two feet. Using both feet when driving an automatic transmission car not only increases the chances of accidents but also stresses out the transmission and brake fluid. The continuously pressed brake pedal causes more friction, generates excessive heat and thus requires more fluid to continue working.
FAQs
Do I need a separate licence for driving a manual and automatic car in the UAE?
Yes, drivers with an automatic driving licence in the UAE are not allowed to drive a manual vehicle on the road. This is mainly because of the difference between the vehicles and to avoid any potential risk of an accident.
Why does my automatic transmission car jerk when shifting the gear lever?
Jerking of automatic transmission cars when shifting gears is a common car problem that is caused due to low transmission fluid levels. Therefore, it is recommended to change the transmission fluid at regular intervals mentioned in the user manual of the car.
Can automatic transmission cars roll back on a hill?
Yes, cars with automatic transmissions can roll back even if the driving gear is engaged. To avoid this situation, you should use the emergency brake method when driving on a steep hill. Some modern cars are also equipped with a hill start assist system to help drive on rough terrain.
What is the correct way of parking an automatic car?
The correct way of parking an automatic car is to stop the vehicle completely, engage the emergency brake and then shift the gear from driving to parking.
These were all the things not to do in automatic transmission cars. Driving an automatic transmission car is convenient, but a lot of precautionary measures are required to be catered to. Failing to take these measures can result in wear and tear leading to a malfunctioning transmission system.
That said, repairing transmission systems can be difficult and in the majority of cases, replacement is recommended that can cost you a fortune. Besides, go through the difference between automatic transmission vs CVT if you’re interested in buying a manual car. When purchasing a used car for sale in the UAE make sure its transmission system is properly maintained.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for more information on things to avoid doing while driving an automatic car.
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