Almost all car owners know that before you start driving a car, you need to warm up the engine. Especially in the cold season. Each car has its own cold tolerance and recommended warm-up parameters. But, as not many people know, in addition to the engine, it is also necessary to warm up the gearbox. If it's automatic. We will tell you today how to do this. But first, let's find out why it is generally necessary to warm up the automatic transmission.
Any technical units require warming up. It doesn’t matter if they are automotive or from another area. And the automatic transmission is no exception. If you do not warm up the “box”, then at least its service life will pass faster. And sometimes it can be completely broken. The fact is that the engine and automatic transmission have the same oil cooler. But the “box” is located farther from it, therefore, the oil in it will warm up longer. Cold viscous oil can cause a breakdown or simply poor operation of the “machine”.
Particularly impatient gentlemen and many young ladies love to jump into the car and, as soon as he starts it, immediately set off. After a couple of seasons of such exploitation, you will also have fun jumping into a minibus.
In addition, the automatic transmission has a system of plastic valves that open due to oil pressure. If, when the viscous oil is not heated, you press hard on the gas or start to slip, then the “box” will most likely break. The valves just can't take the pressure.
In general, automatic transmissions are more sensitive to winter than mechanical ones. And you need to follow them accordingly. We hope you have learned that it is necessary to warm up the automatic transmission. It’s better to stand for an extra 10 minutes to “warm up” than to wait for a car from a car service and receive huge repair bills. Now we turn to the actual warm-up procedure.
Automatic transmission warming up
So, in order to warm up the classic type automatic transmission, we recommend that you start the engine and switch the “box” to the Drive position. And so, keeping your foot on the brake, stand for a few minutes at idle. Adjust the warm-up time depending on the outside temperature.
After that, switch the selector to all possible positions, lingering in each of them for a few seconds. This procedure will allow you to disperse the oil in the "box". As we wrote above, the oil systems of the engine and the "box" are interconnected. But beyond that, they also have associated cooling systems. Therefore, warm air from the heating system can serve as a good indicator of the readiness of the machine. Until the moment your stove starts to give heat, it is better not to move anywhere. We also do not recommend starting movements from the reverse, especially if you have not warmed up well. Due to the strong viscosity, when reversing, you can break the planetary gear.
Oddly enough, most service instructions do not say anything about warming up the automatic transmission, robotic gearbox or CVT. Even if you are under warranty at the dealer and you are not particularly concerned about this moment, then think about whether you need extra problems in the form of an unplanned visit to a car service center with subsequent repairs, even if they are free.
In any case, even if you have warmed up well and have reached operating temperature, it is better not to gas for the first kilometers, move without jerks and not use kickdown.
How to warm up the variator?
The variator, like the automatic transmission, is a very complex mechanism that requires warming up. It also has gear oil inside, which becomes viscous in the cold. If you do not warm up the variator when the street temperature is below -15 degrees, then while driving you will feel jolts when shifting gears. And when the frost is below -30 degrees, it’s better not to use your car at all.
An unheated variator, just like an automatic transmission, can easily break. But how do you warm it up? The variator can be warmed up in the classical way. That is, get into the car, start the engine and wait 10-20 minutes. True, according to this scheme, the variator heats up longer than the automatic transmission. Since while standing, it receives heat only from the engine, and it heats up only during movement. Therefore, in a standing position, the variator cannot be fully warmed up.
After a few days, warming up the box will become a habit for you and will not cause you discomfort. The presence of such habits distinguishes an experienced motorist from a beginner.
From here comes the second method of warming up - in motion. You just start slowly, calmly and without jerking, until the engine and gearbox reach operating temperature. Then the "box" will warm up gradually and to the end. We recommend using this method only when the frost is not very strong. If your car has a "cold" driving mode, then in general everything is fine. The mechanisms of the "box" will not wear out unnecessarily.
An important point - the variator cannot be warmed up in the same way as an automatic transmission. Some motorists do it the same way - first they heat it in position D, and then switch the selector between all positions. With a variator, such a scheme will not work. It just won't do anything. The only thing is that you can switch the "box" to the neutral position to stir up the clutch a little. The rest of the switches will not bring any benefit.
The most optimal way to warm up the variator will be a comprehensive warm-up - in motion and on the go. "Warm up" first for 10 minutes while standing still, and then calmly move to a set operating temperature.
Warming up the DSG box
This type of gearbox is not much different from the “mechanics” in terms of its internal structure, therefore it does not have any particular warm-up subtleties. But you still need to warm it up. And here there are a couple of nuances.
Warming up such gearboxes must be carried out only in neutral gear. You can stand idle for 10-20 minutes depending on the outside temperature. And the gearbox will reach full warm-up already in the process of driving. Here, as well as on other "boxes", you should not accelerate sharply at the beginning of the journey. But unlike the classic machine, the DSG is resistant to slip and is unlikely to break from it.
You can also immediately move off without warming up, but do not forget to do everything calmly and without jerking. When an unheated box receives a lot of difficult commands, it feels the same as if you were lifted out of bed and forced to run cross-country.
Well, we told you everything that we knew ourselves. Unfortunately or fortunately, car owners receive much of their knowledge only after their experience of breakdowns. And to avoid this, read this article carefully again and do not forget to warm up your “machine”. And do it all year round. Even if there is no frost on the street, the “box” and the engine should still warm up. At least a little.
In the video, experts not only talk about the need to preheat the gearbox, but also, using diagnostic equipment, empirically show how quickly the automatic gearbox warms up.
It consists of numerous movable elements that operate in an oily environment. A special transmission fluid lubricates and removes heat from the metal friction surfaces of the automatic transmission. At negative ambient temperatures, the technical and operational characteristics of the working fluid deteriorate significantly. In order to avoid premature wear of transmission parts and assemblies, it is required to properly warm up the automatic transmission in winter.
Features of the operation of the automatic transmission in the winter
Automakers warn that before driving it is necessary to warm up the car with automatic transmission in winter. There are several opposing opinions about whether it is necessary to warm up the automatic transmission in winter. Among experienced car owners, you can find a variety of answers and recommendations. In order to draw the right conclusion for yourself, and decide whether it is necessary to warm up the automatic transmission in winter, it is recommended:
- familiarize yourself with the design of your vehicle;
- features of the device of the installed automatic transmission;
- study the technical characteristics of the one used;
- remember when the next maintenance was carried out with the replacement of the working fluid and oil filter in the automatic transmission.
When frosts over -30 ° C come, a difficult period begins for a car equipped with an automatic transmission. Under such difficult conditions, the working fluid becomes thicker, loses its useful lubricating properties. At the time of cold start, the technical characteristics of the transmission oil are significantly underestimated. In this case, serious damage to the working units and parts of the automatic transmission is possible. Not only the power unit of the car needs careful warming up, but also the transmission mechanisms, including the automatic transmission.
How does ATF fluid behave in cold weather?
Supporters of a cold start, who oppose automatic transmission warming up, argue that gear oil is a unique technological substance that is not afraid of frost, theoretically it should not freeze even at very low temperatures, the fluidity of the material remains constant. In practice, everything looks completely different.
Important: ATP lubricant is made on a synthetic basis, it contains numerous additional substances - additives. However, in severe frost, the transmission fluid has an increased viscosity, which adversely affects its properties. This is especially true for oil that is used in the machine without replacement for a long period. A box with obsolete oil needs to be warmed up and even necessary.
Design features of automatic transmission - affecting the quality of heating
The automatic transmission of the car is in close proximity to. With an increase in the temperature of the body of the power unit, heat is distributed through the metal to the automatic transmission. However, in severe frosts, you will have to wait a very long time until the gear oil inside the gearbox warms up.
The main systems and mechanisms where heating of the transmission fluid is especially necessary:
- Automatic transmission radiator.
- Torque converter.
In the automatic transmission radiator, the frozen liquid is not able to circulate, as a result, the excess heat of the operating box cannot be fully removed from the rubbing parts. The circulation of transmission oil in the automatic transmission begins only after reaching an operating temperature of plus 60 ° C.
The quality of work is also directly dependent on the fluidity of the working fluid. Unheated oil has an increased viscosity, while the GTR friction disks suffer first of all. In order to prevent premature failure of the working elements of an expensive torque converter, it is necessary to heat the ATF oil in order to dilute it.
It is better to switch all modes with the selector after the transmission fluid has warmed up, otherwise this will lead to additional wear of the components and parts of the automatic transmission.
If in the cold season the driver does not allow the automatic transmission to warm up and immediately starts moving, the elements of the valve body can quickly fail. During the operation of the automatic transmission, shocks, shocks, vibrations occur, driving in such conditions is completely uncomfortable. Sometimes the car does not move at all, and the on-board computer reports the failure of the entire valve body.
How to properly warm up a car with automatic transmission in winter
Many car owners trust the promises of dealers that their automatic transmission is a maintenance-free unit. According to their beliefs, the characteristics of transmission oil do not change even after long runs equal to more than 60 thousand kilometers. Such drivers often face the problem of car operation in the winter months. The details and mechanisms of the automatic transmission also begin to behave not quite adequately:
- vibrations, shocks appear when switching speeds;
- gears do not change;
- the oil turns black, foreign fragments appear in its composition in the form of metal chips, particles of friction linings;
- the oil filter stops working.
Only when serious problems arise, such an owner begins to become interested and find out what to do to restore the stability of the vehicle, in particular, how much it takes to warm up a car with an automatic machine in winter.
Here is what happens when the car is driven without preheating:
- Thick gear oil is not able to pass through the filter element.
- The car twitches, slips.
- Oil seals, automatic transmission clutches fail.
Tip: Before starting the vehicle, it is necessary to warm up the automatic gearbox. At the same time, even outdated gear oil will be able to perform its functions normally.
There is no definite answer to the question of how much to warm up a car with automatic transmission in winter. The correct warm-up mode depends on the thermometer readings, how many degrees are outside the window. If the thermometer shows frost in the region of minus 5 - 8 ° С, 5 - 10 minutes are enough for the automatic box. Further, the first five minutes of movement should be started at a speed of no more than 1500 rpm, while the speed of the car is 40 km / h. In order to avoid damage to the automatic transmission, it is strictly forbidden to step on the gas at this time.
In severe frosts below minus 30 ° C, the automatic transmission warm-up algorithm differs significantly:
- Turn on the motor.
- Wait 10 minutes (or longer).
- Drive the selector through all gears with some delay (at least 10 seconds) in each position.
- Start moving in gentle mode.
- Drive at a speed of 40 km/h for five minutes.
- Continue driving in the specified mode.
What happens inside the box when warming up in the cold? The turbine wheels of the automatic transmission torque converter begin to rotate without loads, since the machine is not moving. The working fluid gradually warms up, by the time the gears are driven, the oil is heated to plus 5-10°C. As a result, the automatic transmission is evenly heated to be ready for further operation.
An automatic transmission is certainly more convenient than a mechanic, but it can be a dangerous companion in the winter. Each new generation of drivers come up with their own myths and legends about her. Learn how to properly use it in winter.
How to warm up the automatic gearbox in winter is a topical issue for all motorists. Unfortunately, in the cold season, failures and malfunctions of the automatic transmission and engine become more frequent. The reasons for this are often different. This may be improper operation of the automatic transmission in winter conditions, as well as external factors:
The negative effect of sub-zero temperatures on the automatic transmission system; ice, slipping of the car on the ice when you try to start moving; car stuck in snowdrifts.
So that none of these reasons causes a breakdown of your car and in order to know how to warm up an automatic transmission in winter, you should follow simple recommendations.
Do I need to warm up the machine in winter
Car in the winter "trap"Warm up your car in winter...
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Found on the internet...
“Recently, a lady I knew surprised me: before every trip in the cold, she sat and clicked back and forth with the automatic transmission selector.“ This is how I warm it up, ”she explained to me. And then it became clear that it was time to tell you how you really need heat the box.
As it turned out from our conversation, the manager at the car dealership advised my interlocutor to "drive" the automatic transmission selector back and forth. Moreover, this opinion is quite often found on various Internet forums, where "experienced" teach "newbies". Here are some examples:
“For owners of automatic transmissions, I will reveal the“ secret ”of warming up the box. After the engine temperature has just moved off the dead center, you need to press the brake, turn on D (15-20 seconds), then N (5-10 seconds), then R (15-20 seconds) and so on five times. This is not a panacea and does not mean that you can then pile on with a whistle. But it will save your transmission from oil seal leaks and incorrect operation.
“You should literally “drive away” ...
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How to properly warm up a car with automatic transmission and manual transmission in winter: an algorithm of actions
Any motorist knows how and how much the operation of a car changes with the onset of cold weather, and at the same time, he sets his daily alarm clock back 20-30 minutes in order to have time to warm up the car before the trip.
Although not everyone knows how to do it correctly, and what is the difference between warming up a car with an automatic and manual transmission. And, meanwhile, the correct warming up of the car and starting the engine reduce its wear and increase the resource.
Do I need to warm up the car in severe frost? Yes!
How to properly warm up a car with a manual transmission
After a frosty night or a full day of work, the battery cools down completely. It must be prepared for work on starting the engine, especially since in the cold the battery loses some of its properties and must be restored. Before restoring, make sure that all consumers of electricity - stove, air conditioning, heating ...0 0
The first modifications of automatic transmissions appeared in the sixties of the last century. Initially, automatic transmissions were a fairly simple mechanism that had from two to four speeds. As technology has evolved, automatic transmissions have consistently improved and provided the maximum level of comfort from driving a car. In addition to improved dynamic performance, fuel consumption was significantly reduced. According to statistics, today 70% of cars worldwide are sold with an automatic transmission. Many car owners have questions about the proper operation of automatic transmissions in summer and winter.
Why warm up the automatic transmission in winter?
It must be said that the smooth operation and durability of this unit depends on compliance with all requirements for the operation of an automatic transmission. Many car owners incorrectly believe that an automatic transmission requires only a regular change ...
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Do I need to warm up a car with automatic transmission in winter?
Any real car enthusiast treats his car with special care and awe, watching both its appearance and all the details separately. I think everyone has heard something about such an expression as "warm up the engine." Most drivers in the winter time, before starting to move, try to warm up the car, which from which side you can’t look right. But the main thing is to know why and how to do it. Judging by the stories of many owners of a car with automatic transmission, I often recommend them to warm up the box in the service and car dealerships as follows: by moving the automatic transmission selector in all positions. I immediately want to say and save most of these people from torment, such manipulations with the box do not bring any benefit, do not change anything and do not do better.
When starting the engine with automatic transmission in winter and at any other time of the year, the pump itself accelerates the oil throughout the box, following from this - benefits ...
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In general, there were a great many such messages. Apparently, they were written not by “box makers”, but by some amateur theorists. From personal experience, I know that automatic transmission oil is usually close to engine oil in terms of viscosity and can withstand low temperatures quite well.
It begins to circulate inside the box immediately with the start of the engine and warms up perfectly while the selector is in position P. But in order not to breed a dispute between amateurs and amateurs, I turned to professionals.
Do I need to warm up a car with automatic transmission in winter?
Any real car enthusiast treats his car with special care and awe, watching both its appearance and all the details separately. I think everyone has heard something about such an expression as "warm up the engine." Most drivers in the winter time, before starting to move, try to warm up the car, which from which side you can’t look right. But the main thing is to know why and how to do it. Judging by the stories of many owners of a car with automatic transmission, I often recommend them to warm up the box in the service and car dealerships as follows: by moving the automatic transmission selector in all positions. I immediately want to say and save most of these people from torment, such manipulations with the box do not bring any benefit, do not change anything and do not do better.
When starting the engine with automatic transmission in winter and at any other time of the year, the pump itself accelerates the oil throughout the box, following from this, there is no benefit from pulling the lever. Of course, it is necessary to warm up the engine, focusing on the temperature outside. On the advice of many professionals, it can be clearly said that if the thermometer is below 20, it will be enough to warm up the engine for about 10 minutes and that will be enough. At such moments, warming up the engine is no different from a manual transmission.
For those who still prefer a car with an automatic transmission, it is worth taking a closer look at your car and knowing how to properly warm up the automatic transmission in winter. If all the same it turned out that your box behaves badly or refuses to work at all, of course you will have to repair it, and possibly install a new one.
Some of the most common breakdowns can be:
- the engine starts in any position of the lever;
- does not start in position P;
- the car moves in lever position N;
- noise is made in the P and N positions.
There are also a few other similar signs. However, it is almost impossible to independently determine the cause of the failure, and in any case, you will need the help of professionals. Go through computer diagnostics and understand what exactly needs to be changed or repaired.
If you still decide to apply for repair or replacement of the automatic transmission, you should still pay attention to the choice of a service center. Most service centers offer far from the highest quality and original parts, but at the same time they ask for them not small amounts of money. Offering original parts, you often have to wait a long time for their delivery.
In any case, you can find everything you need and order an automatic transmission repair here atfservice.ru and also learn how to warm up an automatic transmission in winter. Based on the experience of many Voronezh motorists, we can confidently say that they will definitely help you here.
Depending on what still broke in the automatic transmission, you will already need to decide to change specific parts or change the box as a whole. The likelihood that literally everything in your automatic box will break down is almost unrealistic, but such incidents still occur. Of the most common breakdowns, is the failure of the hydraulic unit, it is also one of the most expensive automatic transmission spare parts.
Another question is if the repair of other parts is added to the repair of the hydraulic unit, then the conversation can still turn to the advisability of taking and changing the entire automatic transmission. That is why it is important to carefully treat the gearbox and the car as a whole, and especially in winter, warming up the car engine in winter with an automatic transmission will not be superfluous.
How to properly warm up the automatic transmission in winter
It's no secret that in our harsh climatic zone severe frosts prevail, which sometimes become a real problem for motorists. Since the Russians are a people with imagination, many different erroneous ways were invented to speed up the warming up of the box. Examples of such fantasies can be found on forms where "experienced" teach beginners advising them to warm up the box according to this method: while holding the brake, turn on D for 15-20 seconds, then N for about 5-10 seconds, R for about 15-20 seconds.
Some even argue this by coming up with versions about ATF frozen at night and becoming too thick and viscous. As a result, it is necessary to warm up the automatic transmission to the operating temperature. Otherwise, the automatic transmission mechanism will work “dry” for some time. The filter working with a load due to the viscosity of the liquid is also loaded.
Car service masters claim that these are too exaggerated “horror stories of theorists”. The ATF liquid begins its movement when the engine is started. the oil pump starts working together with the motor. Accordingly, at a temperature of -20, warming up the car, which takes you 10-15 minutes, will positively affect the operation of the automatic transmission and you do not need to apply any manipulations with the modes, because. instead of a positive result, this can only add unnecessary problems. You need to start moving smoothly and without “putting your slipper on the floor” moving at a speed of no more than 40 km / h. At the same time, no one canceled the constant preventive maintenance, service inspection, replacement of filters, gaskets and other parts. In order to pay as little as possible for future repairs or to completely prevent the possibility of a breakdown, it is always worth doing current repairs on time and doing preventive maintenance at the right time.
Otherwise, you will very often be haunted by problems with friction discs, bearing wear ru.wikipedia.org , brake band, oil o-rings and many other important details. But despite all the professionalism and experience of the service center employees, there are a very large number of cases when it is no longer possible to repair the automatic transmission and there is only one option left - to change to a new one! Of course, it will cost more, but in case of certain breakdowns, their further repair does not make any sense, and those who promise to do a miracle, as it is right, simply expect to earn more from you, but do not solve the problem.
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21.01.2019, 00:52 12103 0 Assembly of Motorists
Among the issues often discussed by motorists, the topic of warming up the automatic transmission in winter occupies one of the leading positions. The question is actually not so complicated, however, serious disputes constantly arise around it.
Some drivers believe that in order to successfully start the movement of an automatic car in winter, it is enough to warm up the engine a little and rush off! Others are convinced that warming up the automatic transmission in winter is necessary and use a special technique for this. And still others, having heard the phrase of the seller from the salon, that modern automatic transmissions do not need maintenance, generally ignore any actions with the box, including even replacing the ATF fluid.
Where is the truth really and is it necessary to warm up the machine in winter? Questions are answered by experts.
The main thing is that warming up an automatic machine with a torque converter type gearbox is a necessary procedure!
This is due to its design. It must be understood that transmission oil in an automatic transmission performs the functions of a working fluid both for lubricating and cooling parts, and in order to transmit torque to the shafts and clutch connections. Moreover, for the successful warming up of an automatic machine in winter, two conditions must be met. Firstly, all channels of the valve body must be filled with clean ATF. In used oil, there are always microparticles that impede its circulation and reduce the efficiency of performing the functions assigned to it.
Secondly, the system must be provided with the required level of oil pressure . If these rules are not followed, shocks and shocks will be felt when switching speeds, which will lead to rapid wear of the friction clutches. Due to the low pressure, the friction clutches will close with a great delay, the friction layer will quickly be erased, and suspensions will be transferred to the channels of the valve body with all the ensuing negative consequences.
Anticipating a flurry of questions, you can immediately answer those who are still against warming up.
Why warm up if:
· ATF fluid is actually oil and doesn't freeze?
Yes, it does not freeze, but in the cold it thickens a lot, especially in cases of significant mileage. And ATF crystallization processes are a direct path to malfunction.
· Does the automatic transmission parts warm up from the power unit?
Right. Heat transfer actually takes place. But we must take into account the fact that in the cold this process will take a very long time, which will lead to unjustified waste of fuel.
· Are automatic transmission seals capable of withstanding high pressure?
That's right. Only in conditions of a “cold” start, not only oil seals, but also other parts of the automatic transmission will be subjected to high loads. And, as you know, overloading any part does not benefit her.
How to warm up the machine in winter?
Everything is clear with the need and conditions for warming up. Now the question arises, how and how much to warm up the machine in winter? Here, too, opinions are very different. In winter, especially on frosty days, you can observe how car owners click back and forth with the automatic transmission handle before each trip with the engine running. When asked what is happening, they cheerfully answer: “This is the automatic transmission warming up!”. Indeed, in many forums where "experienced" drivers teach "newcomers", this technique can be found.
Its essence boils down to the fact that if there is a minus overboard, you need to start the engine, press the brake pedal and set the automatic transmission selector for about twenty seconds to the “D” position, then for the same amount of time to the “N” position, and then click to “ R". Such cycles must be repeated five to seven times. At the same time, how much to heat the machine in winter will depend on the ambient temperature - the lower it is, the longer it should be warmed up. In a word, in their opinion, it is necessary to go through all the provisions of the automatic transmission selector. The main thing is that at the same time the foot does not jump off the brake pedal. Otherwise, trouble cannot be avoided.
Supporters of this method argue that such sequential switching will save the automatic transmission from leaking oil seals and other malfunctions.
In fact, for professionals who, on duty, have to repair automatic transmissions, this method causes at least a smile. Moreover, they consider this technique to be something like dancing with tambourines. And to the question of how to start the machine in the winter, they answer very simply. Given that the oil begins to circulate when the engine is started, even in severe frost, for example, at an air temperature of -20 ° C, it is enough to warm it up for several minutes, make sure that the speed has dropped by the tachometer needle and you can start moving. At the same time, you need to drive the first 15-20 minutes in a calm rhythm, avoiding sudden starts and accelerations. In general, slippage or extreme driving should not be allowed at this time. Some experts allow driving in this mode for about 10-15 km. It all depends on the brand of the car, the duration of downtime in the cold and the air temperature.
The automatic transmission warm-up rules are very simple, and following them will save you from numerous technical problems and significantly increase the life of the gearbox itself.
