Automatic transmission on an SUV: specific tricks and tips. Video: Manual vs automatic, which type of transmission is better off-road? If you are stuck...

Have you purchased a car with an automatic transmission? You are probably wondering how to properly use such a car, because correct operation extend the life of the automatic transmission and help you avoid unnecessary breakdowns. Automatic transmission is a complex and expensive mechanism, let's look at how to use it correctly.

Start of movement

Any trip begins with the factory and warming up the engine. Do not rush to start moving right away. If the temperature is positive outside, it is enough to wait a minute or two for the oil to be distributed over the box and it to enter the operating mode. Remember, the colder it is outside, the more time it will take to warm up, so in cold weather it will not be superfluous to stand with the engine running for 10 minutes or more. In addition, it will also be a plus for the car engine.

Reminder! The engine can only be started in positions "P" or "N". Moreover, it is desirable in the position "P". If your car does not start, check that the gear shift lever is set to one of these two positions.

So, you have warmed up the car, now you can start driving. Switch the gear lever from the position "P" in one of the positions for movement and be sure to wait for the easy dot! The box takes some time to switch modes (usually about 1 second), and if you hit the gas hard before this point, it can cause damage.

Pedals

Driving a car with an automatic transmission is carried out exclusively with one foot! The second should be on a special stand, which is located on the left. Driving a car with two feet is extremely dangerous. For example, when you have one foot on the brake and the other on the gas, there is a sudden obstacle ahead. You apply the brake sharply, your body drags forward by inertia and the gas is simultaneously pressed, you can forget about effective braking. It is quite possible in this case to speed up even more.

Automatic transmission operating modes

Let's look at the automatic transmission modes.

P

parking. In this mode, the shaft and, accordingly, the drive wheels are blocked. Use this mode for long stops or when you leave the vehicle. You can switch to this mode only after a complete (!) stop of the car.

Reminder! To move the gear lever out of position "P" to another position, you must press the brake pedal!

Attention! In no case do not turn on this mode while the car is moving! This is fraught with breakage of the box!

If you park the car on a relatively flat surface, then there is no need to use the handbrake. If the slope is steep enough, then to reduce the load on the elements of the parking mechanism, it is best to proceed according to the following scheme:

• staging
• while holding the brake, pull the handbrake,
• release the brake, the car will most likely move a little,
• switch box to position "P",
• Withdrawal
• first move the gearshift lever to the drive mode,
• then, while holding the brake, remove the handbrake

R

Reverse. This mode is used for driving in reverse. You can switch to this mode only after the car is completely stopped and the brake pedal is depressed.

Attention! Switching the gearbox to this mode while moving forward will result in failure of the gearbox and other elements of the transmission and engine!

N

Many people think that when coasting downhill, you can save some fuel by switching the box to this mode, but this is not so, because then you still have to switch to the mode D, which will give an additional load on the box.

Also, when driving an automatic, it does not make sense to move the lever to the neutral position during short stops, for example, at traffic lights.

D

Basic driving mode. Most often, this mode is used to move forward. On an automatic transmission, this mode is suitable for driving at any speed, accessible to the car, from "0" to the maximum.

2

Only the first 2 gears. This mode is recommended when driving on winding mountain roads or when towing a trailer or other vehicle. Do not switch to this mode if the vehicle speed exceeds 80 km/h.

L

Only first gear. This mode is used for particularly difficult road conditions, such as off-road driving. Do not switch to this mode if the vehicle speed exceeds 15 km/h.

Additional modes of automatic transmission

On vehicles with automatic transmission, there are additional elements controls, let's look at them:

OverDrive (O/D)

This button is found on gearboxes that have more than three gears. The button for enabling this mode is usually located on the box lever. If the button "O/D" recessed, fourth gear is allowed. If you press it, then the light on the instrument panel will light up. "O/D OFF", which will mean that you have activated this mode.

Designed for overtaking other cars or other occasions when you need fast acceleration. Its action lies in the fact that it does not allow the box to switch above third gear, which ensures rapid acceleration.

Sometimes mode "O/D OFF" used for long climbs, when the engine begins to lack traction and the box begins to "rush" between third and fourth gear.

kickdown

This mode is activated by sharp pressing the gas pedal. In this case, the box automatically shifts down one or two gears, which provides a sharp acceleration. Switch to overdrive in this mode occurs at significantly higher engine speeds than normal acceleration. It is not recommended to use this mode for sharp acceleration "from a standstill", as this gives a very heavy load on the mechanism of the box. It is better to first let the car accelerate to at least 20 km / h, and then you can “gas to the floor”.

PWR/SPORT

This is a program mode that is designed for active driving. Shifting occurs at a higher RPM for faster acceleration. However, fuel consumption in this mode is maximum.

SNOW

This is a program mode that is designed for driving in winter. In this mode, the first gear is not included, acceleration starts immediately from the second gear, which reduces the likelihood of slipping of the drive wheels. Also in this mode, switching occurs to more low revs, which makes the car seem to be "sluggish", but provides more security movement in the snow. Some people use this mode in the summer as well, as fuel consumption in this mode is minimal. However, I would not advise doing this, since the first gear is disabled in this mode, and therefore all loads fall on the torque converter, which is actively heated. In winter, this is normal for him, and in summer it can lead to overheating and possible damage to the automatic transmission.

Engine braking in automatic transmission

It turns out that on automatic transmissions, as well as on manual ones, you can use engine braking.

Driving on steep slopes

If you have a button "O/D" you can press it, this will force the gearbox to shift into third gear and cause gentle engine braking and prevent the car from accelerating higher 80 km/h. Do not use this feature at speeds over 120 km/h.

Driving on steep slopes

Move the lever to position "2" . This will prevent your car from accelerating higher. 40-60 km/h.

Off-road driving

If you overcome off-road with a very steep climbs and descents, move the box to the position "L", this will prevent the car from accelerating higher on the slopes 10-20 km/h, and on the slopes will allow you to use the maximum torque from the engine.

Towing a car with automatic transmission

Many are interested in whether it is possible to tow a car with automatic transmission?

It is possible, but only when running engine (!) and neutral box "N", at speeds up to 50 km / h and at a distance of not more than 50 km. If your car does not start, it will be cheaper to use a tow truck than to pay for expensive gearbox repairs later.

If you are towing, then you should remember the following rules:

• such towing is generally undesirable and should only be used if there are no alternatives,
• the towed vehicle must be lighter or of the same mass as the towing vehicle,
• can only be towed in box positions "2" or "L" and at speeds up to 40 km/h,
• The automatic machine transfers not heavy trailers without problems.

Starting a car with automatic transmission from a "tug"

There is no consensus here. Some say that this is not possible, and moreover, it is dangerous for the automatic transmission. In many respects they are right right action you have every chance of getting into an expensive box repair. In addition, it is much more difficult than on the mechanics.

If you are completely confident in your actions and you have no other options (at least throw wires or rearrange the battery), I will give detailed instructions according to the factory of a car with an automatic transmission from a tow, found on the Internet:

“There is an opinion that a car with an automatic transmission cannot be started from a “tug”. This is not so. Set the lever to position N, turn on the ignition. cold weather press the gas pedal once to richen the mixture and start towing. Having reached a speed of 30 km/h for a cold transmission and 50 km/h for a warm one, drive at this pace for at least 2 minutes. To create in transmission required pressure oils. Then move the lever to position 2 and after the engine starts to rotate, press the gas pedal. As soon as the engine starts, return the lever to neutral. If the engine does not start after a few seconds, do not persist - move the lever back to "neutral" otherwise you will overheat the box. It is possible to repeat a second attempt according to the same procedure, having previously driven the car to “neutral”. You can also start the car on a slope.

The horse's patency is, of course, much higher than that of any modern SUV. But for some reason we prefer cars horse-drawn transport. How many of us will be able to drive a horse harnessed to a cart? And the whole team?

The same is true with a manual transmission. This rudiment of the middle of the last century in skillful hands capable of something that no “machine” can do. You can, for example, pull the car out of a slippery hole with the help of buildup. Or, delicately working with the clutch and accelerator pedals, “refuel” the car into a slippery turn at low speed. Under the strict control of the "mechanics" gives some advantages on the roads. And on the road too.

On the other hand, a modern car with its flight systems does not require virtuosity of control. ABS latest generations, antibuks, antizanos ... And - woe to the last stronghold of adherents of the "mechanics"! - hill descent assistance system. Moreover, the "automatic", freeing the hands of the pilot, allows you to more accurately work with the steering wheel. So every year the benefits of "manual mechanical" transmissions disappear like smoke, taking with them the ancient secrets of great craftsmanship. The age-old dispute, which is better for an SUV - "mechanics" or "automatic", in megacities has long been resolved in favor of automatic transmission. If you follow a few simple rules, then the automatic transmission will last a long time and off-road. Perhaps even longer than "mechanics".

First of all, do not forget: the “machine” runs on oil. Rather, on automatic transmission fluid, which not only performs the function of lubricating and cooling the unit, but is also its working fluid. In order for the “automatic” to work well, it must be warmed up, and not only in frost, and the automatic transmission should definitely not be loaded immediately after parking. After starting the engine and turning on the gear, wait a few seconds: the oil pump took the liquid, the pressure went up, the piston pressed the first gear disks - that's it, you can safely gas. If you press on the pedal when there is no pressure yet, the discs will slip, the box will burn. And it dies much faster.

The same goes for switching forward and reverse. You can not cut the reverse while the car is rolling forward, as fans of the "mechanics" like to do. On the “machine” from D to R and back, you can only switch after the car has completely stopped. Otherwise, you just ruin the box.

And you can't skid on higher gears. You should turn on the first or second - most automatic transmissions of SUVs are equipped with this option. Even advanced modern car does not always understand that the car is slipping, and continues to shift gears, “setting fire” to the disks.

Respite. When driving in forced first gear "automatic"
may heat up. Let it cool off periodically.

materiel
Great wall hover H5 is an SUV that is great for overcoming non-extreme off-road. frame construction, honest pluggable four-wheel drive, high ratio reduction gear, limited slip differential in rear axle And ground clearance in 240 mm. To this was added a pair of "diesel - automatic", making the car even more comfortable.

If the disabled SUV is to be towed, switch the transfer case to neutral by putting the selector in the "park" position. This will prevent the automatic transmission mechanisms from rotating. The fact is that they are lubricated from a separate oil pump, which is only pressurized when the engine is running. When in neutral transfer box you can ride in tow as long as you like. True, the function of transferring the transfer case to neutral is not available on all cars. In this case, shift the automatic transmission to the neutral position and pull the car slowly, no faster than 50 km / h, to the nearest tow truck.

When driving on the ground, use the possibility of engaging lower gears. The more severe the conditions, the lower the transmission should be. In addition, the engine braking function works in lower gears, which allows for more precise dosing of traction. Never allow the car to slip in higher gears, in selector position D. If the car is equipped with a reduction gear in the transfer case or the 4L button, be sure to turn it on. This will remove unnecessary load from the automatic transmission.

First. In especially difficult road conditions shift into low gear in automatic transmission

Can you wade? In general, there are boats to move around water bodies, cars are designed for land. But if you still had to overcome a water barrier, then, having got ashore, immediately stop and check the oil in the automatic transmission. Emulsion on the dipstick means that water got into the box. This oil needs to be changed. If you can do it on the spot - great, no - turn it on downshift in the "razdatka" (if any), the lowest gear in the automatic transmission and slowly crawl to the service. Or take a tugboat.

By the way, how harmful is towing and pulling another car out of the mud for an automatic transmission? Is the “machine” designed for such procedures at all? Note that hydromechanics is applied not only to passenger SUVs, but also on mining trucks. This indicates its high reliability and ability to transmit high torque for a long time. On the other hand, automatic transmissions “killed” when pulling out stuck cars are by no means uncommon - but the point here is not the towing itself or a sharp jerk.

Complete arsenal. To make life easier for the "machine" on the road, always in advance
turn on all-wheel drive and low gear in the transfer case

In order not to disable the automatic transmission when pulling out a stuck car, a number of simple rules should be followed. First, use a low row - turn on 4L. Secondly, do not let the car slip in higher gears, especially in overdrive (if any). Choose the lowest possible - the first or second. And remember that the fluid in the hydromechanical transmission can become very hot when long work with a high load. So, when towing long distances, do long breaks to cool the box. Better yet, install an additional oil cooler in the automatic transmission and an increased capacity sump in advance.

KNOW BY LOOK

1. Always warm up the automatic transmission after a long period of parking.
2. Off-road, use the reduction gear in the transmission (4L), if available.
3. Avoid prolonged slippage in the higher gears of the box (D).
4. When towing your car, turn on neutral in the transfer case and park in the automatic transmission. If there is no transfer case - turn on the neutral in the automatic transmission and tow slowly for a short distance.
5. Need to get another car? Engage the lowest gear in the automatic transmission.

Every year, cars with automatic transmission are gaining more and more popularity. This is due, of course, to the ease of operation, as well as undeniable convenience in the crush of big cities and traffic jams, when the constant switching of steps in a manual transmission and depressing the clutch can unbalance even the most stress-resistant car driver.

However, driving an automatic transmission is not as simple as it seems at first glance, and therefore the question of how to drive an automatic transmission is far from idle. Therefore, it is worth considering the entire list of actions when driving an automatic transmission. In particular, you should not get under way on the car at once. Even at positive air temperatures, it is worth waiting a minute or two for the automatic transmission to enter the operating mode with the correct distribution of oil inside the transmission.

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At sub-zero temperatures, the warm-up time should be increased, which will avoid the premature "death" of the automatic transmission.

In this case, the engine should be started in the selector positions “P” or “N”. In other positions, the car simply will not start. Before driving, on the box, the automatic selector is transferred to any of the positions to start moving. It must be remembered that the switching time takes about a second. In this case, it is necessary to hold the car by pressing the brake pedal.

Video - how to use the automatic transmission

By the way, driving a car with automatic transmission requires only one foot! The fact is that if you press the brake with the second foot, the car will begin to slow down sharply, which can lead to repeated pressing of the gas. And this is, at a minimum, a transmission failure, and as a maximum, a sharp acceleration instead of braking and, as a result, a traffic accident.

Recently, automatic transmissions have become increasingly popular with manual switching gears. When wondering how to drive a tiptronic automatic transmission (it has such a name), you need to remember that when choosing the appropriate transmission mode, you will have to switch by swinging the lever or pressing the steering wheel paddles.

To enable this mode, it is enough to move the selector to the “M” position or to a separate sector, where there are “+” and “-” symbols. The first position is responsible for upshifting, and the second for downshifting. It should be noted that before driving a machine, it is required, so to speak, to “study the materiel”. Specifically, the designations on the transmission selector, which are often incomprehensible to a person who previously drove a “mechanics”.

Mode "P" - parking. The inclusion of this mode blocks the shaft and drive wheels, and therefore is used when the car is stopped for a long time. Here you need to remember that you can turn it on only after the car has completely stopped, but in no case while driving, even the lightest one. In this case, to exit the mode, it is necessary, as already mentioned, to press the brake. Otherwise, the transmission simply will not allow switching. It should be noted that this mode can replace the handbrake when parking on a flat area. However, if the surface has a slope, the use of a "handbrake" is mandatory. This is due to the fact that the automatic transmission elements will be subjected to additional stress, which can significantly reduce their service life.

"R" mode - reverse. Here the name of the mode speaks for itself - it serves to carry out the movement of the car in reverse. In order to turn on the reverse, you must also completely stop the car and press the brake pedal.

Mode "N" - neutral gear. It is used, as a rule, for technical needs, when it is necessary to move a car with a running engine. Most often, they resort to it in a car service or during other similar actions. Before driving an automatic transmission, you should exit this mode in the way already described above. By the way, you should not try to save fuel by moving from the slope "coasting" by turning on this mode. When reconnected, the load in the transmission nodes will negate the savings. By the way, there is no reason to use this mode in a traffic jam or at a traffic light due to the fact that it is simply more convenient to hold the car with a brake.

Mode "D" - movement. This is the main mode for driving a car, and it is better to learn the basics of how to drive an automatic gearbox from it. When driving in this selector position, the box itself “selects” the required gear from the first to the last according to the driving rhythm, the driver’s manner, and also the road conditions. It is in it that the automatic transmission is in full automatic mode without requiring any action from the driver.

Mode "2" - the first two gears available. In it, the gearbox blocks the choice of gears, limited to first and second gears. It makes sense to use this mode when towing, as well as on mountain roads with a winding profile. The inclusion of the mode is also available while driving, but this should only be done if the vehicle speed is below 80 kilometers per hour. Otherwise, high speeds may adversely affect the car engine.

Mode "L" - only first gear is available. This mode is designed for driving in particularly difficult conditions and off-road. On crossovers and SUVs with this mode, a downshift is also activated. At the same time, the inclusion of this mode is possible only at a car speed below 15 kilometers per hour. Before driving an automatic transmission off-road, it is better to turn on the mode in advance. In addition to these modes, there are other types of modes on automatic transmissions.

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OverDrive (O/D) This mode is used on transmissions that have more than three steps and is designed for overtaking or in other situations where fast acceleration of the car is required. It is activated, as a rule, by pressing a button on the transmission lever. Before driving an automatic transmission using this mode, it should be remembered that it forcibly does not allow the automatic transmission to switch higher than to third gear. Thanks to this, a greater, in comparison with normal operation, vehicle dynamics is achieved. You can also use this mode when driving on a long slope. The fact is that the normal mode can in this case “fluctuate”, switching either to third or fourth gear. When using the "overdrive" the problem disappears.

Kickdown. Very often in car reviews you can read about the use of this mode, but not all car owners know about its essence. Activation of this mode occurs when you sharply press the gas pedal. At the same time, the "automatic" throws off "down" one or two gears, which ensures confident acceleration. At the same time, upshifts occur at much higher revs than usual. At the same time, manufacturers do not recommend using kick-down to start from a standstill due to the heavy load on the transmission, which leads to a decrease in its resource.

PWR/SPORT. This mode is software and is intended for active driving. When it is activated, the stages in the box switch at higher speeds, due to which maximum dynamics is achieved (fuel consumption also becomes maximum). In order to understand how to drive an automatic transmission in sport mode, it is required, for starters, to master the basic skills of driving an automatic machine due to the fact that the car subjectively becomes noticeably sharper in response to the gas pedal.

SNOW - snow. The name of this mode speaks for itself. It is designed for safe driving. winter time of the year. How to drive an automatic in winter is not difficult to understand - just turn on this mode. In this case, the automatic transmission will “start off” from second gear, and the shifts will occur at lower speeds. On asphalt, the car becomes less dynamic, but this is done for safety on snow. Many are also wondering how to drive an automatic transmission in ice.

Here, too, difficulties, as a rule, do not arise, and the actions of the driver in this case not much different from driving a "mechanics". However, the “snow” transmission mode is mandatory in this case as well. It will greatly simplify and secure the movement of the car.

Video tutorials on how to drive a car

It should also be noted that the "winter" mode should not be used in the summer to save fuel. This is due to the fact that the car starts from second gear, which results in an increased load on the gearbox torque converter. And this is a direct path to overheating and subsequent costly repairs.

Having considered the main driving modes “on the machine”, it is worth paying attention to common prejudices regarding automatic transmissions.

The first and most established stereotype is poor reliability Automatic transmission versus manual transmission. Of course, the first "machines" in the middle of the twentieth century did not shine high reliability. However, today such gearboxes are often superior in reliability to their "mechanical" counterparts. It is enough to recall the sensational story with TaGAZ Tiger cars, where a factory defect in a manual transmission led to an early breakdown of the assembly. At the same time, versions with an “automatic” regularly served their owners. At the same time, automatic transmissions require a much more careful attitude and everything, for the most part, depends on how you drive an automatic transmission.

In case of ignorance of the basics of controlling this unit, failures and breakdowns are quite possible, which are initiated by the owner himself. However, if there are not so many classic “automatic machines” with a torque converter regarding the reliability, then with robotic boxes many more questions arise.

The same applies to CVT transmissions, where the “weak link” is the CVT belt. However, manufacturers are trying to solve design flaws and already there are variators with a lamellar chain instead of a V-belt. There are also a number of other prejudices.

In particular, many motorists are sure that it is impossible to perform engine braking on an automatic box. A similar legend arose from the fact that in the standard “drive” mode, the car really does not slow down due to the power unit.

However, on a long descent, it is enough to press the "O / D" button, and the car, throwing off several gears "down", will begin a smooth deceleration. However, this feature should not be used at speeds above 120 kilometers per hour, since jerk will cause an increased load on the transmission elements.

By the way, on steep descent at low speed, you can use the "2" mode. Thanks to him, the car will not accelerate, and the movement will be smooth and safe. Another very popular opinion among car lovers is that it is impossible to tow a car with automatic transmission. This statement is also false. However, towing should always be done with the engine running, locking the gearbox selector in the “N” position.

In addition, the towing speed should not exceed 50 kilometers per hour, and it can be carried out no further than 50 kilometers. Another thing is that towing is mainly resorted to if power unit does not work. And in this case, towing is strictly prohibited, since it will lead to a breakdown of an expensive transmission. Before you start driving an automatic transmission, you should definitely remember this and stock up on a tow truck call phone in advance. However, even with the engine running, towing is an extreme measure, which should be resorted to only in hopeless situations. An important aspect when driving a "machine" is the undesirability of working as a "tug" for another car.

If such a role cannot be avoided, you can only tow a car with a mass less than or equal to your car, using transmission modes "2" or "L". At the same time, the speed of movement should not exceed forty kilometers per hour. There is another aspect, the opinion about which in the “near-automobile” environment varies greatly. It concerns starting a car using towing. In principle, those who oppose such actions are most right, since any mistake can be extremely costly. However, in life there are situations when such an option is the only one.

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In this case, the automatic transmission selector must be set to the “N” position and the ignition turned on. After that, you need to press the “gas” pedal once to enrich the mixture and allow the tug to accelerate your car to at least 30 kilometers per hour. After that, you need to turn on the "2" mode and press the gas. After the motor has started, it is required to return the selector to the neutral position. At the same time, if the engine does not start, you need to disable the "2" mode in order to avoid overheating of the transmission. However, it should again be remembered that this method highly undesirable.

Thus, before you start driving an automatic transmission, you should study and understand the principles of operation of this transmission. Without this understanding, it is very easy to disable a complex device, and this should always be remembered. If you learn these simple principles, then the "machine" will become an excellent assistant, which will only please and not cause much trouble.

automatic box gears is presented in the form of a type of transmission, the operation of which is based on the choice of a suitable gear ratio V automatic order without the participation of the driver. The choice of gear ratio directly depends on the speed, the nature of the movement and some other parameters.

Another feature is that there is no clutch pedal in such machines, as it is carried out using a torque converter, the purpose of which is to transmit torque to the wheels.

More detailed information about how and what it happens, read the article of our specialist.

For information on how to adjust with an automatic transmission, read the material of our author.

Drivers still claim that there is nothing more convenient and reliable than a manual transmission, but the facts speak for themselves - drivers prefer cars with automatic transmission more and more often.

Despite significant changes in the legislation, due to which drivers with automatic transmission can obtain special rights, beginners continue to be taught only mechanics. For this reason, many do not know the features and principles of driving a car with an automatic transmission.

If you still don’t know how to do it right, then be sure to read the interesting and most useful article of our specialist.

You can find information about what it is and how it differs from automation in the article of our expert.

Automatic transmission operating modes

Main Modes

First of all, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the operating modes of the automatic transmission, since it will not be possible to drive an automatic without these nuances. So, what are the designations of the letters on the “automatic” box and what gears do they represent?

1. P - Parking. This mode involves blocking the shaft and drive wheels. The relevance of use is observed if the driver leaves the car or during a long stop. Only after a complete stop vehicle activation of this mode is allowed, otherwise the gearbox may fail. To activate another position from this mode, you must use the brake pedal. If the surface is relatively flat, there is no need to use the handbrake. With a steep slope, it is necessary to follow the scheme for setting and releasing the handbrake. To set, you need to pull the handbrake while holding the brake, then release it, and the car will move a little. It remains only to activate the "P" position. To remove from hand brake it is necessary to transfer the lever to the driving mode and remove it from the handbrake while holding the brake.
2. N- Neutral gear . Relevant if you need to move the car a short distance with the engine running, for example, in a car service. Some drivers believe that activating this mode while driving downhill will save fuel. In fact, this is not the case, since you still have to switch to D mode, which will cause the gearbox to undergo additional stress. Also, the movement on the "automatic" does not require the activation of the neutral position during short stops, for example, at a traffic light.
3. R - Reverse. The mode must be activated when it is necessary to move in reverse. It is permissible to switch to this mode only after pressing the brake pedal and completely stopping the machine. Activating the mode in question while driving will lead to damage to the elements of the engine, transmission and the gearbox itself (for information on how to carry it out on automatic, read the article of our expert).
4. D - Basic driving mode. This mode is often used to move forward. Movement is possible on any available car speed from zero to maximum.
5. L - First gear only. Used for off-road driving or other difficult road conditions. Switching to this mode is not allowed if the car is moving at a speed higher than 15 km/h.
6. 2 - First 2 gears only. Suitable for driving a vehicle on a winding mountain road. Another option is towing another car or trailer. Driving at speeds above 80 km/h is an obstacle to the activation of the considered mode.

Additional Modes

Since it is possible to drive an automatic machine around the city correctly only with knowledge of all the symbols, it is also worth considering additional modes operation of the automatic box.

1. « kickdown» . The mode is activated by a sharp drowning of the gas pedal, which is accompanied by automatic switching Automatic transmission in two or one gear down for sharp acceleration. The engine speed in this case is higher when compared with classic acceleration. Sharp acceleration from a standstill using the mode in question is unacceptable, otherwise the gearbox mechanism will take on too much load. Minimum allowable speed to activate "Kick-down" - 20 km / h.
2. OverDrive (O/D). You can see this button on the gear lever of vehicles with gearboxes designed for more than three gears. The use of fourth gear is valid if the button is pressed. When the position is released, the O / D OFF lamp lights up; in this mode, you can overtake cars due to rapid acceleration. The action of the button is aimed at prohibiting shifting above third gear, which ensures rapid acceleration. In some cases, this mode is usually used during a long climb, if the box starts to switch between third and fourth gear, and the motor does not have enough traction.
3. SNOW. Since it is necessary to drive the “automatic” box correctly at any time of the year, it is worthwhile to deal with winter regime. We are talking about the button for blocking the inclusion of the first gear, due to which acceleration is ensured immediately from the second. The risk of slipping of the drive wheels is significantly reduced. Also, the machine becomes less active due to the use of lower revolutions for switching, but the safety of driving the vehicle in conditions snow covered road rises. Due to the minimum fuel consumption in this mode, some motorists use it in the summer, but it is better not to do this, since the torque converter actively heats up and takes on the entire load. In winter, it is designed for this, but not in the summer.
4. WR/SPORT. In this mode, it is customary to actively ride. Activation is accompanied high speed, acceleration is fast, but fuel is consumed to the maximum.

Features of using automatic transmission

This principle of driving in a car with automatic transmission confuses drivers who previously used "mechanics", since it is necessary to drive an automatic transmission using only one foot. For the second, there is a special stand on the left.

It is extremely dangerous to use both feet to drive such a vehicle. This is due to the fact that if one foot is on the gas and the other is on the brake, when an obstacle occurs in front, the driver sharply presses the brake, but the inertia force is triggered and the body moves forward, due to which there is a risk of pressing the gas pedal as well. Braking in such a situation will obviously not be effective.

Simple yet very helpful tips and the rules regarding that, you can learn from the article of our specialist.

You can learn about the features and nuances of the work by reading interesting article our expert.

How to get under way

First of all, start the engine and warm it up, as it is unacceptable to start off on a machine with a cold engine. At positive temperatures, the waiting time is reduced to two minutes, which will ensure that the gearbox enters the operating mode due to the uniform distribution of oil. The lower the temperature outside the window, the longer it will take to warm up the engine. In cold weather we are talking about 10 minutes or more.

The engine can only be started in the "N" or "P" positions. The last option is more preferable. If the car does not start, make sure the lever is set to correct position. The movement can be started after warming up, to do this, activate one of the driving modes by switching the lever and wait for a small push. Sharply pressing the gas to a push can lead to breakage!

You can read detailed information about with an automatic transmission in the material of our expert.

Find out how the replacement takes place and what precautions should be taken from the article of our specialist.

How to brake

Since driving an “automatic” after “mechanics” is quite difficult, gaps in knowledge can be both at the stage of starting off and at the stage of braking. There are few rules here, the principle of pressing the brake pedal, if necessary, stops, but there are some nuances.

1. Stopping in front of a zebra or a traffic light is carried out in the "D" mode. Just push the brake pedal down.
2. You can activate the neutral mode in a long traffic jam if you want to save on gasoline. We are talking about a parking lot lasting more than 30 seconds. The brake pedal must not be released, otherwise there is a risk of accidentally hitting other cars.
3. If you are sure of a long stoppage of traffic on the highway, switch to "P" so that the right leg relaxes slightly.

Do not overly trust the automation of the vehicle and refuse to use the handbrake. The relevance of its use is observed at any protracted stop, according to the operating instructions for the car.

It is also advisable to use the handbrake in the following cases:

• stop on a slope
• stop to change tires
• stop while the engine is running.

Towing

The possibility of towing a vehicle with an automatic transmission is considered by many drivers, but the only condition in this case is a speed of less than 50 km / h, an activated neutral position and a running engine. The range of such towing should not exceed 50 km. If you can’t start the car, using the services of a tow truck will cost less than repairing the checkpoint.

If you are acting as a towing driver, remember the following nuances:

• the machine does an excellent job with not too heavy trailers;
• the vehicle you are towing must be the same weight or lighter than your vehicle;
• it is better to avoid such manipulations altogether if there are alternative options.

Launch from the "tug"

In this case, there is no consensus, and drivers perform such manipulations at their own peril and risk. If there are no alternative solutions and you are confident in yourself as experienced driver, you can take the risk and use the following instructions.

1. Activate the neutral position and start the engine.
2. Take a single step on the gas pedal in cold weather and start moving in tow.
3. Reach 50 km/h if the transmission is warm, or 30 km/h if it is cold. Continue driving for 2 minutes, during which time the oil pressure in the transmission will reach the required level.
4. Move the lever to position 2 and press the gas pedal as soon as the engine starts to rotate.
5. Return the lever to neutral when the engine starts.
6. If this does not happen after a few seconds, do not insist. The gearbox will overheat if you do not return to neutral.
7. Drive the car in neutral and repeat the steps.

With which transmission is it better to choose an SUV if you plan to often go off-road? Consider the advantages and disadvantages of gearboxes different types on the example of two Mitsubishi - Pajero Sport with "automatic" and L200 with "mechanics".

Modern automatic transmissions are well prepared for serious off-road. Especially when the transmission has manual mode allowing engine braking. But still, the good old "mechanics" have whole line undeniable advantages.

Passion for resource

If the choice fell on a car that is bought specifically for off-road, then at some point the question will inevitably arise of installing larger diameter tires, which will significantly increase the ground clearance of the car. And here is the "automatic" - weak link, because the load on its clutch packs will increase significantly, which significantly reduces the resource of an expensive node. "Mechanics" in this regard is preferable - it is not only stronger, more durable, but also cheaper to repair.

When you try to rock the car when you are stuck, the transmission resource suffers. In the “mechanics”, the exact control of the buildup can significantly reduce the load, when the driver clearly captures the moments of the car hanging at the extreme points and in right time turns on transmission. For the "machine" such procedures are dangerous, because to switch between the first and reverse gear it is necessary to pause, ignoring this will lead to a rapid overheating of the transmission, up to a complete breakdown of the unit. In addition, there is a risk of accidentally moving the shift lever to the "Park" position.

Power of the third pedal

Any trouble automatic transmission- the impossibility of "etching" the clutch due to its absence. When is it needed? On slippery surfaces (snow, swamp, sand) very often. After all, the automatic transmission, even with filigree work with the gas pedal, often breaks the wheels into slip, which can aggravate the situation. By carefully working with the clutch pedal, slipping can be easily avoided. Sometimes even a short contact of the wheel with the surface is enough to start moving in these conditions.

Another point is the beginning of movement in deep sand, where, in order to successfully start, the engine must be spun into the optimal rev range. For a car with automatic transmission in this case, you need a very powerful engine with good torque at low revs.
mechanical box gear is preferable and if necessary get out of a deep rut. In this case, it is also necessary precise work with gas and clutch pedals.

The choice is clear

So, off-road, the comfort of an automatic transmission does not work, but, on the contrary, causes unnecessary trouble. Of course, the ideal option would be to have two cars: a standard one with an "automatic" for the city and light off-road and trained on the "mechanics". If this is not possible, but there is an irresistible desire to climb into the very jungle, away from the roads, then we recommend a car with manual transmission. By the way, such a car is also more economical.

First of all, you need to decide what the car is for. "Automatic" may be preferred when you mainly move around the city. In this case, you can turn a blind eye to many shortcomings when traveling on heavy off-road. But if you often travel outside the city, then the "mechanics" is definitely better. Only with a manual gearbox, if necessary, you can rock the car, it is easier with it in the sand, as well as when starting off on a slippery surface. And this means that the driver of a car with "mechanics" is much less likely to have to resort to the help of improvised means, such as a shovel, jack, sand trucks, a winch and a tug.

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