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How to properly drive a car with automatic transmission

The automatic transmission appeared in the United States in the 1930s. The option of driving a vehicle without manually changing gears, automatic cars, only became popular in the country from this century onwards.

There are several gear shifting systems. In Brazil, the most common models are the automated, the CVT and the traditional automatic. Next, you will get to know each one of them better and know what precautions to take to prolong the life of the vehicle, avoiding maintenance costs due to the incorrect use of the equipment. In automated transmissions, an electronic system activates the clutch and, after analyzing the speed and rotation of the vehicle, automatic changes occur thanks to hydraulic sensors. It's like a robot shifting gears for you.

The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) has a belt and pulley structure, similar to a scooter system. The CVT does not have a gear selector. The automatic dual clutch system is the hottest on the market today. Its operation is similar to the traditional automatic, with the difference that it uses two clutches.

Thus, a larger clutch disc drives even and reverse gears, while a smaller one is responsible for odd gears. This allows that, while one gear is engaged, the next is ready to go into action, ensuring greater speed in shifts compared to the conventional automatic. Regardless of the technical choice made by the manufacturer, driving an automatic car requires some changes in habits for the driver who is already used to cars with manual transmission. Check out below some tips on how to drive an automatic car correctly.

The difference in driving an automatic car to a manual car is noticed even before starting the engine. In automatics, you have to have your foot on the brake for the engine to start.

It is also important to be careful with your left foot. Always leave it resting on the stand created for it, to prevent you from trying to activate the non-existent clutch pedal and end up stepping on the brake. It sounds silly, but in moments of distraction it can happen. And cause accidents.

Neutral care in automatic cars...It is important to note that the N function must not be used when parking in automatic cars. It was created specifically for use in situations where it is necessary to move the vehicle with the engine off.

Although some transmission models automatically engage the N position at short stops or at constant speed on the road as a strategy to reduce fuel consumption, the maneuver is not recommended in cars that do not have this automated function.

In addition to accelerating transmission wear, engines in cars without this function are not calibrated to be more economical in neutral. In these cases, the thrusters are set to yield more in the D position, with the foot off the accelerator – in this situation, the electronic injection injects just enough fuel to keep the engine running.

Additional functions...There are automatic transmissions that bring additional features that optimize the vehicle's driving, contributing to the reduction of consumption or allowing to extract the best performance from the engine.

Some transmissions have gears identified by numbers, such as 3, 2, and 1. By selecting these positions, the transmission does not go beyond these shorter gears. This feature is important in situations where engine braking is necessary or, for example, when driving on a flooded road.

In some gearboxes, these numbered gears are unified in the letter L, whose function is exactly the same.

There are cars that come with the S function (for Sport), which is normally activated by a selector or button in the vicinity of the lever. In this mode, the transmission adopts a more sporty programming, making the changes at higher speeds to favor performance.

Some gearboxes also offer an economy mode, which does the exact opposite: it anticipates changes to prioritize the reduction in fuel consumption.

The more sophisticated models also bring the snow mode, which is identified by the snowflake sign next to the selector. Although it seems to be expendable in a tropical country like Brazil, it can be more useful than it seems in adverse situations.

Snow mode changes the gearshift programming to reduce the chances of the car slipping – the vehicle starts from immobility already in second gear. This function is also useful for pulling the vehicle out of a quagmire.

Pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations...Despite the above tips, it is very important that the driver always consult the owner's manual, to know exactly the functions that are available and the particularities of the automatic transmission, which would vary depending on the car model.

The manual will describe the maintenance routine for the automatic car transmission system. Unlike manual gearboxes, which rarely require a fluid change, automatic gearbox oil must be replaced periodically to ensure proper operation and avoid damage that requires more complex maintenance or even replacement with a new part.

The period varies according to the manufacturer, the type of exchange and also the type of use that is made with the vehicle. As in the case of engine oil, it is important to follow the manufacturer's specifications and not change the more expensive fluid for another cheaper and of inferior quality. As you know, cheap can be expensive.

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