Last updated on July 31st, 2023 at 09:06 pm
An automatic transmission car uses a multi-speed transmission system that does not require the driver’s input to change gears. The hydraulic automatic is the most popular type of automatic transmission. It uses a planetary gearset and hydraulic controls, and a torque converter. There are also continuously variable transmissions, automated manual transmissions (AMT), dual-clutch transmissions, and dual-clutch (DCT) types of automatic transmissions. Electronic automatic transmissions (EAT) can also be known as electronically controlled transmissions (ECT), electronic automatic transaxles (EATX), and electronically controlled transmissions (ECT).
How the automatic transmission works
A complete rebuild or replacement of your transmission can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 if it is damaged by neglect. That means that; you need to do everything possible to keep your transmission in good condition.
There are many things you need to avoid when driving an automatic car. You should never use two feet when driving an automatic car.
This is why you should never do it. Using both your feet to drive an auto car can cause a crash if both pedals are pressed simultaneously. This can cause damage to the transmission fluid, torque converter, brake fluid, and other components of the car. You should choose an automatic car that engages the brake system automatically when both the pedals are pressed simultaneously.
Here are 11 Things You Should Never Do To Your Car If You Own an Automatic Transmission Vehicle.
Avoid these 11 mistakes if you don’t want your car automatic transmission to go bad faster.
2. Do not leave your car in the drive while sitting for prolonged periods.
Are you able to sit in your car even though it is still in the drive? You should put your vehicle in park if you intend to sit in it for a prolonged time. Overheating can be caused by leaving your car in the drive while you aren’t actively driving it.
Overheating can lead to problems in the engine, including damage to the cylinder head and seals. Overheating can lead to permanent damage if it is severe enough.
3. Avoid leaving your car in neutral while stuck in traffic or waiting at a light.
If you don’t think you’ll be driving for long periods while waiting at traffic lights, it’s probably better to leave your car in the drive or, better still, put on park instead of neutral.
Most drivers do this; thinking it is an excellent way to save gas but let me tell you now; this is also a bad idea.Transmission damage can occur if your car is left in neutral.
Safety concerns can also arise when your car is in neutral. You might be surprised at how fast the traffic is moving. Your car’s speed and movement will be reduced if you leave it in neutral.
4. When driving downhill, don’t put your car in neutral
When going downhill, you should not leave your car in neutral. As we have already mentioned, driving in neutral reduces your control over the car’s speed or movement. Going down the hill while your gear handle is on neutral is dangerous.
So, what should you do when you drive downhill? Instead of using neutral, downshift manually with the 2 or 1 shifts.Don’t rely solely on the brake pads; learn to brake with your engine.
Drive at a comfortable speed. The speed limit signs in the area should be used as a guide.
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5. Don’t allow water to enter the transmission
Water in your transmission can cause irreversible damage and may stop your information from shifting.
Contact your local AAMCO Center immediately if you suspect your transmission is leaking.
6. When driving, don’t shift into the park.
This is not possible with all cars. Some cars can be shifted into the park even while driving. This should never be done, even if you are crawling. Doing this can cause damage to the lock pin or break. This is a common mistake that many people make and don’t even realize they are making. Before you put it in a park, stop it firmly.
7. Use Two Feet When Driving
Do you find yourself one of those drivers that keeps your left foot on brakes and your right on the gas? Instead, drive with one foot. For a manual car, you will need to operate with one foot. You run the risk of stepping on both your feet or, worse, putting the wrong foot on the wrong pedal. Additionally, putting your foot on the brake could cause extra pressure to the brake. This can reduce your car’s performance and cause gas mileage to be reduced. It can also damage your brakes.
8. Do not stop before switching from reverse to drive
Do you find yourself to be one of those drivers that quickly switches between driving in reverse and driving in forward?This could cause damage to your car if you don’t stop completely. Quickly changing drives without entirely stopping first; can pose a safety threat depending on where you are going. This puts too much pressure on your transmission. It would be best always to brake before changing gears, regardless of whether you are driving or reverse.
What happens if you drive at a slower speed?
You might reverse out of a parking spot and then put your car in drive. Although your safety is not at risk, it’s important to brake fully before changing gears to protect the transmission.
9. Do Keep Your Gas Tank low
Understandably, gas prices have risen and it isn’t easy to top up your tank. To ensure that you have enough gas to drive the distance you travel, you may be able to pay in pocket money. This is a grave mistake. The fuel gauge may not always be an accurate indicator. It is possible for your car to stop right in the middle. This can be a problem because it is inconvenient and because it could pose a safety risk.
This can lead to damage to your car’s catalytic converter over time.
Keep your tank full to within a quarter of its capacity. When it reaches the quarter mark, fill it up.
10. The Emergency Brake should not be used
You should always use your emergency brake if you park uphill or downhill or in an area that is susceptible to movement.Doing so could cause damage to the parking pawl.
Manual transmission drivers know to use the emergency brake regardless of whether they are hilly or flat terrain.
What about automatic transmission vehicles? This is still a good idea, as it prevents the parking pawl from breaking and thus requires repairs.
11. Do not drive an automatic car downhill while on neutral
The flow of fuel to your engine is stopped by switching to neutral. This reduces your control over the car, and you can’t use the engine’s gears to slow down. This situation puts more strain on the main brakes, which can be difficult to rely on.In situations where you need to react when going down a slope quickly, reduced control can be dangerous.
Hi dear, my name is Jeffery Ekweghi, and I am a certified mechanic and autobody parts technician. I created this site to share my expertise and experience with car lovers looking to resolve their car-related issues. I am certified in private cars and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. I have worked as a mechanic since 2015 and have experience in vehicle brands like Subaru, Jeep, Toyota, TATA, BMW, Mazda, Honda, Nissan, Kia, TVs, and Others; however, I primarily specialize in Toyota vehicles.
