Instructions for beginners on driving a car with an automatic transmission. Driving a car with an automatic transmission (automatic transmission) for novice drivers Driving a car with an automatic transmission

04.12.2021

Even taking into account the higher cost, a car with an automatic transmission provides greater comfort, and also greatly simplifies the operation of the vehicle (especially when talking about novice drivers).

At the same time, taking into account the seeming simplicity of operation, the "automatic machine" also needs to be used correctly. In other words, you need to know how to operate an automatic transmission, since certain mistakes can lead not only to a reduction in the resource, but also to serious damage to the automatic transmission.

In this article, we will consider the modes and features of operation, since robotic transmissions manual transmission () differ from automatic transmissions and will be considered separately.

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How to change gears on "automatic"

Let's start with the fact that using the box is quite simple and convenient. When driving, such a box itself selects the required gear ratio, taking into account the engine load, vehicle speed, gas pedal position, etc.

As for the driver, the main task is to select the desired mode using the selector in the car. At the same time, in practice, not all drivers know how the automatic transmission modes switch to control the gearbox and what they mean.

So, let's consider a traditional hydromechanical automatic transmission (automatic transmission with). Automatic transmission control assumes the following modes:

P - parking mode, parking. The automatic transmission selector can be switched to this mode after a complete stop of the car if no further driving is planned (the car is parked). Also in this mode, you can start the internal combustion engine (for example, to warm up).

The only thing to avoid breakdowns, if the car stands on an uneven ground (there is a significant slope), first you need to tighten the parking brake ("handbrake"), and only then put the selector in the "parking" mode.

Without going into details, when setting in the "P" mode, a blocking is triggered in the box, that is, the car will not roll forward or backward. However, in the event that there is a slope and the parking brake is not applied, the entire load falls on a rather fragile locking mechanism.

By the way, there is no urgent need to apply the parking brake when parking on a level surface. This allows not to use the handbrake in winter, which, in turn, excludes freezing of the rear brake pads, wedging of the brake cylinders, etc. (especially with drum rear brakes).

D - moving forward, gears are switched automatically. This mode is standard for automatic transmissions.

When driving in "drive" mode, in the event of a short stop (for example, at a traffic light), the driver just needs to hold the car by pressing the brake pedal. In this case, it is not necessary to transfer to the selector in P mode. Also, when you release the brake pedal, a car with an automatic transmission will not roll back if the road has a slope.

R - reverse, reverse. Enabling this mode means that the car with automatic transmission will only move backward (reverse gear is engaged).

Please note that you can turn on R mode only when the car is completely stopped. Moreover, switching to this mode should be carried out only when the brake pedal is depressed. This prevents the vehicle from rolling forward or backward if the vehicle is parked on uneven ground.

N - neutral gear (neutral, neutral). This mode means that the box and the engine are open. This mode allows you to warm up the engine, tow a car with automatic transmission without hanging the drive wheels, etc.

It should be borne in mind that if the car is set to N mode, the car will roll on a slope without the brake pedal pressed or the handbrake on.

Modes D3, D2, D1 (on different automatic transmissions they are designated L2, L or can be simply designated as 3, 2, 1, etc.) are actually blocking the inclusion of higher gears.

For example, D1 or L means that the car will only move in the first gear, D2 means that the gearbox will not shift higher than the second gear, etc. These modes are necessary for severe operating conditions (for example, driving in "tightness", driving at low speed, driving on snow, ice, slippery surfaces).

In these modes, a more pronounced effect of engine braking is manifested, which facilitates driving on mountain serpentines, roads with frequent descents and ascents, etc.

Additional automatic transmission modes from different manufacturers may be designated: S-sport mode, E - economical, W - winter, etc.

For example, in sport mode, the machine will "tighten" the shift and shift up to a higher gear at high engine speeds. This allows the car to dynamically accelerate from a standstill and overtake.

In the economy mode, gear changes, on the contrary, will occur earlier, the engine does not "spin up", and the mode itself is suitable for a quiet ride.

In W (winter) or S (snow) mode, the transmission distributes the torque so that the drive wheels do not slip. To put it simply, the car starts off not from the first, but immediately from the second gear.

Winter automatic mode assumes that the gears are shifted smoothly (at reduced engine speeds). This is necessary in order to achieve smooth shifting and eliminate the likelihood of drifts. We add that this mode is strongly discouraged when the outside temperature is above zero.

We also note that some automatic transmissions have an "overdrive" mode, which disables the transition to the highest gears. For example, a 4-speed automatic will not shift into fourth gear. This mode is well suited for driving in the city, where the speeds are low, and the movement involves constant acceleration and stop.

We add that the automatic transmission also has a so-called "kick-down" mode (literally, hit or drop down). This mode involves a sharp downshift for intensive acceleration in the event that the driver presses the accelerator pedal hard.

The inclusion of "kick-down" is usually done by pressing the accelerator pedal ¾ of the stroke, after which the automatic transmission shifts to a lower gear, the engine speed rises, the car is actively accelerated. This mode is indispensable for overtaking, sudden changes in traffic, etc.

You should also highlight the possibility of manual gear shifting on many automatic transmissions. This feature, well known as Tiptronic, allows the driver to independently up and down gears.

As a rule, this function cannot be called completely "manual" gear shifting, since the gearbox operates in a semi-automatic mode, imitating manual control.

Driving technique with an automatic transmission

Having figured out how the gears are switched on the automatic transmission, as well as having considered the main operating modes of the automatic transmission, you can move on to how to drive the automatic transmission.

Let's start with the basics. It is important to understand that the automatic transmission is "afraid" of constant sudden acceleration from a standstill, as well as wheel slip in mud, snow or ice. Such conditions lead to the fact that the automatic transmission overheats.

For example, if the car is slipping and no mode does not allow you to leave, it is better to seek outside help and just push the car or pull it out in tow in N mode.

Let's go back to driving on a machine and how to drive a car with automatic transmission. Driving a car with an automatic transmission boils down to the following:

you need to start using the automatic gearbox provided the brake pedal is pressed.
pressing the brake, to start the movement, you must move the selector from P or N to the desired mode (R, D, 3, 2, L);
if the parking brake was previously applied, the handbrake must be “lowered”.
removing the car from the parking brake and releasing the brake pedal, the car will slowly and smoothly start moving (in some cases, for example, if the car is on an uphill, there will be no rollback in D mode, but there will be no clear forward movement);
to accelerate, you need to press the gas pedal (accelerator). In D mode, the machine will independently increase gears when accelerating and down when decelerating. For a slight decrease in speed without using the brakes, it is enough to completely release the throttle.
to achieve effective deceleration / complete stop, the brake must be applied. For the subsequent acceleration, it is enough to release the brake again and press the gas.
it is not necessary to transfer the selector from mode D to mode P or N during short stops (these modes are activated only during prolonged idle time with the engine running for 10-15 minutes or more).
taking into account the presence of different operating modes of the automatic transmission, the driver should select the one that is best suited for specific operating conditions.

Please note that it is forbidden to move the selector to the P and R positions until the car has come to a complete stop or in motion. Ignoring this statement will lead to serious damage to the automatic transmission.

It should also be borne in mind that if there is a need for a long downtime of the car with the engine running (traffic jam, etc.), while high outside temperatures are noted, then the selector must be switched from mode D to mode N in order to avoid overheating of the box - automatic.

First of all, during the operation of a hydromechanical automatic transmission, the operation of such a box should be avoided without preliminary warming up. This means that the "automatic" must be warmed up before the trip, regardless of the outside temperature.

In practice, this means that after parking it is advisable to start and, at the same time, after a slight warm-up of the engine, the brake pedal is pressed, after which the selector for selecting the automatic transmission operating modes is delayed in each position from 30 seconds. up to 1 minute.

It is important to remember that the automatic transmission is filled with a large volume of ATF (transmission oil), the viscosity properties of which depend on the temperature. At the same time, the automatic transmission is very sensitive to the quality and viscosity of the oil. It is not difficult to guess that until the box is warmed up, the transmission should not be heavily loaded. In this case, before reaching operating temperatures, the gearbox needs more time than the engine.

Another nuance in the operation of machines with "automatic" is that automatic transmissions can get out of standing after a long slip of the driving wheels. This means that if such a car is thoroughly stuck in snow or mud, it is better to refuse attempts to leave on its own.

Otherwise, the clutches "burn", the box overheats, wears out heavily, becomes contaminated with wear products, etc. The result is an expensive automatic transmission repair, replacement of clutch packs, flushing channels, etc.

The automatic transmission also wears out a lot if towing a trailer or other cars is practiced. The reason is again the overheating of the automatic transmission. We also add that you also need to tow the car itself with a machine gun correctly.

Often, the manufacturer prescribes the rules and recommendations regarding towing without hanging the drive wheels in the manual. Most often, a car with an automatic transmission can be towed in neutral gear, the travel speed is 50 km / h, the distance is limited to 50-60 km.

We also add that the owners of cars with automatic transmission are often interested in whether it is necessary to use the parking brake on a car with an automatic transmission. The fact is that all cars with automatic transmission have a handbrake, however, the lock in P mode also works in parallel.

It should be borne in mind that in the "parking" mode without using the parking brake, the entire load falls on the locking mechanism and reduces its resource. Also, the possibility of breakage of the mechanism during parking should not be excluded in any way, that is, the "handbrake" is actually additional insurance.

The parking brake must be used if you had to stop the car on a downhill or an ascent. In this situation, the automatic transmission selector is easier to switch to D mode or reverse from P mode only when the parking brake is applied. It turns out that before you start driving, you must first press the brake pedal, then turn the selector to the desired mode, and only then lower the handbrake.

Let's summarize

As you can see, the use of a box - an automatic machine does not imply any difficulties, however, it is necessary to follow certain rules and adhere to a number of recommendations.

First of all, this box needs to be warmed up, it is undesirable to skid or drive often with a trailer on the “automatic”, load the car in every possible way, overheat the automatic transmission in traffic jams, etc.

Only compliance with the conditions and rules for operating the box - the automatic transmission allows you to maintain the planned resource of the automatic transmission (especially taking into account the rather high cost of repairing the automatic transmission), and also not to experience any problems and failures (jolts, kicks, jerks of the automatic transmission) while driving with this type of transmission.

Automatic transmission control

Range P (Park) - parking mode.

This mode is selected when the car is parked for a long time. In this position, the controls in the box are disabled, the output shaft is blocked, as a result, it is impossible to move the machine (the drive wheels are blocked, the blocking is not associated with the parking brake and is located inside the box itself). Starting the engine in this mode is allowed.

Do I need to use the parking brake when parking? On level areas, subject to serviceability, there is plenty of blocking of the output shaft of the box for reliable fixation. When stopping on a slope, it is advisable to use the parking brake. In this case, you first need to pull the handbrake, and only then put the gear lever in P mode. This removes the additional load from the automatic gearbox output shaft locking mechanism.

Range N (Neutral) - Neutral mode.

In this mode, controls are disabled. At the same time, with the output shaft locking mechanism turned off, the vehicle can move freely. Starting the engine in this mode is also allowed. Mode N is used when towing a car for short distances, as well as for short stops.Sometimes some drivers have a question:

Do I need to translate the automatic transmission into N at a traffic light?

It makes sense to switch the automatic transmission to neutral mode only during long stops in traffic jams in hot weather, in order to avoid overheating of the automatic transmission itself. In other cases, this is not necessary at all.

Range R (Reverse) - reverse mode.

An attempt to turn on the R mode while moving forward will inevitably lead to a breakdown of the automatic transmission and other transmission elements (on vehicles in whose transmissions there is no corresponding blocking, it is strictly contraindicated to turn on the R mode until a complete stop). It is also impossible to start the engine if the shift lever is in this position.
Four-speed automatic transmissions for forward travel have four modes: D, 3, 2 and 1 (L). It should be noted here that starting the engine is impossible if one of the listed modes is enabled.

Range D (Drive) is the main mode for driving forward.

This mode makes automatic sequential gear shifting (in this mode, all gears are usually involved, except for the upshifts). It is this mode that is recommended under normal driving conditions.
Range 3(Digit 3 on some types of automatic transmissions) - the first three gears are engaged while driving. This mode is active, it is great for city traffic, it turns off when the ignition is turned off. Especially at a high speed of the automatic transmission, it will not be possible to save fuel, this mode does not allow the torque converter clutch to repeatedly lock-unlock in conditions of ragged city driving (no more than 80 km / h), it is also partially blocked by switching to overdrive gears. Most suitable for driving when frequent stops are inevitable and for driving on roads saturated with descents and ascents. Engine braking in this mode is possible.
Range 2(Digit 2 on automatic transmission) - in this mode, movement is permissible only in second and first gear. Most suitable for use in mountain winding roads. Prohibited shifting to fourth and third gear.
Range 1(L or Low) - low gear. In this mode, movement is allowed only in first gear. The traction capabilities of the engine in this range are maximized, since the torque transmitted to the wheels only in the first gear is maximum. Especially effective engine braking is in this mode. Driving on steep slopes and inclines must be carried out in first gear.

Overdrive (O / D)

On some automatic gearboxes, a mode is set in which an automatic upshift is possible. O / D (Overdrive) button serves to connect this automatic transmission mode... Its recessed position when the (Drive) mode is on allows you to shift upshifts. If you release this button, then switching to the last gear will again become impossible. The O / D OFF indicator displays the status of the control system. If the indicator is on, then the use of the Overdrive mode is impossible, otherwise there is such an opportunity.

It is recommended to use an overdrive mainly on the highway for a more economical and measured movement. Interestingly, some four-speed automatic transmissions (for example, (toyota) aisin 241e) can disable 4th gear with a gear ratio of 1, which is not an overdrive!

One of the differences between the automatic transmission and mechanics is the impossibility of braking the engine in each mode. In overrunning clutches, when modes do not allow engine braking, the transmission slips and the car moves "coasting". And when the driver selects position 1, engine braking is activated with first gear. In the first gear in position D, such braking is not possible.

What is the correct way to start driving a car with automatic transmission?

As a rule, often the cause of breakdowns in automatic transmissions is their illiterate maintenance and use. After starting the engine, so that the automatic gearboxthe gear has taken on a working state, before starting to move, you must wait about a minute. Before driving without depressing the throttle pedals, depress and hold the brake pedal while placing the shift knob in D or R mode. After waiting for a light push, you can start moving by releasing the brake pedal and pressing the accelerator pedal with your foot. Dynamic driving should be avoided for some time after the start of movement, so that the oil in all components and assemblies reaches its operating temperature. Before starting to move, for more effective warming up of the automatic transmission, the handle of the gear shift control lever must be moved to different positions, lingering in each of them for a while. Then, after turning on one of the driving modes and pressing the brake, hold the car in place for a couple of minutes, the engine should be running at this time.in idle mode. At low ambient temperatures in position R, it is unacceptable to start driving without fully warming up the automatic gearbox, because this (due to the high viscosity of the fluid in the transmission) can damage the planetary gear.

Automatic transmission how to use video

Towing a car with automatic transmission

A faulty car is towed in N mode, but do not forget that it is possible only for relatively short distances. Due to the fact that the oil pump is inactive in an idle engine, the lubrication of the units and elements of the automatic transmission significantly deteriorates. All of the above is relevant when transporting a car over long distances. Therefore, if it becomes necessary to transport your faulty vehicle with automatic transmission, this must be done at a speed not exceeding 70 km / h. and at a distance of no more than 70 kilometers. Otherwise, it would be ideal to use a tow truck.

Can I slip on an automatic transmission?

It is more difficult to skid on a car with an automatic gearbox than on a car with a conventional "mechanics". But if this did happen, then it is simply unacceptable to “rock” the car by shifting the gearbox from the forward position to the reverse gear position and vice versa. In this case, you need to use the lowering range, it excludes switching to higher gears, and in this mode try to overcome the mud section using the brake as a clutch. In much the same way (without peregasovaya and playing along with the brake), they perform maneuvers in a confined space.

Is it possible to switch automatic transmission speeds on the go?

Switching driving modes on the move is permitted, but not in all positions. So, for example, it is unacceptable to turn on the P and R modes when moving forward. The inclusion of these modes is carried out under the condition of a complete stop of the car. Ignoring this rule will inevitably lead to serious. It is also undesirable to put the gearshift lever in N mode while driving, because in this mode, the connection between the engine and the wheels is disconnected and, in the event of sudden braking, can lead to a skid of the car. Automatic transmission can be switched to any other mode on the move. In some cases, it is even necessary to do this. So, for example, switching from mode 3 to mode 2 improves the engine braking performance.

Additional modes of automatic transmission

In the automatic transmissions of later models, where there are more operating ranges, there are additional modes of operation. In the automatic transmission control system, they are present in the form of switch buttons. An experienced driver knows how to use automatic transmission modes so let's go over it ourselves.

Economy mode("Eco" or "E") - provides minimum fuel consumption while driving, as the engine is limited in the speed range at each stage. Thus, the joint operation of the engine and the automatic transmission proceeds in such a way that in each increased gear, the engine begins to work practically from idle speed, further increasing them, but not bringing them to maximum. In this mode, the movement of the car is calm and smooth.

Sport mode("S") - in this automatic transmission operating mode, the engine power is used to its maximum. Each subsequent gear is engaged at frequencies close to the maximum torque. When accelerating further, the crankshaft rotation reaches its maximum, and thus the engine develops its full power and begins to work with full efficiency. And the car in this mode moves with much greater acceleration compared to the economy mode. A special switch designed to implement a sports or economy mode is usually located next to the gear lever and can have various designations, such as - POWER, S, SPORT, AUTO, A / T MODE, etc. Sports automatic transmissions, which have slightly different transmission control algorithms, have also become widespread. In this case, switching between different operating modes can be done both by the selector and using the corresponding function buttons, when the position of the automatic transmission lever remains unchanged.

Kickdown- a mode that allows the engine management system and automatic transmission to achieve high acceleration values, for example, for overtaking. The automatic transmission switches to this mode after a sharp depression of the accelerator pedal, switching to one or two downshifts. The torque transmitted from the engine to the wheels will increase, while the speed range in the engine is such that its output is practically maximum. And when the engine reaches its maximum speed, the machine switches to the next overdrive. If the accelerator pedal is released, the automatic transmission will return to normal operation. Kickdown is sometimes disabled when Overdrive is off. It is necessary to take into account the factor that on a slippery surface with a forced downshift, slipping of the driving wheels and further occurrence of a skid is inevitable.

Winter mode(Snowflake) - to activate this mode, there is a special button or switch with the following designations: Winter, W, Hold (or Snow). To avoid slipping of the driving wheels on a slippery road when starting off, the torque transmitted to the wheels from the engine is required to be minimal. This is done by starting the car from second or third gear - this is fraught with overheating of the automatic transmission, therefore, it is contraindicated to drive constantly in this mode.

Emergency mode- this mode of operation of the automatic gearbox is switched on in case of malfunctions in the control system or transmission that can lead to. The control unit includes the transmission protection program and this allows the car to get to the service center on its own. As a rule, in emergency mode, shifting is prohibited and any one gear operates. The number of such a gear usually corresponds to the gear with which the shift solenoids are off. Also, when triggered, blocking of the torque converter is prohibited and the maximum pressure in the main line is set.

Adaptive automatic transmission mode (automatic transmission) | Automatic transmission adaptation.

Adaptive gearboxes owe their appearance to progress in the development of electronic automatic transmissions. Control algorithms are becoming more intelligent, hence new qualities are manifested in the same transmissions from the point of view of mechanics. Now the on-board computer monitors the features and manner of driving the driver and adjusts the operation of the automatic transmission and the engine to suit them. With an even manner of movement, the computer, by means of appropriate amendments, does not bring the engine to maximum power rates of operation, which significantly reduces fuel consumption. If the driver prefers a harsh, "gusty" driving style, accompanied by frequent depressing of the accelerator pedal, the computer focuses on frequent acceleration and high speed of movement and brings the engine to maximum revs. In order to make the most dynamic accelerations, the control system makes two, sometimes three steps lower. It is curious that the account of the wear of the friction elements of the automatic transmission is already incorporated into the operation algorithm. That has a beneficial effect not only on the comfort of driving such a car, but also increases its efficiency and.

Automatic transmission mode AUTOSTICK (StepTronic, TipTronic)

This automatic transmission control system, in which both automatic and semi-automatic control modes are provided (the first implemented by Porsche), here the shift command is given by the driver, and the control system ensures the quality of such shifts. This mode, depending on the manufacturer, may have different names: AUTOSTICK, STEPTRONIC, TIPTRONIC. There is it only on cars with an electronic control system for an automatic transmission, and even then not on all.

What is TipTronic (Video)

The handle of the gear lever on cars with this system has a special position at which the AUTOSTICK mode is activated. This mode has two non-latching positions, labeled UP, +, and DN, -, required to shift up or down. The choice of gear in this mode is made by the driver manually, the selector lever is pushed in the direction, -, or, +, - shifting gears up or down. When the engine speed drops to idle, the gear reduction is automatically carried out only in the canonical design. Some manufacturers' transmissions automatically upshift at the engine speed limit.

The mechanical part of such a box is indistinguishable from a conventional automatic box, only the automatic control and the selector lever have been changed. Such automatic transmissions are characterized by a cutout for moving the selector lever in the form of the letter H, and the symbols, +, and, -,. Nevertheless, such a mode (AUTOSTICK) is more semi-automatic than manual, since the transmission computer monitors the driver's activity and will not allow him to select a gear exceeding the permissible engine speed or will not let him start from top gear. The rest gives the impression of using a manual gearbox. If such a desire arises, then you can easily return to the conventional automatic transmission mode by putting the speed mode switch knob in position D, so rather it is driving on automatic transmission rather than "poking" with a pen.

On powerful versions of cars, sports automatic transmissions are installed, which are equipped with a manual gear shift function. Moreover, such manual gear shifting can be done not only by moving the selector up and down, but also with the help of small paddle shifters, pressing which allows you to lower or increase the steps. This is quite popular on sports cars and executive sedans, which are equipped with powerful engines.

Automatic transmissions have made life much easier for motorists. They especially liked the fair sex. Indeed, when driving a car with automatic transmission, you do not need to think about when to switch gears and carry out this operation. Automation does everything on its own. The driver essentially uses one right foot to drive the car. But still, many are thinking about the question of how to operate an automatic transmission in various conditions and situations on the road? And in this case, there really are some nuances.

Main operating modes of the unit

In place of the gearshift lever familiar to drivers with "mechanics", in cars with "automatic" there is a selector in the form of a small lever. Most often, classic automatic transmissions have 4 steps.
Usually there are such modes of operation of the automatic box:

It should be noted that many automatic transmissions, especially modern models, have additional modes designed for movement in certain conditions. These include:

Driving a car with an automatic transmission

It is possible to move the gearshift handle to a certain mode if three conditions are met:

Launched power unit;
Brake pedal depressed;
A recessed button on the selector itself.

The required mode is activated in a second or two after moving the lever. During this time, the engine speed will drop slightly.

Immediately after turning on, release the brake pedal and the machine will start moving. It is worth remembering that in D and R modes, the power unit constantly pushes the car, even when the accelerator pedal is fully released. It is the work with the gas pedal that is the key signal for the automatic transmission. If you press smoothly, then the switching will be slow and at low rpm. If you need intensive acceleration, you should sharply press the pedal, the "box" will go to a step or two lower and intensive acceleration will begin.

The classic automatic transmission has one drawback. After pressing the pedal, it takes about a second before the start of a sharp acceleration. Of course, this is not much, but in some cases (with risky overtaking, etc.) a second decides a lot. Therefore, this nuance should be taken into account.

If you need to stop, simply press the brake pedal. You don't need to move the selector. For short stops in front of a traffic light, the lever is not retracted from position D, but the pedal is held in the depressed position. If there is a traffic jam or a stop ahead for a longer period (more than half a minute), it is better to move the lever to the N or P position, this will save fuel, which is spent on pushing the braked car. It must be remembered that from position D to N and in the opposite direction, the selector is transferred without pressing a button on it. This is handy when driving in trials for frequent movement in both directions.

If the car is rolling down a hill, it is not recommended to switch the selector to N mode. After all, when driving on a regular "Drive", the unit independently activates engine braking. This does not overheat the brake pads. If you still want to slide on a neutral stage, then you should move the selector without pressing a button. Returning the automatic transmission to D mode should also be done without pressing the button. Thus, it is possible to exclude the erroneous inclusion of reverse modes or P. Yes, and the machine will stop faster.

How to drive with a trailer in a car with automatic transmission?

It should be noted that towing by a car with an automatic gearbox is an undesirable phenomenon. This is especially true when towing another vehicle. In this situation, the transmission oil overheats as a result of increased stress on the gearbox components.

As for trailers, non-heavy ones should be towed in the normal D mode. The speed limit is not limited. If the trailer is heavy, then the machine must have an additional gearbox oil cooler. It is quite difficult to install one even on authorized services. Therefore, with the constant need to tow a heavy trailer, it is better to buy a car with an "automatic" with an already installed radiator. It is usually found on large pickup trucks and SUVs capable of towing heavy trailers.

Also, for moving with a trailer, a mode that blocks automatic transmission switching above the second stage is suitable. In this case, the described mode should not be activated when driving at a speed of more than 80 km / h.

Towing a car with an automatic transmission

Perhaps this question is one of the most common among the owners of cars with "automatic". Such cars are allowed to be towed, however, only when the power unit is running and in the neutral position of the automatic transmission selector. In this case, the speed limit is limited to 50 km / h, and the maximum towing range should not exceed 50 km. If the power unit of the car does not start, then it is better to call a tow truck than to subsequently carry out expensive transmission repairs. In any case, it is best to read the operating instructions for the model of the machine before towing. After all, some manufacturers generally prohibit towing cars with "automatic machines". Others limit the speed to 30 km / h and the distance to 30 km.

As for towing by a car with automatic transmission, it is generally undesirable. If there is no other way out of this situation, then you should check how much weight the towed vehicle is. It must be less than or equal to the weight of the tractor. Towing is possible only in selector position L or 2. This mode limits shifting to 2 steps. In this case, the towing speed should not exceed 40 km / h.

Some recommendations for car owners with automatic transmission

As mentioned above, motor braking is possible on cars equipped with classic automatic transmissions. To drive on long slopes, release the O / D button (if available), which will force the unit to go to the third stage and brake gently with the engine. In this case, the car will not accelerate more than 80 km / h. This feature cannot be used at speeds above 120 km / h.

To drive on steep slopes, move the selector to position 2. This will limit the driving speed at around 40-60 km / h. To travel off asphalt roads with very steep slopes and inclines, the selector should be set to L position. As a result, the car will not be able to accelerate more than 10-20 km / h. On uphills, in this case, you can use the maximum torque of the unit.

In general, cars with automatic transmission "do not like" off-road. Indeed, in this case, wheel slip is possible, as well as when driving on winter roads. And this is fraught with excessive wear of the automatic transmission parts. If the car is stuck in a puddle or mud, you should not accelerate with might and main. To overcome an obstacle, mode L or 1 is suitable. It is better to try to drive back along your own track.

It must be remembered that an unheated unit does not like loads and high speed. Even in the summer months, it is necessary to move smoothly for the first couple of kilometers of the path without sudden jerks and accelerations. You need to wait for the oil in the power unit and automatic transmission to warm up to operating temperature. But in the transmission it warms up several times slower.

In winter cold, while warming up the engine, you can alternately move the gearbox selector to different positions, lingering on each one. This will allow the oil in the automatic transmission to warm up a little. It is allowed to stand on the "Drive" mode on and the brake pedal pressed. In addition, in order to warm up the unit faster in winter frosts, you can drive the first kilometers with an activated winter mode.

Many car owners with an “automatic” unjustly believe that the car does not need a handbrake. Indeed, the owners of such cars practically do not use the handbrake. Mode P is quite enough for many. However, the rules for operating machines without fail contain a clause that states that you should always use the parking brake, not relying on the parking mode of the transmission.

Indeed, the parking position P is something akin to the engaged gear with the engine off. It is imperative to use the handbrake in case of a stop with the engine running, especially if the driver leaves the car. In addition, the handbrake will be needed in cases of need for a reliable fixation of the car. This can be a replacement wheel for a spare wheel, etc. On steep slopes it is also better to apply the handbrake. Indeed, it is on steep slopes that the parking mode, which blocks the drive wheels of the car, is loaded to a greater extent. As a result, the unauthorized removal of the selector from the Parking mode is possible. In this situation, before starting the movement, you should first move the selector lever from the P mode, and then release the handbrake and start driving.

Finally, it should be noted that the fuel consumption when driving with an automatic transmission will be higher than with a mechanic. This difference is especially evident during overclocking. Moreover, the more intense it is, the more seriously the fuel consumption increases. Automatic transmission repair is not cheap pleasure. Although these complex units are highly reliable and nurture serious runs.

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In America, the share of new manual vehicles sold is only 6 percent. Therefore, for many American drivers, driving with a manual transmission is very difficult. So many drivers are accustomed to driving vehicles with automatic transmissions. In our country, the share of cars sold with a manual transmission is still slightly higher than with an automatic transmission, but, nevertheless, driving a car with a manual transmission causes a lot of difficulties for many drivers. Ours has prepared instructions for all motorists and a small manual that will help you learn how to drive a mechanic.

Manual transmission vehicles are generally cheaper than automatic transmission vehicles. But driving a vehicle with a manual transmission will not only save you money when buying a car, but also open up a whole new world of car driving for you.

Note that many are still equipped with a mechanical box. But even buying an inexpensive weak car, it will allow you to significantly reduce fuel costs, since a car equipped with a manual transmission consumes much less fuel than a car equipped with an automatic transmission.

What are the other advantages of manual transmissions over automatic transmissions? Manual transmissions are much more reliable than automatic transmissions and, moreover, the cost of repairing mechanics is much less than repairing a complex machine.

Plus, driving a car with a manual transmission rather than a car with an automatic transmission.

Step one: What are manual transmissions for?

A manual transmission requires the driver to switch gears independently. Most cars with manual transmissions have 4 or 5 speeds plus one reverse gear. In order to master where what transmission speed is and what each of them is for, you need to know the following:

Clutch pedal. When you press the pedal, a special mechanism in the box gives you the opportunity to engage the required gear using the gearshift knob. Remember that you can only shift the gearbox if the clutch pedal is fully depressed.

Neutral actually means that no torque from the engine will be transmitted to the wheels. With the engine running and in neutral gear, if you press the accelerator pedal, the car will not move. When the gear is in neutral, you can engage any speed from this position, including reverse gear.

For most manual vehicles, 2nd gear is a workhorse, as 1st gear is primarily for starting. Second gear will help you drive the car down a steep slope or help you get around in a traffic jam.

Reverse gear is slightly different from other speeds in the manual transmission. This speed received a slightly wider range of operation than first gear. You can accelerate faster at reverse speed than at 1st speed. But the reverse gear does not "like" when the car drives in this mode for a very long time (it can lead to failure of the gearbox mechanism).

So reverse gear is not the primary mode of travel.

The accelerator pedal allows each speed to use the maximum engine torque set for each speed. When accelerating in an equipped car, you feel every speed, which gives each driver a unique feeling of drive and better control over the car.

Step two: master the location of the gears

Before learning how to ride a mechanic, you need to master the location of each gear speed, which are indicated on the shift knob. After all, you will not look at the handle while the car is moving, where is the speed? Remember to fully depress the clutch pedal for perfect gear shifting, otherwise each speed will engage with a characteristic grinding or crunching noise that could damage the transmission.

If you are a novice driver, first watch from the side of the front passenger seat as another more experienced driver simultaneously presses the clutch pedal and changes gears. Pay attention to the maximum speed of the vehicle in each gear.

At first, even after studying the location of each speed, you will still mentally remember where this or that transmission is. Over time, you will stop thinking about changing gears every time and will do it on an unconscious level (mechanically). It's all about habit. So if at the very beginning you do not have the perfect skill of driving a car with a manual transmission, then do not be discouraged and do not despair. The speed of shifting gears and much more will come to you as you gain driving experience.

Another problem for any novice driver who drives a manual car is not knowing when and what speed to engage. In order to know whether the correct gear is engaged at a certain vehicle speed, we advise you to focus on the sound of the engine.

If the engine speed is very low and the car does not accelerate, then you have shifted to an upshift and you need to change to a lower gear.

If the engine rpm is very high, then you need to shift to a higher gear in order to relieve the gearbox.

If your car is equipped with a tachometer, then in order to understand when it is necessary to switch the speed, be guided by the number of engine revolutions. Although every make and model of manual car requires a different gear change order, in general every gear can be shifted when the engine reaches 3000 rpm. You can also navigate the speedometer so that you know when to change the transmission speed.

For example, change the speed every 25 km / h (1st gear 1-25 km / h, 2nd 25-50, 3rd 50-70, etc.). Remember that this is just a general rule of thumb for shifting manual transmissions. And, than these values will deviate in the direction of increase.

Step three: starting the engine

Place the gear shift knob in neutral after depressing the clutch pedal before starting the engine. Do not change gears without a depressed pedal, as this can lead to failure of the manual transmission. After starting the engine, warm it up to operating temperature. If you are warming up the car in winter, do not release the clutch pedal after engaging in neutral for the first few minutes of warming up. This will allow you to warm up the frozen oil in the box much faster.

Attention!!! Do not start the car engine when the gear is engaged. This will lead to uncontrolled movement of the machine, which can lead to an accident.

Step four: use the clutch pedal correctly

The clutch is a mechanism that helps you shift gears smoothly. Always squeeze the clutch all the way. If you change gear while driving without fully pressing the clutch, you will hear a grinding or crunching sound. Try to avoid this to avoid damaging the box.

Also remember that your left foot should only press the clutch pedal. Right foot only gas pedal and brake pedal.

At first, it will be difficult for you to ideally release the clutch after changing gears. You have to get used to it. If you experience problems with this, we advise you to slowly release the clutch after changing gears in order to feel the moment when the gear starts.

Avoid unnecessary acceleration of the vehicle when the clutch pedal is not fully depressed. Don't get into the habit of leaving the clutch pedal depressed for more than 2 seconds (even at traffic lights - use neutral speed).

Many novice drivers have trouble releasing the clutch pedal very quickly. Don't be discouraged if you can't. Over time, you will get used to it and will not notice how coordinated you are changing gears. Remember that everyone has difficulty with this. Once you start driving frequently in heavy city traffic, you will quickly gain experience.

Step Five: Coordinated Action

What's happened ? This is your door to the world of acceleration drive and special car perception. But in order to fully feel the true pleasure of driving a car with mechanics, well-coordinated and coordinated actions are necessary. As an example for the 1st and 2nd speed, we will give all your actions, which over time you must bring to automatism.

Depress the clutch pedal all the way. Shift the gear stick to first gear. Begin slowly releasing the clutch pedal while simultaneously depressing the accelerator pedal smoothly and slowly. Bringing the clutch pedal somewhere to the middle, you will feel that the torque has begun to be fully transmitted to the wheels. Smoothly releasing the clutch pedal to the end, accelerate to 25 km / h. Next, you need to go to second gear. To do this, again squeeze the clutch all the way and switch the speed to second gear, then slowly, lowering the clutch pedal, slowly add gas.

Step six: downshifting

Downshifting is a method of shifting the vehicle's lower gears when decelerating. How you change gears when you slow down and how an automatic works when you slow down your vehicle makes a huge difference. Downshifting will not only help you slow down the vehicle, but it will also allow you to engage exactly the speed you really need.

Downshifting will help you in bad slippery weather, both in summer and winter, not to resort to braking with the brake pedal if it is necessary to reduce the speed, which makes it safer to travel by car, unlike a car equipped with an automatic transmission.

Here is an example of how you can use downshifting to stop a car from a speed of 70 km / h:

- Press the clutch pedal and shift the transmission to 3rd gear by moving your right foot from the gas pedal to the brake.

- Release the clutch pedal slowly to avoid high revs.

- Depress the clutch pedal again before stopping.

- Do not include, as a low gear, the first speed.

This stopping method will allow you to stop much faster and safer than braking with one brake pedal..

Step Seven: Reverse Speed

Be careful when shifting the vehicle to reverse. If not properly engaged, the gear lever may pop out. Never try to reverse gear until the vehicle has come to a complete stop. On some models, in order to engage the reverse speed, you must first press the gear shift knob from above.

Remember that reverse gear has a high operating range, so be careful not to press down on the gas pedal too hard, as the car can quickly pick up dangerous.

Step eight: driving on the hill

As a rule, most highways are not flat due to the terrain. Therefore, stopping on the road, in many places the car starts to roll back without a brake. Getting under way on a slope road is much more difficult than on flat terrain. In order to perfectly learn how to get under way on the slide, you need to consolidate your skills with the following exercise.

Stand on a road with an inclined plane and, having put the car on the hand parking brake ("handbrake"), engage the neutral gear. Now your task is, letting go of the handbrake, engage first gear, depressing the clutch pedal, move on the hill, smoothly releasing the clutch while simultaneously pressing the gas pedal. At some point, you will feel that the car has stopped moving back. It is in this position that you can keep the car on a slope or hill without a brake.

Step nine: parking

When leaving the car in the parking lot after you have stopped the engine, depress the clutch pedal and engage first gear. Thus, you will protect your car from rolling away in your absence. For reliability, you also need to raise the parking brake lever (or press the button if the handbrake is electronic). The main thing is to remember that when you return, before starting the car, you must definitely change the gear to neutral.

Step ten: practice

All these actions will seem to you at first very difficult and difficult. But this is all natural. In the process of operating a car, your experience will grow. Remember that the more practice you get, the more driving experience you get. If after you are still afraid to get behind the wheel of a car, then do independent driving training on any site where there are no other cars. Thus, you will gain confidence in driving a car.

As soon as you become bolder, we advise you to practice in the real road conditions of your locality in the early morning or at night. Study all roads, especially where you intend to drive the car most often. The absence of cars during this time will give you confidence.

Many people are afraid to drive a car with a mechanic. Some argue that it is neither comfortable nor modern. Don't listen to anyone. The manual transmission, despite its outdated technology, remains one of the most reliable transmissions in the automotive industry.

Yes, at some points the mechanics somewhat reduces driving comfort, but for this you will be rewarded with much greater control over the car, increased power, better fuel efficiency, cheap maintenance costs and not expensive repairs (compared to automatic transmissions), valuable driving skills that allow You can drive almost any vehicle in the world.

Instructions

Before starting the engine, make sure that the selector is in position P or N. An attempt to start the engine with other positions of the lever will at best result in the electronics blocking the ignition; at worst - to the breakdown of the machine. In the cold season, immediately after starting, start switching the selector to all modes, lingering in each of them for 2-3 seconds, which will warm up the box. Then turn on mode D and hold the car with the brake for 2-3 minutes without touching the accelerator pedal.

Get in the habit of depressing the brake pedal before moving the selector from P or N to D. And only after a characteristic slight and low idle speed, release the brake and drive off, smoothly drowning the accelerator. Do not try to go into a dynamic style until the gear oil has warmed up to operating temperature.

If you are accustomed to a manual car, resist the temptation to manually shift gears when accelerating or go into neutral when braking. Until you get used to it, keep your left foot away from the pedals so that, out of old habit, you don't press the brake instead of the clutch. In city mode, keep the selector in position D or 3, trying to use the overdrive OD as little as possible. When driving uphill and other difficult conditions, use range 2.

When moving the selector from one position to another on the move, never engage the P and R modes until the vehicle has come to a complete stop. The inclusion of the N mode while driving is allowed only when absolutely necessary, for example, when braking by the engine. If you accidentally switch to an unacceptable mode, immediately drop the speed to idle, and then move the selector back to position D. Try not to exceed the permissible engine speed.

In the presence of modes 3, 2 and 1, perform engine braking with their help. To do this, release the gas pedal and move the selector from position 3 to position 2. After reducing the speed to 50 km / h and below, switch to mode 1 using the same algorithm. Note that on vehicles with automatic transmission, the engine braking efficiency is much lower than in the case with manual transmission.

Use the same modes for fast overclocking. Move the selector from position D or 3 to position 2, following the revolutions on the tachometer. If you have a sport mode, turn it on. When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the box itself will go into kick-down mode, in which gears will be changed later for the most efficient set of speed. Automatic exit from this mode is possible only when the engine reaches its maximum permissible rpm. To forcibly deactivate the kick-down mode, simply release the accelerator pedal. Please note that frequent use of this mode will reduce the resource of the automatic transmission.

Use kick-down or range 2 selector before cornering to decelerate and forcibly engage underspeed. On sequential automatic transmissions, manually lower the gear.

Always use the brakes during short stops. If during a stop the selector is switched to position P, it is not necessary to use the brake. However, if the machine is on a slope, be sure to apply the parking (hand) brake. In this case, first turn on the parking brake, and then - mode P. Switch on the N range only on long parking, as well as in traffic jams and in the heat to improve the cooling of the box.

Do not be afraid of short-term slippage on slippery roads. The box is worn out by prolonged slipping. So if you get stuck, rock the car, alternately switching from low mode 1 to R mode and back. For driving with a full load or with a heavy trailer, use lowering modes 3 or 2. In this case, start acceleration in mode 1, and when reaching 40 km / h, switch.

Find out in advance the maximum range and speed of towing the vehicle from the instructions. As a rule, cars with an automatic machine are allowed to be towed in N mode and a distance of no more than 50 km at a speed of no more than 50 km / h. If a further towing is required, load the car onto a tow truck, hang the drive wheels or disconnect the transmission.

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