More and more appreciated by motorists, the automatic transmission however requires some precautions to avoid a breakage which can cost you dearly.
The automatic transmission has been on the rise for years. More practical, especially for daily driving in traffic jams, it is also less prone to breakdowns than the manual gearbox, depending less on the use of the driver. Finally, in theory, because certain gestures that seem harmless can actually cause your box to break, or at least damage it very seriously. Auto-Moto gives you some tips for protect the mechanics, and lists the habits to banish once behind the wheel!
Shift into reverse as the car moves forward
It seems obvious, and yet many of us do it anyway, just to gain a few seconds, especially during a maneuver of parking. You know, when you put in reverse gear, while your car is still moving slightly forward. Well be aware that this gesture can be fatal for your automatic gearbox, because it forces its mechanism, which can then lead to the breakage of certain components, sometimes forcing you to call a tow truck to take you to the garage. All this, while you just want to save a little time … In short, forget this reflex for the good of your car, and your wallet!
Stay in D mode when stationary
You thought you were going to leave immediately, and so you logically left the D mode (Drive), again in order to save a few seconds. Except that finally, your friend takes all his time to arrive, and it’s been about ten minutes since you stopped, the gearbox still in position D. A word of advice, go to P (Parking), in order to preserve the mechanics, requested unnecessarily. Conversely and as for the previous point, never activate the mode P as long as you are not completely stopped, which then has the effect of forcing again on the mechanism of the gearbox.
Put the N mode on a slope
It is a reflex to ban immediately: activate the mode N (Neutral), when going down a slope. If a lot of motorists do it, thinking that they are saving fuel and therefore money, it is better to forget about this habit right away. Because in Neutral mode, the car is then coasting, and is therefore no longer held by the engine brake. The vehicle is no longer slowed down by the gearbox, and it is therefore necessary to press the brake pedal to reduce its speed, which logically tends to wear out the braking system more quickly. In addition, you will not be able to accelerate again if necessary, which can cause difficulties in an emergency.
Also read on Auto-Moto.com:
5 bad habits that hurt your clutch
Five things not to do to preserve your tires
Electric car: 3 things not to do to maintain autonomy
