How to properly warm up a car in winter with automatic transmission. How to properly warm up the “automatic transmission” in winter

11.10.2019

On auto forums, owners, amateurs and mechanics argue whether the automatic transmission needs to be warmed up and what algorithm to do it. Each side gives its arguments based on theory and experience. We agree on one thing: the box will cover all 300,000 km if you take care of its condition and do not subject it to high loads.

Why you need to warm up the automatic transmission

The answer to the question "do I need to heat the car on the machine" lies in the acquaintance with the principles, design and operating conditions of the automatic transmission.

Clutch in the machine

The task of the transmission is to receive and transmit torque from the motor to the wheels. In the "classic" automatic machine, the engine power is received by a torque converter, which resembles a donut in an oil medium.

One half of the "donut" - the pump wheel - rotates with engine speed. Centrifugal force throws oil from the impeller blades onto the blades of the other half - the turbine, causing it to rotate. A reactor is installed between the wheels, which increases the engine torque by 2-3 times.

The torque converter absorbs and smoothes engine vibrations, drives the oil pump, which continuously fills the donut with fluid. The pump also creates pressure in the valve body, which controls the gears. It follows from this that there is no pressure in the automatic transmission until the engine is started.

The transmission fluid in the machine serves as a working fluid that transmits the moment of force and "serves" the entire structure. That is why you need to warm up the oil, not the lever.

Gear shift

The speeds are switched in a planetary mechanism with friction clutches connected to the turbine through a shaft. When an electronic signal is given, a certain channel opens in the valve body, through which oil passes. Pressure is created on the pistons, the clutch discs are tightly compressed, and the planetary gear is braked.

In order for the transmission to work at the right time, for each type of automatic transmission, the clutches and ATF composition are selected individually. In addition, the liquid lubricates and cools the rubbing structural elements.

Conditions for normal operation of automatic transmission

Unlike driving in a manual transmission, comfortable and safe driving in an automatic transmission depends on the quality and quantity of ATF:

Oil Condition	Consequences	Influence on the operation of automatic transmission
Dirty, old, overheated	Viscosity change, precipitation, low lubricating, anti-corrosion and cooling properties	A fine suspension settles on the filters, the oil pump does not create the necessary pressure, the efficiency of the torque converter drops. Clutches don't compress. The box switches jerkily. The channels of the valve body are clogged, the gear shift is blocked. The machine overheats due to high friction and fails faster.
underfilling	The pump will suck in air, causing the oil to foam. Additives in a diluted liquid lose their properties.	Insufficient pressure on the clutches leads to their slippage. Gears will shift jerky or jump. Lack of lubrication and cooling will lead to overheating of the automatic transmission, increased load and rapid wear.
overflow	The oil will foam and the excess will splash out. The liquid level will drop, resulting in loss of performance.
Mixing different oils or inappropriate composition	Additives are mixed. The chemical reaction is not predictable.	No operating pressure, insufficient lubrication and cooling of moving parts. The assembly does not work properly and wears out quickly.

It turns out that changing the properties of ATF leads to wear of the box. Manufacturers select the fluid for their transmission based on the tolerance of the engine load, the degree of viscosity, the type of additives that work under certain conditions. Therefore, in an automatic transmission, the oil must be warmed up in order to stabilize the pressure in the automatic transmission and “start” the working properties.

Features of the operation of the automatic transmission in the winter

Automatic transmissions break down in winter for several reasons:

if you do not warm up the cold oil and start moving “to the cold”, the box will experience high loads;
wheel slip in snow or on ice increases the wear of the automatic transmission;
the appearance of condensation inside the structure.

Due to one frozen drop of condensate between the rubber of the piston that compresses the clutches and the crankcase, the package may not work. To avoid repairs, you need to know how to warm up the automatic transmission in winter.

How does ATF fluid behave in cold weather?

Transmission fluid solidifies at temperatures below -40℃. Therefore, it is necessary to warm up the box not because of the freezing of the oil, but because of its thickening.

The properties of ATF fluid in the cold differ from the norm:

viscosity changes;
reduced resistance to oxidation;
the strength of the protective film decreases, etc.

If cold oil is not warmed up, hydraulic losses and fuel consumption will increase, and torque efficiency will drop:

at a liquid temperature of -25℃, the viscosity increases, the efficiency of the torque converter drops by 6%;
every 4 mm 2 /s difference in viscosity at different temperatures improves vehicle dynamics by 7% and reduces fuel consumption.

During operation, especially in the summer heat and in traffic jams, ATF becomes heavily contaminated and spreads sediment throughout the structure. Cold oil will not clear channels and hoses if it is not warmed up to a fluid consistency. Due to the pressure of the thick fluid, dirty seals and gaskets can leak.

How to warm up a car with automatic transmission

How long it takes to warm up the machine in the winter depends on the state of "overboard":

Ambient temperature

How to properly warm up the automatic transmission before driving

-5 to -10℃

Warm up the engine for 5-10 minutes. When the temperature sensor shows +80℃, you can start off smoothly and drive at 1500 rpm without jerks for about 5 minutes.

-10 to -35℃

1. Be sure to warm up the engine for at least 10 minutes.

2. Drive the selector through all gears with a delay of every 10 seconds, the foot is on the brake. The point is to fill all the channels with liquid and speed up the circulation.

Vibration may occur due to ATF friction in the torque converter, since the pump wheel has already started working, and the turbine wheel is still braked. In frost -20 ℃, it is enough to warm up the automatic transmission for 5 minutes.

3. When the speed drops to working, you can start a smooth movement at a speed of 40 km / h for 10 km (depending on the brand of car, mileage and temperature).

4. The oil finally warms up after several complete cycles.

ATF begins to circulate when the engine is started. Turbine blades initially rotate without load, which allows you to quickly warm up a clean liquid. The mode run adds 5 to 10℃. The oil returns to its fluid state and washes away all the dirt from the filter. The pressure of the environment increases. A smooth start of movement at 1500 rpm allows you to warm up the machine without additional loads.

Before driving, it is necessary to properly warm up the automatic transmission in order to extend its life. Holding the automatic transmission lever in "D" mode will speed up the movement of fluid. But not much. If the oil is dirty and old, and the box is worn out, then the increase in pressure will disable the assembly.
There will be no circulation problems even at -20℃ if you change the ATF and oil filter every 40 - 60,000 km.
A useful thing is the winter mode button: “Winter”, “Snow”. The machine starts from 2nd gear without slipping at the start. The torque converter perceives loads from the start of movement, which allows you to quickly warm up the ATF. In summer, the program cannot be used because of the risk of overheating the box.
The movement should be smooth, without sudden acceleration and deceleration. High loads harm the machine. The stopping distance on ice at a speed of 80 km / h is 300 m, so the distance with the car in front should be maximum.

How wheel slip affects automatic transmission wear in winter

The machine can skid on a non-uniform surface with a sharp start. When the wheels enter an icy area, the box shifts into overdrive. On dry surfaces, low gearing works. The problem is that a sudden transition increases the load on the assembly: the brake band can break, and the automatic transmission will lose some of the gears.

Operation of a car with automatic transmission in the summer

In the summer, a car with an automatic gearbox often suffers from overheating, hence the question: is it necessary to warm up the oil before starting to move and how long will it take?

Do I need to warm the car on the machine in the summer

ATF working temperature is within 75 - 95℃. With this indicator, the oil functions “as the doctor ordered”, which means that the moment is transmitted without loss, the automatic transmission is switched correctly, there is no wear on the elements.

Do I need to warm up the automatic transmission if it is +30 outside? You can warm up the oil together with the engine, and in summer 2 minutes is enough for this.

Once a month, you need to check the level and quality of the oil in the automatic transmission, since it can warm up to 150℃ without having time to cool, which leads to transmission wear.
On wet pavement, the drive wheels can slip. Due to high speeds, after 5 minutes, the automatic transmission will overheat by 40%. To get out, you need to turn on a lower gear "L" or "manual mode", allowing the automatic transmission to cool down every 3 minutes.

Warming up the automatic transmission: all the pros and cons

Supporters of the “cold start” of automatic transmission give arguments that can be accepted under certain conditions:

ATF is a perfect technical fluid that does not freeze and does not lose fluid and other properties, even if it is not heated.

You can count on the performance of the oil in a new car or with a recent complete change. The experiences of car owners confirm that the liquid thickens in the cold, and the worn oil is deposited on the walls of the container.

You can warm up the automatic transmission from the engine and body.

In the cold, the automatic transmission will take longer to warm up than the engine. The oil must go through several cycles through the box to enter the optimal mode of operation. The harder the frost, the longer you have to wait.

You can warm up the oil faster if you start immediately.

On dirty oil in a thickened state, the box will push and work incorrectly. With a sharp start, the load will increase and lead to a breakdown of the unit.

The selector run harms the box.

It is necessary to switch the selector in order to warm up the automatic transmission before starting to move: only after the engine is ready, without creating additional loads in the box. Manipulation is used in severe frosts.

The oil seals in the automatic transmission will withstand any pressure.

Seals are really designed for high pressure, but is it necessary to deliberately test automatic transmission parts when starting off at a “cold” start.

Warm up the machine or not - the choice is up to the owner, but only the correct operation of the unit and regular maintenance will extend the life of the automatic transmission.

Instruction

At minus fifteen degrees, the oil becomes viscous, as a result of which pressure arises. Therefore, it is better for you to spend a couple of minutes warming up the engine than to pay a lot of money for an automatic transmission later.

Many owners of cars with automatic transmission in the cold season prefer at low speed, warming up the engine, while not developing high speeds. This is not always convenient, so warm up the oil before the trip.

Start :
a. Start the engine, wait a bit.
b. After the engine has been running steadily, secure the vehicle with the handbrake. In this case, do not raise the speed - this threatens to disable your automatic transmission.
c. After 1-3 minutes of engine idling, move the selector to neutral (R) for a few seconds, then to mode (D).
d. In this mode, warm up the oil for two to four minutes.
e. Everything, you can safely get under way and go about your business.

Do not be afraid of such a procedure, there is nothing to worry about, since you do the same on the streets of the city and at traffic lights.

The requirements of motorists for their iron horses are constantly growing, and car manufacturers are constantly trying to improve the performance of their products. But with advantages and improvements, there are always some disadvantages and inconveniences. For example, if the battery of your car is in order, you are the king on the road, but if the battery is dead, for example, due to low temperature or for any other reason, then, without knowing the intricacies of working with an automatic transmission in such situations, you will hardly be able to deal with the car.

Instruction

One of the options for preventing problems in order to start the engine in the cold can be considered using a timer or temperature. Set it up as you like and with favorable and not too strong frost, this will certainly save you.

Another tip, choose the oil for your car, especially in winter, with great care. Do it by trial and error. Do not listen to the advice of a neighbor in the garage or parking lot, as they have their own car, and they may be useless for yours. Find the best fuel option for your car and it will not let you down at the right time.

When in cold weather you feel that you are expecting difficulty starting the engine, proceed as follows: depress the clutch, then start the engine. Wait a while for the vehicle's fuel pump to pump enough fuel. It is not necessary to gas at this moment yet, otherwise the attempt will end very sadly for your car. If it doesn't work right away, try a few more times. But do not pause between attempts, since filling the candles with fuel, you will definitely not be able to start the car that day.

As soon as you feel that the movement is gradually starting, help by adding gas. For the first minute, keep the engine running at exactly 2000 rpm. If after these steps your car still does not start, do not completely drain the battery. Leave trying to start the car until the next time.

Finally, try using the so-called "purge" mode. To do this, remove the gas pedal to the floor immediately so that the fuel pump does not pump fuel, then turn the starter and slowly release the gas pedal.

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, you should make sure that all consumers of electricity - a stove, air conditioning. heated seats, windows and steering wheel, radio. DVR is disabled. Next, you need to turn on the high beam headlights for 15-20 seconds. During this time, the electrolyte warms up, and the battery is ready for serious work on starting a frozen engine.
After the battery has recovered, you can start. But first you need to turn the engine with a starter without starting it for a while. This will ensure the supply of oil that has thickened in the cold after a long stop.
After that, in order for the starter not to have to scroll through the frozen elements - the crankshaft and gearbox - it is necessary to set the neutral speed and depress the clutch pedal. And only with the clutch depressed, you can turn on the ignition.
If the car starts immediately, the clutch should remain depressed for several minutes. This is necessary so that the oil in the gearbox warms up a little and liquefies. If the car does not start the first time, you need to repeat the ride only after a few minutes to allow the battery to recover. If the engine does not start immediately, the starter rotation time should be limited - no more than 20 seconds. Otherwise, the battery will be completely discharged and will not recover on its own.
How long does it take for an engine to warm up? Usually a few minutes. It is possible to determine that the engine has warmed up not only by the instrument, but also by the sound - it must work stably, without interruptions and not change the sound of operation when the clutch pedal is released.
After the engine has warmed up, you can start warming up the interior and turn on the stove and heated windows. At this time, you can clean the snow from the body.
As soon as the windows have warmed up and cleared of ice and snow, you can start moving. There is no need to wait any longer, because the engine warms up much faster and more efficiently on the go. But you need to know how to move correctly if the car is still warming up.
You need to move smoothly, do not step on the gas abruptly. The first 300-400 meters should be driven slowly, at a speed of 20-25 km/h. And only after that, shift the lever to second gear and accelerate, and drive the first 1-2 km without exceeding the speed of more than 40 km / h. Such a slow movement not only reduces the load on the engine that is not yet fully warmed up, but is also good for frozen tires and shock absorbers. To speed up the process of warming up the engine, you can close the grille from the outside. And only after the car has traveled a few kilometers, its functions are fully restored, and you can accelerate to the maximum permitted speed.

How to properly warm up a car with automatic transmission

automatic transmission also needs to be warmed up

Regardless of which transmission the car has, the principle of operation of the battery remains the same. Therefore, the need to prepare the battery for work also applies to cars with automatic transmission. That is, here you also need to make sure that all the electrics are turned off and turn on the high beam for 20-30 seconds.
Turn the starter without turning on the ignition for a while to ensure the supply of oil after a long stop in the cold. At this time, you can clear the car of snow.
Automatic boxes warm up only on the go. Therefore, the movement must begin almost immediately. To do this, first depress the brake pedal. This action is similar to depressing the clutch on a car with a manual transmission and makes it easier to rotate a frozen crankshaft.
Start the engine, while the automatic transmission range selection lever must be sequentially moved to all available positions, holding each position for several seconds. What is it for? In order for the thickened oil to fill the entire control system. You can repeat this action 2-3 times.
Next, you need to set the selector to the "L" position and drive the first 100-150 meters. Then you need to stop, move the selector to the “D” position and continue driving, but slowly, no more than 20-30 km / h. You need to drive this way for about 2 km, until the engine temperature gauge starts to creep up. And only then you can accelerate to the flow rate or the maximum allowed. But for the first few kilometers, intense sudden accelerations should be avoided until the car's functions are fully restored. This sequence of actions contributes to the proper warming up of the automatic transmission, as well as the internal combustion engine and transmission.

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Many drivers, under the influence of generally accepted misconceptions, continue to kill engines by warming their cars for a long time in the cold at idle. At the same time, these same motorists often forget about such an important process as automatic transmission warming up. We have already considered why it is not worth warming up modern gasoline ICEs at idle. It's time to talk about how to properly warm up the gearbox automatic torque converter type.

Why do you need to warm up the automatic transmission?

For normal gear shifting in cold weather, at least 2 conditions must be met:

the valve body channels are filled with ATF;
the system is pressurized with oil.

Failure to comply with these factors leads to kicks, bumps when shifting gears, accelerated wear of the clutch packs. Due to insufficient pressure, the friction and steel discs close with a delay, so there is a more intense abrasion of the friction layer. Subsequently, a suspension of wear products is transferred with oil to the channels of the valve body.

Acting as an abrasive, friction dust accelerates the wear of solenoids, channels, and also clogs lines. As a result, if not on time, you will soon feel bumps when shifting gears, delays when changing gears, and other signs of a malfunction. Warming up the automatic transmission reduces the harm of negative factors and extends the service life.

Design features

The need to warm up the automatic transmission is determined by the features. Recall that in an automatic transmission, transmission oil plays the role of a working fluid. ATF is used not only to lubricate and cool transmission elements, but also to transmit torque between the input and output shafts, and to close clutch packs.

The automatic transmission control unit controls all processes, which, through communication with the engine ECU (), decides which gear to turn on. But inside the automatic transmission case, only solenoids are subject to the control unit. By supplying/disconnecting power to the solenoids at the right time, the control unit closes or opens the channels for oil circulation through the hydraulic plate. It is the redirection of the ATF fluid flow that makes it possible to close the clutch packs corresponding to the gear ratio required in this mode.

What happens to oil in cold weather?

The need to warm up the automatic transmission is primarily due to the negative impact of negative temperatures on the viscosity of the ATF fluid. Most likely, in the winter after the start of the movement, you have repeatedly observed how already at -15 ° C the steering wheel on a car with a hydraulic booster becomes heavier. But inside the automatic transmission is oil, which is extremely close in basic composition and additive packages to the fluids used in the power steering.

The oil pump is responsible for the pressure in the system, which, with the onset of frost, is forced to pump a thicker liquid. Now you understand that the main purpose of warming up an automatic transmission is to stabilize the pressure in the oil system. Also, do not forget about the planetary gear and other rubbing pairs, which are lubricated with the same ATF fluid during movement. With this view, automatic transmission warm-up is needed for the same reason that many drivers warm up a manual transmission, transfer case, rear axle gearbox while driving.

How to do everything right?

The automatic transmission should be warmed up in winter in 2 stages:

Warm up your car in winter

In the article "" we told why long warm-ups at idle lead to overheating of the piston rings, scuffing in the CPG and a waste of money. In the case of automatic transmissions, recommended by many owners, warming up in P mode without moving will not harm the transmission, but it will not save you money either. The oil inside the box is heated by circulation through the accumulator, oil pump and oil system channels. Properly warming up the automatic transmission in motion, you will save money on fuel, extend the life of the gearbox and engine.

The most reasonable solution in winter is to warm up the automatic transmission along with the engine, transfer case, axles and power steering.

Since the oil in the power steering system also thickens, after starting to drive in frost, refrain from sudden maneuvering, turning the steering wheel on asphalt, ground without moving the car.

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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 the 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.