You thought driving an automatic was a piece of cake? Think again! One little mistake, and you could be looking at a hefty repair bill. Imagine your brand new car, in an accident in a simple parking lot. It’s totally preventable! In this video, I’m gonna spill the beans on the top 10 mistakes you’re making with your automatic transmission. We’re talking about the stuff that can seriously damage your car and cost you a fortune. Let’s dive in!
What should you not do in an automatic car?: 12 Costly Errors
Mistake 1: Driving Through Water
Driving through even a little puddle can be a big no-no for your automatic transmission. Water is basically public enemy number one for your gearbox. If water gets inside, it can cause some serious damage, like seizing up the gears. That means your car might not move! And let’s not forget, water can seep in through those tiny vents that keep your transmission cool. So, if you’re crossing a flooded road, you might be sucking up water right into your transmission. This can lead to expensive and sometimes permanent damage. Even if your car seems fine after a little swim, problems can pop up later. Keep an eye out for weird noises, trouble shifting gears, or any leaks. Those are all signs that water might have snuck in.
Mistake 2: Shifting to Park While Moving
Shifting into Park while your car is still rolling, even if it’s just a little bit, is a big no-no. Not only can this mess up your brakes and the parking pawl, but it can also lock up your wheels and cause you to lose control. Some cars let you shift into Park while moving, but it’s always best to come to a complete stop first. And don’t forget to set your parking brake too!
Mistake 3: Leaving Your Car in Drive During Long Stops
Leaving your car in Drive with the engine running when you’re stuck in traffic or waiting for a long time is a recipe for disaster. Your car’s torque converter keeps spinning, which creates a ton of heat. Plus, the oil pump is working overtime, making things even hotter. This can seriously damage your engine, like warping the engine block or melting pistons. Trust me, the repair bill will make your eyes water. To avoid this, turn off the engine completely or shift into Park. It’s a small thing to do, but it can save you a big headache.
What is bad for an automatic transmission?
Mistake 4: Two-Foot Driving
Driving with two feet is like playing Russian roulette with your car. Accidentally hitting the gas instead of the brake can be a total nightmare. It’s a recipe for disaster. Keep your left foot on the floor or on the dead pedal and use your right foot for both the gas and the brake. It might feel weird at first, but it’ll save your bacon in the long run.
Mistake 5: Not Coming to a Complete Stop Before Shifting from Reverse to Drive
Shifting gears without coming to a complete stop is like trying to force puzzle pieces together. It’s a bad idea. Your transmission’s gears need to be perfectly aligned to work right. If you don’t let them settle, you’re gonna cause some serious damage. So, always come to a complete stop before shifting from Reverse to Drive. And don’t forget to go through Neutral (N) for a smooth transition.
Mistake 6: Coasting Downhill in Neutral
Coasting downhill in neutral is like playing chicken with gravity. You’re losing out on something called engine braking, which is basically your car’s built-in brake. Without it, you’re relying solely on your regular brakes, which can overheat and fail, especially on long hills. Plus, if you lose control, you’re in big trouble. Use a lower gear to slow down safely and save your brakes.
Mistake 7: Leaving Your Car in Neutral in Traffic or at Red Lights
Leaving your car in neutral while sitting in traffic is a bad habit. It won’t save you gas, and it can actually hurt your car. Your transmission’s synchros wear out faster when you’re constantly shifting in and out of neutral. Plus, if you need to hit the gas quickly, you’ll waste precious seconds getting back into gear. Just leave it in Drive or Park. It’s safer and better for your car.
Mistake 8: Forgetting the Parking Brake
Don’t be that guy who thinks the parking brake is just for show. It’s your car’s safety net. Whether you’re parked on a hill, flat ground, or anywhere else, always use the parking brake. It works together with Park to keep your car from rolling. It’s like an extra layer of protection for your transmission.
Mistake 9: Doing Burnouts
Burnouts in an automatic car are like trying to run a marathon with broken legs. It’s pointless and it’s gonna hurt. Your transmission is not built for that kind of abuse. The heat and stress can fry your clutch and torque converter. Plus, burnouts are illegal in most places, so you could get in trouble with the law. Save the burnouts for the pros and take care of your car.
You may also like: Drive Clean: Complying with Emissions Standards
Mistake 10: Yanking the Gear Shift
Jerking the gear shift around like it owes you money is a surefire way to damage your transmission. Those little gears inside need to shift smoothly. If you’re rough on the shifter, you’ll wear them out fast. It can lead to all sorts of problems, like trouble shifting gears or even a complete transmission failure. Be gentle with that shifter!
Mistake 11: Neglecting Transmission Fluid Changes
Your transmission fluid is like the blood in your car’s veins. It keeps everything cool and lubricated. But just like your blood, it gets dirty over time. Ignoring transmission fluid changes is like driving your car without oil. It’s a recipe for disaster. Your transmission’s internal parts will wear out super fast, and you’ll end up with a pricey repair bill. Some carmakers say the fluid lasts forever, but don’t believe the hype. Change it every 60,000 to 80,000 miles to keep your transmission happy.
Mistake 12: Using Transmission Additives Without Expert Advice
Those transmission additives you see on the shelves can be more trouble than they’re worth. They can mess with your transmission’s seals, clog up filters, and ruin your transmission fluid. It’s like putting bleach in your washing machine – it might clean something, but it’ll probably ruin your machine too. Stick to the recommended transmission fluid and follow your car’s maintenance schedule.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Those are the top 12 mistakes people make with their automatic transmissions. By avoiding these, you’ll save yourself a lot of money and headaches. Remember, a happy transmission is a happy driver!
So, next time you’re behind the wheel, keep these tips in mind.
FAQs: Automatic Transmission
How do automatic transmissions work?
Automatic transmissions use a complex system of gears, clutches, and hydraulics to shift gears automatically based on the vehicle’s speed and load.
What is the difference between an automatic and a manual transmission?
An automatic transmission shifts gears automatically, while a manual transmission requires the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal.
Is an automatic transmission more expensive to maintain than a manual?
Generally, automatic transmissions require more frequent fluid changes and can be more expensive to repair if issues arise.
Is it okay to coast in neutral with an automatic car?
No, coasting in neutral is dangerous and can damage your transmission. Use the car’s brakes to slow down.
Should I put my car in neutral at a stoplight?
It’s generally better to leave your car in Drive at a stoplight. Shifting to neutral can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your transmission.
Can I shift from reverse to drive without coming to a complete stop?
No, always come to a complete stop before shifting from reverse to drive. This prevents damage to your transmission.
What is the best way to break in a new automatic transmission?
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for breaking in your car. Avoid harsh acceleration and excessive idling.
Can I tow a trailer with an automatic car?
Yes, you can tow a trailer with an automatic car, but it’s important to follow the vehicle’s towing capacity and use the appropriate gear.
What are the different types of automatic transmissions?
There are several types, including hydraulic automatic, dual-clutch, and continuously variable transmissions (CVT). Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
