How to use the automatic transmission in the car. Automatic transmission operating rules, taking into account operating modes

30.03.2019

Today, it is very difficult for many drivers to imagine how they would do without an automatic transmission in their car. Many beginners are horrified at the very thought of endless gear shifting, and many experienced drivers have long appreciated the possibility of a calm and measured ride on the machine. Despite this, the question is quite common - how is it possible to use an automatic transmission correctly?

The answer to this question will largely depend on the type of automatic transmission you have. To date, there are 3 main ones: classic, CVT and robotic boxes. In this article, we will focus on the classic slot machine. If you have a CVT or a robot, read about correct use such boxes

Main and auxiliary modes of automatic transmission

So, in order to determine the rules for operating a classic automatic transmission, you first need to deal with the existing modes of the machine.

We can say that the “P”, “R”, “D” and “N” modes are mandatory for all cars with an automatic transmission. One of these modes is selected shift range selection lever(abbreviated as RVD), almost similar in their appearance gear lever on a manual car. The only difference is that, unlike mechanics, switching from one mode to another is carried out in a straight line.

The selected mode is displayed on the car control panel, which is very convenient for the driver, because. lets him once again do not be distracted from the road, lowering your head down to see which position of the high-pressure hose is currently selected.

"P" mode- (from English Parking) - parking. Moving the lever to this position involves turning off all vehicle controls, so it should be switched to it only when long-term parking. From this position, the engine is also started or, in other words, you start the car.
"R" mode- (from English Reverse) - reverse. Applicable to vehicle movement in reverse.
Attention! Before switching to "P" mode it is necessary to completely stop the car and raise the handbrake.
"R" mode also turns on after a complete stop of the car with the brake pedal depressed.
A different sequence of actions can seriously harm the gearbox, engine and transmission!
"N" mode- (from English Neutral) - neutral gear. When moving to this position, the engine stops transmitting torque to the wheels, i.e. starts running idle. Therefore, it makes sense to use neutral gear for stops only for a short time (for example, in traffic jams or at a railway crossing) and it is not recommended to turn it on when the car is moving. Some experts also advise shifting to neutral when towing. In this position, the RVD is allowed to start the engine.
Mode "D"- (from English Drive) - movement. In this position of the gear selector, the normal movement of the car forward is carried out. In this case, alternate gear changes occur when you press the accelerator pedal in automatic mode.

For vehicles equipped with four-, five-speed gearboxes gears, RVD, as a rule, has several forward movement positions: “D”, “D3”, “D2”, “D1” (they can also be indicated simply by numbers, without the letter “D” - “3”, “2”, “ 1") and "OD". The numbers in the "D3", "D2", "D1" modes indicate the highest available gear.

"D3"– “first 3 gears”. Low gear position. Vehicle braking in this mode is more efficient than in "D" mode. Therefore, "D3" is recommended to be used in cases where normal movement is not possible without frequent braking (for example, around the city, in traffic jams, on dirt roads), as well as with frequently repeated ups and downs.
"D2"– “first 2 gears”. The next downshift stage. The high pressure hose should be moved to this position when the vehicle speed is less than 50 km/h. It is usually used when driving in difficult road conditions - in the forest, on a mountain serpentine, on swampy, unpaved, slippery, snowy roads, where it is necessary to move slowly.
"D1" ("L")- 1st gear only. The mode is applied when the vehicle speed cannot be developed more than 25 km/h. You cannot turn on the mode when more speed, otherwise a strong skid cannot be avoided! Used as an emergency option for conditions listed under "D2" (snow, off-road, mud, mountain serpentine). allows you to maximize the possibility of engine braking. Be sure to move to this position when the car is in a traffic jam.
"OD"- (from English Overdrive) - "upshift". The position of switching on the extreme (fourth or fifth) gear in the automatic transmission. You can switch to the “OD” mode only after the development of a speed of 75-110 km / h, and be sure to exit it at a speed of less than 70 km / h. "High gear" helps to significantly reduce fuel consumption when driving on highways.

The transfer of high pressure hoses between positions "D", "D1", "D2", "D3", "OD" and vice versa can and should be done while the car is moving.

Most modern automatic transmission vehicles have several automatic transmission assist modes. These include: normal, sporty, economical, overdrive, winter.

"N"- (from English Normal) - normal mode. Used under normal driving conditions.
"E"- (from English Economical) - economical mode. The mode provides a smooth, quiet movement of the car, thereby significantly saving fuel.
"S"- (from English Sport) - sports mode. When switching to this mode, automation allows you to use the engine power to the maximum, which leads to faster acceleration of the car compared to the "E" program. Naturally, there can be no talk of saving gasoline in this case.
W- (from English Winter) - winter mode. It is used when starting a car from a slippery surface. Starting in this case is carried out immediately from the second or third gear.

The auxiliary modes of an automatic transmission can usually be implemented using a special button or switch located on the dashboard or next to the high pressure hose.

It should also be noted that, even with all the advantages of automatic transmission, there are drivers who are not used to automatic gear shifting and want to be more involved in driving their car. To solve this problem, Porsche developed and patented the “tiptronic” mode (read about the features of its use), which later became a household name denoting imitation manual switching gears. On the gearbox, it is usually implemented as an additional groove for the high pressure hose and is indicated by the signs "+" and "-" for upshifting and downshifting, respectively.

You are just going to buy a car, but you don’t know what is better to choose - automatic or mechanic? In the article, all the pros and cons of automatic transmission and manual transmission.

Read about the general preparation of the car for the winter period in our article.

One of the most annoying things in cold weather is a dead battery. /tehobsluzhivanie/uhod/zamerz_akb.html By clicking on the link, you will learn how to avoid this and what to do if the battery is still frozen.

Need to go, but the car is frozen? you will find many tips on how to warm the lock, doors, glass.

What not to do on a car with automatic transmission

Do not load an unheated automatic transmission. Even at positive ambient temperatures, the first few kilometers are better to move at low speed, avoiding jerks and sudden accelerations. Remember also that for warming up hydraulic fluid and the transmission takes much more time than warming up the engine.
An automatic transmission is by definition not designed for off-road driving.. Most modern classic automatic transmissions really “do not like” wheel slip. Therefore, it is better to avoid sudden accelerations when driving on roads with poor coverage. Sometimes it's better to work by hand - with a shovel or push the car.
Cannot be overloaded classic machine extremely heavy loads, tk. The automatic transmission overheats and wears out quickly. Therefore, it is better to forget about towing a trailer on an automatic transmission.
You can not start a car with automatic transmission from the "pusher"". Although many violate this rule, it should be remembered that such actions will not pass without a trace for the machine.
Also remember some features of switching automatic transmission modes:
- in the neutral position "N" you can stay only by holding the brake pedal;
- in position "N" you can not turn off the engine;
- you can turn off the engine only in the “P” position;
- it is impossible to transfer the high pressure hose to the positions "P" or "R" while the car is moving.

In conclusion, I would like to add that at first glance, the machine may seem to be an extremely “finicky” device with a short service life. In fact, following all the simple rules and tips listed above will help preserve and significantly extend the life of your car's automatic transmission.

Automatic transmission - a good option for novice drivers who are just learning to drive a car. When driving a car with automatic transmission, the motorist does not need to monitor the gear shift when driving in different modes. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the points in the instructions for the automatic transmission in detail and find out what you can’t do when using automatic transmission.

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Operating modes of automatic transmissions

In order to properly use the automatic transmission, first we suggest understanding the purpose of the main operating modes of the unit.

Main functions

What features are in all automatic transmissions:

P mode or park. When this position is activated, the transmission locks the undercarriage of the machine, regardless of whether it is equipped with front or rear drive. As a result, the vehicle will not move, all gears are disabled when P mode is activated. This position must not be turned on if the vehicle is still in motion and has not come to a complete stop.
R mode. This function is designed to allow the vehicle to be driven in reverse. Its activation is allowed after a complete stop. vehicle.
Neutral gear N. If there are malfunctions in the operation of the automatic transmission or the power unit, when the engine cannot be started, the N mode will allow you to move the machine forward and backward for short distances. Unlike mechanical transmissions, the neutral mode on the machine has certain features of operation. It is not allowed to turn it on in traffic jams, its activation is possible in emergency cases.
Mode D or Drive. Designed to ensure the movement of the machine forward. In automatic transmissions, this mode has a lock against accidental activation. If it is necessary to switch from the Drive function, this can only be done if the driver presses the brake pedal.
"4-3-2-L" function. It belongs to the category of special modes used to operate the vehicle in different conditions. In each of these positions, a certain number of speeds can be applied. For example, in mode 3, three gears are involved, and in position L, only one speed works. Thanks to this feature, the automatic transmission does not overheat the power unit. The first three functions are best used when driving uphill.

From the video of the channel Open Studio Kostroma you can learn about the operation of a car with an automatic transmission.

Tiptronic mode

One of the features of modern automatic transmissions is the presence of the Tiptronic function. This type of gearbox refers to automatic transmissions that support manual transmission control. Thanks to its presence, the driver can control the process of movement in difficult conditions. If you are tired of driving an automatic transmission, you can switch to manual control. At the checkpoint in the car, in addition to the traditional modes, you will see a special recess with the symbols "+" and "-". "+" - upshift, from first and above, and "-" - downshift.

Sports modes

In the transmissions of some car models, there is a sport mode function - Sport or Kickdown. Activating this position allows you to spin up the speed of the power unit and artificially switch to downshift. If necessary, sports modes allow you to achieve sharp acceleration, for example, when you need to overtake on the highway. When enabled, this position uses the maximum power of the motor, but this function is generally uneconomical for continuous use.

Other modes

Depending on the car manufacturer, the automatic transmission may have other operating modes:

D3 or S - reduced speed. A good option for operating the vehicle when driving uphill. By activating this position, the driver can brake and control the machine more effectively.
D2. This is usually equivalent to the L or 2 position. Also a reduced speed function for driving downhill or uphill. Its use is relevant when moving on sand, ice or when driving in difficult conditions.
Economic - E. Activating it allows you to economically use engine power to reduce fuel consumption.
Winter mode. It can be marked as "Snow", "W", "HOLD", "Winter". When this position is activated, a gentle driving mode is activated on snowy terrain, for example, when driving on ice or mud. In most vehicles, this provision has limitations in regular use due to the increased load on the mechanisms and transmission assembly. Due to overheating, its use is not allowed in the warm season when driving on dry asphalt.

How to use the automatic transmission

In order to prevent problems in the operation of an automatic transmission, you need to learn how to operate it correctly and take into account the rules for using and driving.

How to start moving:

The brake pedal is sunk into the floor. The gear lever shifts from park or neutral to D-drive.
The machine is removed from the parking brake.
The brake pedal is gently released and as a result, the car starts to move forward smoothly.
To increase the speed of movement, the driver presses the gas pedal. The harder he presses, the more the speed increases. To reset it, you just need to release the gas pedal. Automatic transmission in automatic mode will begin to reduce the speed of movement.
If you need to quickly slow down or stop, the driver presses the brake pedal. If necessary further movement just press on the gas.
Please note that during this operation, the automatic transmission should always work in position D. Disabling this mode is possible for a long stop.

Transmission control features:

Automatic units should not be used cold at high loads. If it is summer outside, after parking, the car still needs to be warmed up by driving a few km at a reduced speed and not performing accelerations or other maneuvers. Keep in mind that the transmission takes longer to warm up than the car's engine. In order for the lubricant in the automatic transmission system to heat up faster, it is recommended to turn on all positions on the lever. Or, before driving, turn on the winter mode, if it is supported by the machine of your car.
Stick ride on smooth roads. Most modern cars have a negative attitude towards driving on uneven surfaces, unless we are talking about a car specifically designed for such roads.
Press on the brake and start moving after parking should be smooth. Such operating conditions lead to an increase in the distance between the clutches of an automatic transmission. As a result, jerks will appear when you switch gears. The operation of the car will become less comfortable. At abrupt start seals begin to rub against the drum, which leads to their rapid wear. Grooves and retaining rings wear out, resulting in wear products in the form of metal chips in the system. As a result, when switching the selector, a crack and crunch will appear. Under high loads, bearing elements break quickly.

Features of use in winter

No less important for the unit correct operation transmission in winter time of the year. If you do not take into account the basic requirements, there will be problems in the operation of the automatic transmission that will lead to malfunctions.

Channel Avtotema TV talked about how to drive and use automatic transmission in the winter season.

What to consider when operating a machine with a machine gun in the cold season:

If you need to enter a turn, and there is ice on the roads, the maneuver is performed at a reduced speed. Either hit the brakes before the turn, or shift into low gear on the Tiptronic when it comes to manual control.
In the cold season, before driving, it is necessary to warm up the car to operating temperature. It is important that the antifreeze has time to heat up, which cools the transmission, as well as the oil in the box. When the lubricant warms up, it will become viscous, this will allow it to circulate through all the lines of the system.
If the driver needs to go urgently, it is recommended to warm up the unit to at least 40 degrees. Before the engine of the car warms up to operating temperature, it is advisable not to exceed the driving speed of more than 40 km / h, the engine speed should be no more than two thousand per minute. Avoid very sharp accelerations.
When the engine is started and warmed up to the desired temperature, move the gearbox control selector several times to all modes. In each position, you need to linger for a few seconds. This will ensure the circulation of consumables through the lines of the transmission system. The driver must apply the brakes.
At low negative temperatures, the first time before the internal combustion engine warms up, it is necessary to drive in a gentle mode. This will prevent rapid wear of the automatic transmission components.
If you cannot start the engine, you can not try to do it with the help of a tug. Automatic transmissions do not tolerate towing either in winter or in the warm season.

Traffic jams

Let's dwell on how to switch gears at a traffic light and drive a car in traffic jams. If you get stuck in a traffic jam, it is recommended to let the automatic transmission rest for a while. This will reduce the load on the units of the unit and ensure its more economical operation. If the automatic transmission selector is moved to position D, then when the brake is pressed, the engine will try to push the stopped car. The neutral position is switched on, the brake pedal is not released.

If you have to stand in a traffic jam for a long time, the parking mode is activated.

The transmission will lock the wheels and rest the driver's legs.

Paddle switches

The use of paddle shifters is relevant on Tiptronic. The rules for operating the unit are generally identical. The gear selector can be switched to the "+" or "-" mode to increase or decrease speed. The steering wheel has similar switches with the same symbols. To increase the speed, while driving, press the "+", and to reset - on the "-". The use of paddle shifters is relevant in dynamic driving conditions. Thanks to them, the driver can change the intensity of acceleration and increase the speed of the power unit.

Channel “Learning to drive. fan channel main road» spoke about the nuances of operation automatic transmissions.

How not to use automatic transmission

To prevent failure of the transmission, you need to study in detail the instructions for the automatic transmission and take into account the following rules:

Towing a car with automatic transmission is not allowed. On classic transmissions, there is no rigid connection between the wheels of the car and the power unit, so in principle it will not work to start the engine by towing.
When driving on high speed When trying to shift the automatic transmission lever, watch the gears. If you drive fast and accidentally switch to first or second gear, the car will brake sharply, a jerk will occur. This is fraught with serious skidding and an accident.
While driving, switching the positions of the automatic transmission selector is not allowed. If the Drive mode is on, then move the lever to the position neutral gear or parking is not allowed, it will damage the unit.
If the vehicle stops on a slope, it is necessary to apply the handbrake. Otherwise, the locking device may be damaged.
The inclusion of a neutral gear when driving in traffic jams is only allowed in the heat. At high temperatures warmed up gear lubricant cool down faster, permanent use neutral speed undesirable. Its activation is relevant when it is necessary to move the vehicle in emergency cases.
It is not recommended to experiment with different oils, especially with lubricant additives. If the additives do not match technical features transmission, their use will lead to undesirable consequences. When replacing a consumable, please refer to the car manufacturer to the use of oil.
Eliminate wheel spin. This requirement is relevant for winter, when ice or snow prevails on the street. Especially it is impossible to slip on asphalt. Modern machines equipped traction control systems which is important for automatic transmission. If the car is stuck in the snow, the impact of such a system should be minimized, but it will not work completely.
Always follow the deadlines Maintenance unit specified by the manufacturer.
Do not tow other vehicles or trailers, automatic transmissions are not designed for this. The unit has a certain margin of safety. And if the gearbox does not fail immediately, then over time, the operation of the car under high loads will lead to malfunctions. If you plan to use a trailer, then refrain from buying a car with an automatic transmission or buy a crossover or SUV.

User JoRick Revazov spoke about the nuances of operation and mistakes that should not be made when operating an automatic transmission.

When carrying out repair work, be careful and prevent new damage from appearing at the checkpoint.
The place where the repair is carried out should be as clean as possible. Otherwise, dirt and debris may enter the gearbox, which will subsequently lead to contamination and poor performance. Because of this, when executing repair work do not use knitted gloves or wipe transmission components with such rags. It is better to use nylon rags or napkins.
The components and elements of the automatic transmission during repairs must be washed and dried compressed air. Washing powder is used to clean steel components. Concerning friction linings, as well as plastic and rubber elements, gear oil is used to clean them.
In case of damage to the gearbox housing, it is necessary to disassemble and flush cooling system transmission.
Always keep an eye on the level lubricant in the box and its condition. If the oil loses its properties, it becomes less viscous, dark, wear products appear in it.
When disassembling the unit for repair, all parts and mechanisms must be put on the table in the order from dismantling, so as not to confuse the elements during assembly. Pay attention to the installation location of thrust washers, sealing components, valves, thrust rings, crankcase screws.
If the transmission of your car is equipped with a chain drive, then during the repair it is diagnosed for rapid wear. To check, measure its deflection in the middle of the chain itself in two directions. Its total deflection should be no more than 2.7 cm. If this parameter is greater, then the chain needs to be replaced.
When making repairs, remember how the cables are connected and the plugs with wires are connected to the valve box. If you mix up the connectors during further connection, this will lead to malfunctions in the gearbox. Sometimes it is problematic to dismantle the plugs, try not to pull the connectors by the wires.
If the hydraulic accumulator springs are similar and you can mix them up, label or mark them. When the spring elements differ in color, the color should not be used as an indication of the installation location. If the parts are placed incorrectly, this will affect the quality of the transmission shift.
Be careful when removing the brake band. Its deformation will lead to problems in operation. Damaged tape must be replaced.
After thorough washing and drying of parts and components, all elements must be visual diagnostics. It is necessary to identify the level of wear and understand whether they can continue to be used. Carefully inspect the contact surfaces of the bushings and thrust washers; if there is damage or signs of wear, these components are replaced. There must be no traces of rust, delamination, etc. on the housing of the bearing elements.
When repairing, it may be difficult to remove the gaskets. To prevent the appearance of defects on the aluminum surface of the crankcase and to qualitatively remove the remnants of the seal, use a special aerosol and a plastic scraper, but not a metal one. Otherwise, you will damage the surface itself, which may cause leakage of the lubricant.
When installing paper gaskets, they must be thoroughly dried. Installation of elements on hermetic glue is not allowed.
The screws on the gearbox housing are only tightened torque wrench. The tightening torque is specified in service book for operation. If the screws are not tightened correctly, the valves will stick, the lubricant will leak, and defects will appear on the internal elements and parts.
When assembling bearing elements and seals, experts advise using technical petroleum jelly. Application lubricant is not allowed, as this type of fluid does not dissolve in gear oil, unlike Vaseline. If motor lubricant gets into the transmission control system, it will clog the filter devices and lines.
Before installing the brake band or friction discs, these components must be soaked in transmission fluid for half an hour.

Features of adaptation of the unit

After performing repair work and dismantling the automatic transmission with further installation, it is necessary to adapt the automatic transmission. The adaptation procedure can be performed in different ways. It all depends on the specific type of automatic transmission, car and year of manufacture.

Universal instructions for adaptation:

Start the car engine and warm it up.
Stop the engine for five seconds, then start it again.
Increase the speed of the power unit to about 3 thousand per minute.
Stop the engine for five seconds and start it again.
Hold down the brake pedal. Move the automatic transmission selector to each position in turn.
Get moving. Do not make sudden accelerations, move smoothly.
Accelerate to 40 km / h, so drive for about one minute, then slowly release the gas pedal and stop the car.
Shut down the engine and start it up.
Accelerate to 80 km / h, at this speed you need to drive for one minute, then stop and turn off the engine.
Start the ICE.
For twenty minutes, you need to ride in different modes, adhering to the same speed.
Remove any traces of transmission fluid from the bottom of the transmission. Drive the car for about 20 km, the engine load should be low. Make sure no oil is leaking from the gearbox. Check its level and add lubricant to the system.

Photo gallery

Photo of automatic transmissions in different cars are listed below.

1. Automatic transmission shift lever in a Mercedes 2. BMW automatic transmission selector 3. Automatic transmission in a Skoda Rapid

All more cars with automatic transmissions appears on domestic roads. In European countries, there has already been a significant bias towards automatic transmissions. This is due to the improvement of production technologies for such units and a developed network of service centers.

However, if there is already an automatic transmission on board the car, how to use it correctly? It is worth initially at least briefly to get acquainted with the principle of its work. After all, it has significant features in operation when compared with a mechanical unit.

Unlike the “mechanics”, in which the driver independently sets the gear ratio in the gearbox with the lever-switch, the “automatic” does this without the participation of the driver. In this case, the lever serves to select the operating mode, and not the stage.

There are several already classic basic modes. They are selected by switching the Range Select Lever (RVD). The current operating mode, which is this moment turned on, marked on the instrument panel, which allows the driver to quickly get information about it. Before using the automatic transmission, you should familiarize yourself with the modes closer.

"P" - parking. During this position of the hose, all controls must be disabled. It is advisable to turn on this mode when the vehicle is stopped for a long time. It also begins the “ignition on” before moving off for a further trip.

You need to know that in order to turn on parking, you will need to come to a complete stop and raise the brake lever to the maximum.

"N" - neutral gear. This mode disables the transmission of torque to the wheels from power plant. In fact, the motor runs on " idling” as well as when turning on the “neutral” in cars with manual transmission. It is recommended to use the automatic transmission in this position for short stops, for example, while waiting at railway crossings or when standing in long traffic jams. When towing a short distance, experts also recommend setting the lever to this position. The ignition can be switched on in this position.

"R" - reverse. The position of the RVD near this icon means that when you press the accelerator pedal, the car will go backwards.

You need to know that you can switch to the “R” reverse mode after the car has completely stopped, as well as for its correct inclusion you need to fully depress the brake pedal.

"D" - movement. This position of the high pressure lever handle allows the car, after the driver presses the gas pedal, to move forward. in this position is not necessary, since all switching between stages is carried out without human intervention.

As an additional convenience while driving in special conditions on modern automatic boxes gear designers provide for several additional fixed positions. They are usually located after the "D" and have digital indices from 1 to 3, as well as the "OD" mode. Let's figure out how to properly drive a car on a machine with such icons near the RPD.

"D3"- occurs within the first three gears. After braking in this mode, the vehicle decelerates more effectively than when applying classic mode drive "D". It is switched to in those situations where normal movement has to be accompanied by frequent pressing of the brake, for example, when driving on primers or in urban areas with frequent traffic lights and crossroads.

"D2"- "automatic" operates in the interval of two gears. Often this lever position creates comfortable operation when driving at speeds below 50 km/h. Drivers are advised to drive it on forest roads, mountain serpentine, on snow-covered road surfaces, when a low speed is required.

"D1"– transmission is blocked on the first transfer. This option can only be used if the vehicle will not be driven at speeds above 25 km/h.

Need to know what's big speed mode with the lever position on “D1”, it can cause the car to skid.

State "D1" can be used in the same cases when downshifts are used in a manual transmission for engine braking. For the same situation, "D2" is also allowed.

"OD" - overdrive. This position of the lever is used for driving on highways. It locks the transmission at the highest possible gear (fifth or fourth). It is necessary to turn on this position only when the car reaches speeds above 80-100 km / h. Thanks to it, you can significantly save fuel consumption.

You need to know that switching between these additional modes is allowed while the vehicle is moving.

Auxiliary Modes

IN modern cars auxiliary modes for automatic transmission are used. Most often, their switching is carried out using an additional rotator on the instrument panel or closer to the high pressure hose, which is fixed in one of the specified positions.

"N" - normal movement mode. It is used for normal non-extreme control.

"E" - economy mode. Is used for smooth switching gears and while driving.

"S" - "sport" mode. While driving in this mode, the automatics use the maximum power characteristics of the car. Thanks to this operation, faster switching between stages is carried out, acceleration is accelerated. Consumables fuel characteristics rise significantly.

"W" - winter mode operation is in demand during the launch on slippery road. The start of movement usually occurs in second gear.

It should also be clarified that owners of automatic transmissions who have moved from the “mechanics” are offered transmission configurations with the possibility of independent manual mode gear shifting. This feature first appeared on cars Porsche and received the designation "tiptronic".

Subsequently, this name was picked up by car owners, and it became a household name for all such nodes. For independent switching, the lever is transferred to the zone limited by "+" and "-". Paddle shifters can also be used.

Operation of a car with automatic transmission

Before starting the movement, squeeze the brake to the stop. Next, you need to move the lever from the set “neutral” or “parking” to the “Forward” or “Reverse” zone and lower the handbrake. The brake is smoothly released with the right foot, and the car starts to move smoothly. You need to accelerate the car with a smooth pressing of the right foot on the accelerator pedal.

You need to know that only the right foot is involved in pedaling a car with automatic transmission, and the left one is in the place reserved for it.

In order for the car to gradually slow down, the driver must slowly raise the foot, returning the pedal to top position. During this process, the gearbox will shift gears down. You can speed up the process by pressing the brake pedal.

It is also possible to move off again without additional switching of the handle, only by pressing the gas pedal. It turns out that it is enough to turn on the “D” mode, and adjust the speed with both pedals.

Important! When driving a car with automatic transmission, sudden changes in speed must be avoided, because such operation causes significant wear on the gearbox.

Improper use of the "machine" will unbalance the operation of the clutches, increasing the distance between the discs. This leads to the fact that the car starts to twitch during gear shifting.

Operation of automatic transmission in winter

The most problematic time of operation of the “machine” is considered to be the period with icy and snowy pavement. This happens for several reasons:

slippage during the start of movement on slippery surface if the car is stuck;
sub-zero temperatures adversely affect the operation and life of the automatic transmission.

It will be possible to reduce the negative impact on performance if you follow certain rules.

Visual inspection is carried out ATF oils. If there is a significant darkening or metallic inclusions in the liquid, it is imperative to replace it. When the car's mileage on one ATF reaches 30 thousand km, it also needs to be replaced.

During freezing temperatures and, especially, open storage of the car, it will be necessary to warm up the engine before driving.

Need to know what's working temperature regime a car with an automatic transmission leaves in 5-8 minutes at an ambient temperature of -20 C.

If the car has additional modes “D1”, “D2” or “D3”, then it is better to start driving in winter with “D1”, pressing the pedal a third or half of the way, and increase gears after 100 meters.

If there are auxiliary winter modes such as "SNOW", "*", "W", "WINTER", "HOLD", it is worth activating them using the additional turner or buttons.

The stuck car must be taken out of the snowdrifts on your own using reduced modes. If there are none, then you do not need to abuse the “buildup method” for a long time.

Slippery road leads to skidding. To maintain vehicle control, do not release the accelerator pedal, this applies to front wheel drive cars. To enter corners, you will need to shift to lower gears so as not to lose speed and power.

Unwanted activities

Do not overload the car with automatic transmission if it is not yet well warmed up. This also applies to the warm season, during the start of movement, you must observe a moderate speed regime without jerks and sudden changes in speed.

"Automatic" does not like off-road and possible slippage. Also, do not install trailers on cars with automatic transmission in order to reduce wear on the assembly. It is not advisable to start the car, pushing, with a dead battery.

The vast majority of cars today have an automatic transmission. The usual lever for those who have previously used mechanics, with this type of design, is replaced by a selector to select the automatic transmission mode. Many motorists who previously used only mechanical box gears, there are many questions about the features of driving on the "machine". Let's figure out how to drive a car with an automatic transmission.

How to drive an automatic car

Before you start using an unusual gearbox, you need to learn its functions. The user is offered several modes:

"P" or "Parking". Used while parked. This position is equivalent to using the handbrake, as the drive wheels are completely blocked. It is in this mode that you need to turn off and start the engine.

Important! In no case should you set the "P" mode while the car is moving, your automatic transmission will not survive such an error.

Almost every automatic transmission has two or three additional programs work. We will talk about the most popular of them separately, just below.

"Winter" and other special modes

After buying a new car, you may find additional provisions on the transmission. Most often it is "Sport" or "Winter". Let's talk about the latter, since it is on almost all cars in Russia. It can be designated in several ways:

snowflake (*);
"HOLD";
"Winter";
"Snow";
or the letter "W".

This program for your car is designed to start moving without slipping on snow covered road. At the same time, the automation does not use the first gear, but the car starts immediately from the second. To avoid sudden changes in acceleration and skidding, subsequent gear changes occur at lower engine speeds.

It is not recommended to try this mode in the summer, as it heats up the box more and experiences a heavier load. In winter, heating is not so terrible due to the cooling of the transmission oil. Also, do not turn on "Snow" if you are moving along a cleared city highway with a relatively good coverage. For residents of settlements with predominantly dirt roads, it is more acceptable for winter conditions.

Nevertheless, you should refrain from driving on difficult tracks with no asphalt. The automatic transmission does not like this at all. Slipping is especially terrible for her. In winter or summer (when driving on a wet dirt road), try to avoid areas where you risk getting stuck. If you do fall into a trap, do not try to get out of it in the "Drive" mode. Almost all boxes have the “L” or “1” mode for this, which correspond to the first gear on the “mechanics”. You can also go to "Neutral" and gently push the car, after placing boards or rugs from the passenger compartment under the wheels.

Before you start exploring the special modes of your automatic transmission, you need to learn how to use the basic ones correctly. In additional modes, the selector is set much less frequently. The position of this "lever" can only be selected when running engine. If you are just starting to move, do it during warm-up. If you need to reverse, then first you need to stop, select a new mode and start moving.

Remember the procedure for choosing the desired method of movement:

Sink the brake pedal to the floor.
After that, press the button on the selector. Depending on the model and year of manufacture of the car, it can be located on the handle from above, below or on the side.

As you can see, everything is quite simple. It is usually difficult for beginners to switch from "Park" to "Drive". To do this, you need to bypass the "R" and "N". This should be done by smoothly moving the lever and not stopping at inappropriate positions. The sound of the engine will announce the change in gear. He will become more deaf. This usually happens after a couple of seconds.

How to start moving in the selected mode?

One of important nuances car use with automatic transmission is that you must not take your foot off the brake pedal ahead of time. As long as you hold it, the car will not budge. Immediately after you release the brake pedal, then in the "D" position, the car will go forward, in "R" back, and in "Neutral" it remains in the same position. The exception is when the car is on a slope. Then on "D" she will remain motionless, and on "N" she will roll downhill.

A feature of a car with an automatic gearbox is that the motor pushes them in the "R" and "D" modes. This must be taken into account when driving a car equipped with this device. Also remember that the first thing the gearbox responds to is the use of the accelerator pedal. A few smooth clicks on it will lead to the fact that slow acceleration will begin. If you are making a maneuver, then do not be afraid to give "gas" sharply, sinking the pedal to the floor. The “machine” will react to this by turning on the “kick-down” mode, that is, it will first start working in a lower gear, and then begin a sharp acceleration.

Important! Remember that from the moment you press the "gas" to acceleration, a couple of seconds will definitely pass. When overtaking, you need to take into account this feature of automation.

A number of features has the control of a car with an automatic transmission. With this design, the car is easier to coordinate. The right foot alternately presses on two pedals - brake and gas, while the left foot remains idle. In all lever positions except "P", make it a rule to keep the brake pedal depressed. Many people switch to "Neutral" when driving downhill, thus trying to reduce gasoline consumption. The "N" mode should not be switched while driving. Due to the fact that you have to constantly slow down, the pads will heat up. It will be more beneficial to use engine braking in "Drive".

If you still decide to coast a section of the track, do not hold down the selector button when switching from Drive to Neutral. Before slowing down, return to "D" mode. Thereby easy way you will bypass the inclusion of "Reverse" and "Parking" by mistake, which can lead to the failure of the box.

How to stop driving with automatic transmission?

The termination of the movement of the car with automatic equipment also has its own characteristics. There are rules here too. If you do not take into account the nuances, everything is simple - if you want to stop, just press the brake pedal. There is no need to switch transmission modes while driving.

If you need to stop for a few moments in front of a traffic light or a zebra, stay in "D" mode. This will help keep your box intact. In this case, the brake pedal must be depressed.

In difficult road conditions(loose plug) it is possible to reduce the consumption of gasoline by the car. If you understand that you will stand for more than half a minute, then you can switch to "Neutral". Just do not release the brake pedal so as not to accidentally hit other cars. If traffic on the highway has stopped for a long time, you can let your right leg relax a little - switch to "P".

Many motorists do not use the parking brake because they trust the automation of their car. However, in the instructions that come with the documents of each car, there is a point that the handbrake should still be used at every long stop. Those who studied "mechanics" remember that before starting to move, it is necessary to check the condition of the "handbrake". They install it without thinking, but over time they also forget about the additional brake.

There are cases when owners of a car with an “automatic” cannot do without a handbrake:

stop with running engine;
wheel replacement;
stopping on a slope, if you do not apply the "handbrake" the lever will go to the "Parking" position with reluctance.

Do not neglect the use of the handbrake, because it was not in vain that auto manufacturers left this knot. If you stopped for a short time without turning off the engine and left the passenger compartment, only the handbrake can save you from force majeure situations. If you have been trained on "mechanics" and always use this node, before starting to move, look at dashboard. When enabled handbrake indicator will light up.

The main mistakes when using an automatic transmission

To drive a car with an installed "automatic" you need to acquire certain skills. The best way to do this is to study at a driving school or get some practical lessons from experienced drivers.

Important! Before the first trip on a new car, check the modification of the box. If this is a traditional automatic transmission, you need to start smoothly. Robotic modifications with DSG or PowerShift nodes, on the contrary, they like a more aggressive start. In the latter case, after reaching a certain speed, you do not need to press the gas pedal harder.

Many drivers while driving pay attention only to fuel consumption, but with an automatic transmission, you need to think about the safety of its components. If you do not take into account the features of the "smart" transmission, then the cost of gasoline will seem insignificant to you. Repairing this node can seriously drain your budget, so avoid these common rookie mistakes:

aggressive driving style;
sharp acceleration;
careless driving on slopes and mountain roads;
towing too heavy cars;
attempts to start the car "from the pusher";
untimely replacement of transmission oil.

Remember that the "machine" requires an extremely careful attitude. Keep this in mind when using the car. A car with him should not be started in the traditional Russian way (pushing it). If you are used to a fairly aggressive driving style, you should abandon it.

Automatic transmission requires extremely careful attitude

This type of transmission is extremely disliked cold start. If you start driving in winter, make it a rule to move the lever several times to different positions before starting to move. During this procedure, you must apply the brake. This will help disperse the oil in the box and make it a little warmer. In summer, this problem is not present, but still try not to accelerate in the first kilometers of movement, smooth movement will help the transmission warm up.

Also car With installed automatic transmission requires more careful attention in terms of maintenance. It needs to be driven regularly technical inspection and change the oil in the box, according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Important! Boxes with stepless variator not repairable. When they fail, it is necessary complete replacement node. Minor damage can be repaired by experienced craftsmen, but be prepared for the fact that in soon You will still have to replace this part of the car.

Every year, automatic transmissions become more and more complex in their design. Almost every manufacturer has in its model range a car with a robotic transmission. At the slightest malfunction in their work, you must contact an authorized service point. Only there you will be able to fix the breakdown and not make it worse.

Towing

If you want to avoid early wear boxes, try to refrain from moving heavy trailers or other vehicles with your car. When towing, for the operation of the “machine”, rather difficult conditions are created, leading to its overheating. It is especially dangerous in summer time, since there is no additional cooling that weather conditions provide. In winter, towing other cars is undesirable and cannot be carried out after a long stop and the transmission has cooled down.

Another situation is the case when your car can no longer continue to move. There is only one way out - you need to tow it to the nearest service station. Remember that the speed of movement on the cable should not exceed 50 kilometers per hour. You can only move in "Neutral", constantly monitoring the tension of the cable and the position of the car on the track. If you don't have enough driving experience, it's best to drop the idea of towing.

You can move only in "Neutral", constantly monitoring the tension of the cable and the position of the car on the track

Before deciding how to transport your car, take a look at its instructions. With some modifications of the boxes, transport must not be moved on a rigid hitch or cable. If you notice such a prohibition in the instructions for your car model, use the services of a tow truck. It will cost much less than changing the transmission.

In the end, I would like to say that despite all these nuances, the control of an automatic transmission remains one of the most convenient for the driver. After gaining the necessary experience, with its help you can learn how to save gasoline. If you have purchased a car with automatic transmission, do not rush to write out the addresses of the nearest service stations.

With proper use, it will be as durable as classical mechanics. Remember the main rule - you need to move smoothly. Some vehicles have robotic checkpoints, they like dynamic driving, but they can not make sharp jerks. Every time you press the pedal or the selector, remember that the durability of the car's transmission depends on your actions. Overtake other road users without much recklessness. It is not difficult to adjust the driving style; for this, only desire is enough.

Once you get used to this type of transmission, driving a car will give you a feeling of complete freedom. You will not need to think about engine speed and gear ratios.

Have you purchased a car with an automatic transmission? You are probably wondering how to properly use such a car, because proper operation will 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 especially heavy road conditions, for example, to overcome off-road. 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 for much more high revs engine, compared to normal acceleration. It is not recommended to use this mode for sharp acceleration "from a standstill", as this puts a very large load on the gearbox mechanism. 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 down 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 for starting a car with an automatic gearbox 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.