Four-speed automatics have long been established in the car market and continue to be popular. Motorists love them for comfort, ease of gear shifting, reliability and a very low price. But progress does not stand still, and manufacturers equip new car models with six- and even eight-speed automatics. The six-speed automatic is no longer a novelty - it has been on the market for several years. But many car owners and people who are just about to purchase their first vehicle are tormented by doubts about how many steps are enough, and whether it is worth overpaying for a “six-step”.
Advantages of the 4-stage version
Many drivers praise the common four-speed gearboxes and distrust the newfangled six-speed automatic transmission. They give the following arguments:
- Unreliability. Four gears are better because they've been around for a long time and are more reliable, and automatic transmissions with more gears will break down more often.
- Money spendings. Firstly, the “six-speed” itself is more expensive than a four-speed box. Secondly, its repair will also require additional costs, since the automatic transmission mechanism is more complicated there, and in combination with the first point, a six-speed gearbox generally becomes a huge hole in the budget of a car owner with such a transmission.
- No differences. Also, supporters of the four-speed automatic claim that there are no differences in driving sensations with different automatic transmissions, and they do not see the difference at all. Moreover, in their opinion, there are no differences in the technical part: fuel consumption, speed, smooth switching.
However, one should not draw hasty conclusions, since all these arguments are erroneous. A six-speed automatic is far from a new item in the automotive industry, and all the errors (which may have been found in the first generations of cars with such boxes) have long been fixed. The designs of these boxes are very similar, which means that it is impossible to judge which of the automatic transmissions is more reliable and practical - most likely, they are the same in this parameter.
A six-speed automatic is really more expensive, and its repair in a service center will also require considerable costs. But repairing an automatic four-speed gearbox is also not cheap, and it breaks down no less often, that is, you overpay only initially, for the box itself.
Arguments in favor of 6-speed type
Now let's talk about the differences, but they really are, and there are a lot of them. All these points can be considered the advantages of a six-speed automatic transmission compared to a four-speed one.
- Comfort while driving. Due to the presence of more automatic transmission gears, they will shift more often and more smoothly, which means that during the trip there will be no sharp shocks with each gear change. In order to properly shift gear using a four-speed gearbox, you need to re-gas, since there are not enough steps in this case. With a large number of steps, this problem does not arise, so it shifts more smoothly.
- Fuel consumption. A larger number of gears allows you to select the optimal stage for a given speed more accurately so that the number of engine revolutions is minimal. This allows you to significantly save gasoline consumption in cars with a six-speed automatic transmission.
- Speed. The number of gears has little effect on the maximum speed of the car, other parameters are important here, such as engine power or exhaust system. However, a larger number of steps will ensure smooth acceleration, thereby reducing its duration. At higher speeds, it's hard to feel the difference. Let's just say that the optimal transmission reduces engine speed, reduces not only fuel consumption, but also the wear of some car systems.
Summarize
Thus, the question of the advisability of buying a car with a six-speed automatic box is no longer relevant. Driving such a car will be more comfortable and smooth. You can also reduce fuel consumption and save a lot of money. This is where a situation arises where more passes are indeed better. An eight-speed also has more gears and will be more comfortable than a six-speed.
Cars are constantly evolving and improving, and progress should be treated with great interest, because it is curious to try more advanced technologies than to constantly use old, and not always more reliable mechanisms. Therefore, if you have a couple of extra tens of thousands of rubles, feel free to buy a car with six gears on an automatic transmission, and you definitely will not regret buying it.
Until 2014, a 4-speed automatic transmission was installed on a Hyundai Solaris car. After restyling for cars with a 1.6-liter engine, the plant began installing 6-speed automatics. The box proved to be excellent, however, there are some complaints about it. In addition to the design of the automatic transmission, you need to know the rules for operating a car with a gun, which we will do now.
Until 2014, Solaris could only be installed 4-speed automatic A4CF1 regardless of engine size. Since 2009, the company, together with Mitsubishi, began the development and testing of a new six-speed automatic transmission A6GF1, which replaced the outdated five-speed automatic. Initially, the new box was installed on the limited edition Hyundai Avante in HD / MD trim levels, and later the box went to the Sonata, Opirus, Kia Optima and several other cars, including the Hyundai Solaris.
According to official figures, Solaris with a new 6-speed automatic transmission has become more economical, more dynamic and smoother, although the numbers do not always confirm this. With Gamma 1.6 engine and manual transmission, the car consumes 6.1 l/100 km in combined cycle.
Solaris with a gun and the same engine asks 6.5 l. in the combined cycle, and acceleration to hundreds with the advent of the machine increased by a second - from 10.3 s before 11,3 .
Classification and design features of automatic transmission
Automatic transmission with sump removed.
According to company standards, gearbox index A6GF1 and A4СF1 is decrypted as follows:
- A - automatic transmission with electronic control;
- 6 or 4 - the number of steps;
- G - class in terms of torque power, in our case, the automatic transmission can work with engines up to two liters;
- F - indicates that the automatic transmission is designed for a front-wheel drive car;
- 1 - automatic transmission modification, the higher the value, the more torque the gearbox can pass through.
In some modifications of the automatic transmission A6GF1 can be found index L, which means that the box is designed for torque not less than 400 Nm paired with a diesel engine with a volume of 2.4–3.8 liters. Letter M speaks of the ability of the automatic transmission to transmit up to 280 Nm torque and work with gasoline and diesel engines with a volume of 1.6–2.4 liters.
Deciphering the automatic transmission markings A6GF1, A6MF1 / 2 and A6LF1 / 2/3.
The hydromechanical automatic machine on Solaris has a classic design - a torque converter, several planetary gearboxes, friction and overrunning clutches. Nevertheless Automatic transmission A6GF1 has several features, distinguishing it from other models:
- bypass valve body got the ability to change the maximum linear pressure which saves fuel.
- Damping clutch installed directly on the torque converter , and this made it possible to improve the frequency conversion of the motor and also save up to 12% of fuel.
- In automatic transmission a driven power take-off gear with face grinding of teeth was used , which allowed to increase the resource of the unit and reduce its noise level.
- The box is controlled by the control unit , which fully controls the oil pressure and responds to changes in the number of engine revolutions, this made it possible to obtain smoother gear shifts.
- The control range of the shock-absorbing clutch has been increased , which also had a positive effect on fuel consumption.
- The tachometer receives data from the control unit automatic transmission, not from the vehicle speed sensor.
Repair and maintenance of automatic transmission Hyundai Solaris
The difference between the instrument panel and automatic transmission is in a separate window with the gearbox operating mode.
The first maintenance work on a six-speed automatic transmission of the A6GF1 family should be carried out every 30000 km run.
At this time, the level and quality of the oil in the box crankcase is checked, and its replacement should be carried out at a mileage of 80–100 thousand km, depending on the operating mode. ATF oil for all Solaris automatic transmissions uses the SP4 standard in a volume of 7.3 to 7.8 liters. depending on the modification of the box. When changing the oil, the filter must be replaced. Filter catalog number - 367010BC.
A six-speed automatic transmission is very sensitive to oil quality and pressure. More than 140-150 thousand on the run, as a rule, replacement of the repair kit of gaskets and oil seals is required. If you do not replace them in time, the solenoids may fail, on which the load increases significantly. If the oil pressure is below normal (oil leakage, low level), there is a high probability of failure of the clutches. In such cases, you must use complete repair kit with index 367007.
By timely servicing the automatic transmission on Solaris, you can achieve a high resource of the unit and proper correct operation. Keep an eye on the oil level in the box and good luck to everyone!
Video about changing the oil in an automatic transmission on a Hyundai Solaris
The review contains the most popular automatic transmissions. We will tell you which machines to avoid, which problems are most common and which boxes are the most reliable.
The most reliable automatic transmissions
ZF 5HP 24/30.
- about 500,000 km.
The family of 5-speed automatics is designed for cars with a longitudinally mounted engine. The 5HP30 version appeared in 1992. It has found its application primarily in 8 and 12-cylinder BMW models. In addition, automatic transmission has found its wide application in Aston Martin, Bentley and Rolls-Royce. The box copes well with torque up to 560 Nm.
In 1996, the 5HP24 version was released, which was used in Jaguar and Range Rover. In 1997, a modification 5НР24А appeared, designed for vehicles with all-wheel drive. It was used in the Audi A6 and A8 with Quattro all-wheel drive and the Volkswagen Phaeton. The remaining boxes 5НР24/30 are designed only for vehicles with rear wheel drive.
The 5-speed ZF debunks the myth that a powerful engine drastically shortens the life of an automatic transmission. In the case of the 5HP series family, especially modifications 24 and 30, the boxes surely reach the milestone of 500,000 km, even in intensively used cars.
Application example :
Aston Martin DB7
BMW 5 E39, 7 E38, Z8
Jaguar XJ8
range rover
Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph
GM5L40-E.
Mileage to overhaul- about 450,000 km.
Since 1998, a 5-speed automatic transmission manufactured by GM has been installed in BMW cars - the first models of the 323i and 328i e46 series. Initially, it was intended for cars with a longitudinally mounted engine and rear-wheel drive. In 2000, a version for all-wheel drive modifications appeared, which immediately got into the BMW X5. In addition, since 2004, automatic transmission has been used in various rear-wheel drive GM models. The 5L40 is capable of handling up to 340 Nm of torque and is designed for vehicles weighing less than 1800 kg. The production of the machine ended in 2007. It was replaced by a 6-speed 6L50.
Durability is the main advantage of this transmission. The need for repairs usually arises no earlier than after 400-450 thousand km. The advantages include soft work.
Application example:
BMW 3 E46, 5 E39, X5 E53, Z3
Cadillac CTS, STS
Jeep 545R.F.E.
Mileage to overhaul- about 400,000 km.
The 5-speed automatic 545 RFE appeared in 2001. It was the next step in the evolution of the 45 RFE 4-speed automatic transmission, produced since 1999. The 545 was first used in the Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ, and later in other cars of this brand. For example, in Dodge pickups and even in London taxis.
Despite the fact that the box is used in cars that are subjected to heavy loads, it creates few problems. This is a typical representative of the American school: the shifts are very slow, but it is almost impossible to “drive in” the automatic transmission. Repair after 400,000 km is not very difficult.
Application example:
Jeep Grand Cherokee, Commander Wrangler
Dodge Dakota, Durango
ToyotaA340.
Mileage to overhaul- about 700,000 km.
The box is designed for cars with a front engine and rear or all-wheel drive. The transmission has 4 steps. A350 series - 5-speed. Automatic transmission has been offered since 1986.
The box is famous for its reliability and durability. At 300-400 thousand km, it may be necessary to replace worn clutches and oil seals. After a small repair, the box will last the same amount. The first overhaul may be needed only after 700,000 kilometers.
Application example:
Toyota 4Runner Supra
Lexus GS, LS
ToyotaA750.
Mileage to overhaul- about 500,000 km.
The 5-speed transmission was mainly used in large SUVs and SUVs of the Lexus and Toyota brands. It is still in production since 2003. The machine does not have a fast operating speed, but in terms of reliability it is one of the best. And this is despite the fact that the A750 is constantly working with heavy loads.
It is difficult to find an instance that would require a box repair up to 400,000 km. This is one of the few machines that you can rely on, even without knowing the car's past. It works equally well both on the first day after purchase, and after several hundred thousand kilometers.
Application example:
Toyota Land Cruiser
Lexus LX
Mercedes 722.4.
Mileage to overhaul- 700,000 km.
Today, no one produces such machines. The wear resistance of 722.4 has become legendary. The 4-speed gearbox has been used since the 1980s in Mercedes cars, including the 190 and W124. Regardless of the bundle - with a 4, 5 or 6-cylinder engine - it has always demonstrated high reliability.
The design of the machine 722.4 is practically indestructible. Problems can only arise in individual copies that have undergone extremely ruthless exploitation.
Application example:
Mercedes 190, 200-300 W124, C-class
JeepA904.
Mileage to overhaul- 600,000 km.
It must be admitted that the design of this transmission is archaic. The machine has only three gears, and it appeared in 1960. A904 is a modified version of the box from the 50s of the last century. Its production ended only in the 21st century. Agree, for 40 years they have not produced boxes that cause problems.
The endurance and durability of the automatic transmission is evidenced by the fact that it was used even in American trucks. Repair, thanks to a simple design, is not very complicated and may be needed only after 600,000 km.
Application example:
Jeep Cherokee XJ, Wrangler YJ, TJ
Mazda / Ford FN4A-EL / 4F27E.
Mileage to overhaul- 500,000 km.
The box was developed jointly by Mazda and Ford. In the cars of each of the companies, the machine received its own designation. Although the box was created relatively recently (in 2000), it has only 4 gears. But this is her only drawback. Gear changes are soft and smooth, and the torque converter can lock up over a wide rev range, helping to reduce fuel consumption. The most important advantage is that the box very rarely causes problems.
For both Ford and Mazda, 500,000 km before the 1st major automatic transmission repair is standard. Up to this point, there are practically no cases that require the intervention of service specialists.
Application example :
Ford Focus, Transit Connect
Mazda 3, Mazda 6
The most problematic automatic transmissions
aisinTF-80SC.
Repair cost- about 1500 $.
The classic six-speed automatic transmission is used in dozens of models from Alfa Romeo to Volvo. The engineers managed to create a compact box, in size, not exceeding the dimensions of a manual transmission. The design of the machine turned out to be light and modern. Time has shown that serious malfunctions do not happen with the box.
Regardless of the model, jerks are often observed when changing gears. The problem affects the 4th, 5th and 6th stages and is caused by improper operation of the solenoid valves in the valve body. Ignoring the problem may damage the box.
Application example:
Ford Mondeo
Peugeot 408
Opel Insignia
Volvo XC60
JatcoJF011E.
Repair cost- about 2500 $.
It is a continuously variable CVT transmission or CVT. The change in gear ratios occurs due to a smooth change in the position of the “belt” on the bevel wheels. Theoretically, such a box has many advantages. A virtually infinite number of gears allows you to keep the engine in the optimal operating range depending on current needs. This reduces fuel consumption. The change of gear ratios is imperceptible. There can be no talk of any pushes or jerks, which increases the level of comfort while driving. Due to its design, the variator has small dimensions and weight.
Unfortunately, often boxes of this type are criticized by drivers because of the unnatural mode of operation. They keep the engine rpm too high. During operation, the variator creates many problems.
The main element of the CVT is a steel belt, which wears out along with the cones. Repairs may cost about $2,500. Often the control module fails.
Application example:
Nissan Qashqai, X-Trail
Mitsubishi Outlander
AudiDL501.
Repair cost- up to 4000 $.
The commercial name of the S-Tronic box. It is an automated double clutch transmission (wet type) and is designed for models with engines mounted longitudinally with a maximum torque of 550 Nm. The box has 7 gears, and the range of gear ratios, depending on the engine, can reach 8:1.
Very often there are malfunctions in the mechatronics, which disables the clutch pack. Replacing the node does not solve the problem. Factory repair gives the best result, where they know how to correct design flaws.
Problems with the box occur regularly. Not all services are able to cope with its repair, the cost of which is very high.
Application example:
Audi A4, A5, Q5
ZF 6HP.
Repair cost- about 1500 $.
The first 6-speed automatic is used in many cars. It was first used in the 2001 BMW 7. Today it is installed in several dozen models. These are mainly premium cars or large SUVs. Automatic guarantees quick and smooth gear changes and practically does not increase fuel consumption.
There are several versions of the box, differing in size and ability to digest the maximum torque (up to 600 Nm). And this is where the problems begin. Such gigantic loads reduce the resource of any automatic transmission. And almost all cars with a ZF 6HP gearbox are equipped with high power engines.
Troubles arise, first of all, when paired with strong versions of engines. Often there are problems with 4th, 5th and 6th gears, which is caused by a rupture of the input shaft basket. In addition, malfunctions occur due to malfunctions in the electrical board of the box controller.
Application example:
BMW 3 E90, 5 E60, 7 E65, X5 E70
Jaguar XJ, XF
range rover
Volkswagen Phaeton
LUK 01J.
Repair cost– up to 5000 $.
The continuously variable automatic transmission developed jointly by LUK and Audi is commercially known as Multitronic. It is designed for cars with a longitudinally mounted engine and front-wheel drive. CVT is capable of digesting up to 400 Nm of torque. A chain is used instead of a steel belt.
Unfortunately, most owners have had a negative experience with the German CVT. A typical nuisance is that the car jerks at low speeds, even after choosing the neutral mode, and in the “D” position, the driving mode indicators flash.
Problems begin after 120-150 thousand km, and with an aggressive driving style - even earlier. The cost of repairs sometimes reaches $ 5,000, which is actually unprofitable. The most common cause of failure is wear on the drive chain and bevel gears. Often there are failures in the operation of the computer that controls the operation of the variator. The multitronic is also subject to mechanical damage. It can fail even as a result of a small collision.
Application example:
Audi A4, A5, A6.
aisinAW55-50.
Repair cost- about 1000 $.
This is one of the most common 5-speed automatic in stock cars. However, in different models, they have design differences, so they cannot be interchanged. One of the typical drawbacks is the constant twitching when switching from "N" to "D" and when starting off.
Fortunately, the box's great popularity and the limited range of recurring problems makes it quite easy for specialized services to troubleshoot. The cause of most ailments is the failure of the solenoid valves (comfortable switching, pressure lines, torque converter clutch) of the valve body. There are also leaks from the box radiator.
Application example :
Opel Vectra C
Renault Laguna
Volvo S40, V50, S60, V70
JatcoJF506E.
Repair cost- about 1500 $.
The classic 5-speed automatic transmission used in front-wheel drive models of many brands. The automatic machine in various models is distinguished by a torque converter and the selection of gear ratios.
Most often, malfunctions occur due to problems with the piston in one of the clutch packs. Another characteristic problem is the wear of solenoid valves. A typical repair will cost $1,500. The matter is complicated by the fact that the box requires a certain amount of experience from the mechanic. Otherwise, even changing the oil can damage the machine.
Application example :
Ford Mondeo
Land Rover Freelander
Mazda MPV
Volkswagen Golf Sharan
GM6T35/40/45.
Repair cost- about 2000 dollars.
The family of 6-speed automatics manufactured by GM is known as the Hydra-Matic. The box is designed for vehicles with a transverse engine. Different versions differ in their ability to transmit maximum torque.
There is only one main problem - the destruction of the wavy clamping spring. As a result, a large number of solid remains quickly disable the rest of the box. In this case, the cost of repairs reaches $ 2,000.
Application example:
Chevrolet Cruze, Malibu, Captiva.
Conclusion
The era of reliable and durable machines (with rare exceptions) ended at the turn of the century. Under the pretext of environmental concerns, the use of lead in electronic circuits was banned at that time. Lead-free solder joints are less strong, less reliable, and less resistant to corrosion. As a result, a large number of electronic malfunctions appeared, which in turn affected the durability of automatic transmissions. If the electronics fail, the elements of the box stop working under optimal conditions and are subject to accelerated wear.
Every driver probably remembers the words of his first instructor. "Before turning the ignition key, make sure the car is in neutral." This article will discuss the types of gearboxes, their differences from each other, the advantages and disadvantages, as well as the scope.
On average, the crankshaft of the engines of most passenger cars has an operating speed of 800 to 8000 per minute. At the same time, peak power falls on four to five thousand revolutions. Of course, such a range of angular velocities does not meet the operating conditions of any wheeled vehicle in general and passenger cars in particular.
The main purpose of an automobile gearbox is to change the speed, as well as the torque transmitted from the engine crankshaft to the vehicle's drive wheels.
The first node of this kind was a manual transmission. There is an opinion that the word "mechanical" got into the name of the unit due to a misunderstood abbreviation adopted in the English-language technical literature. The letters MT stand for manual transmission, which means “manual, hand-switched transmission”, and not mechanical at all - mechanical.
How it works
It is easiest to explain the principle of operation of this unit using the example of a manual gearbox. In fact, the MCP is a multi-stage reduction gear, assembled according to a three-shaft, and less commonly, a two-shaft scheme. The input or drive shaft is connected to the engine flywheel by means of a clutch. The secondary or driven shaft has a rigid connection with the car's cardan shaft. The third, intermediate, shaft is necessary to transfer revolutions from the drive shaft to the driven one. The shafts are parallel to each other and assembled in a single housing. 
On the drive shaft is a gear that transmits movement to the intermediate shaft. The intermediate shaft is equipped with a block of dead-mounted gears, often made as a single unit. The driven shaft gears are located in the axle slots or special hubs. Between them are gear clutches that rotate with the shaft, but are able to move along its longitudinal axis. The gears and clutches of the driven shaft can interact with each other using gear rims on their end surfaces.
When you turn on any gear other than reverse, the clutch responsible for its inclusion is connected to the corresponding gear and blocks it. Moving as a whole, the driven shaft transfers rotation to the cardan shaft.
The forward movement of the clutch is reported by the driver of the vehicle, acting on it with the help of the gearshift handle, which interacts with the forks and sliders of the box.
Four-speed gearbox and its operation scheme
Highlighted in color:
- Input Shaft - Orange
- Secondary - yellow
- Intermediate - gray
Alphanumeric designations indicate the gear number and reverse.
Neutral position and first gear 
Five-speed gearbox
Video that demonstrates how it works.
Unsynchronized manual transmissions
The speeds of rotation of the gears of the driven shaft differ significantly from one another. In this case, when trying to change gear, the clutch simply cannot connect with the required gear, and the ring gear will be destroyed. To approximately equalize the speeds of rotation of the gear and the clutch, a technique called "double squeeze" is used. When shifting to a higher gear, the driver first depresses the clutch, then moves the shift lever to neutral. The intermediate shaft, and therefore the driven one, stops rotating. Then he releases the clutch, squeezes and engages the desired gear.
When switching from an upshift to a downshift, the driver needs to carry out similar manipulations, but at the moment when the box is turned off, you should press the accelerator pedal. This technique is called "double squeeze with regassing."
Non-synchronized manual gearboxes were used in passenger cars until the 1940s. Today they are used exclusively in sports cars, and here are the reasons:
- Faster switching speed than synchronized counterparts
- Better withstand high shock loads that occur during operation
Synchronized MCPs
These types of gearboxes are equipped with additional elements - synchronizers. The gears located on the driven shaft have a conical end surface. Between each gear and the shift clutch there is a bronze ring - a synchronizer. Starting the movement, the clutch picks up the ring and presses it against the end surface of the gear. Due to friction, the speed of rotation of the gear and the clutch are equalized, after which they are finally connected using a ring gear. To date, all modern cars that have a 4, 5 or 6-speed manual gearbox are equipped with synchronizers.
The history of the manual gearbox, from the Ford T to the Bugatti Veyron
Since the advent of the first car and to this day, designers have used the following types of manual gearboxes:
Automatic and semi-automatic transmissions
Despite the amazing capabilities of modern gearboxes, their design is based on the same time-tested manual gearbox. The changes affected the drive of the switching clutches and the method of transmitting torque from the engine crankshaft to the drive shaft of the box, otherwise the circuit remained unchanged.
Separately, there are devices called variators, their principle of operation will be considered separately.
An automatic transmission or automatic transmission consists of a torque converter and a conventional 5 or 6-speed manual gearbox. The role of the torque converter is to smoothly equalize the speeds of rotation of the drive and crankshafts. Upon reaching the desired speed, the lock-up clutch switches the torque converter into fluid clutch mode. The electronic control unit is responsible for the operation of the automatic transmission. 
The robotic gearbox is a manual transmission in which the gearshift and clutch disengagement functions are fully automated. The electronic control unit and electromechanical servos cope with the task no worse than a professional racer.
Comparative characteristics of types of gearboxes
Most neophytes choosing their first car are wondering - which box to choose? Mechanic or automatic. Or maybe a robot? Four-speed mechanics is not quoted, you need at least a five-speed gearbox. Or 7G Nronic.
Which gearbox is better depends solely on the operating conditions.
Automatic transmission has proven itself in city driving. 5 or 6-speed, providing a smooth ride of the car, relieving the driver from frequent gear changes while driving in the evening "toffee". There are instances with eight steps. But every comfort has its price. Increased fuel consumption and slow acceleration of the car are a moderate price to pay for the opportunity to relax on the way home.
Robotic boxes provide their owners with almost the same level of comfort. Fuel consumption is kept at the level of mechanics, but the response speed leaves much to be desired. Robots are made on the basis of modern 5 or 6-speed manual gearboxes. A great option for a city car and driving long distances on a smooth road.
The mechanical four-speed box of stars from the sky is not enough, but it perfectly fulfills its main purpose. Various types of 5 and 6-speed gearboxes will shake your nerves in the city, but they will show themselves perfectly on the highway, maintaining the optimal engine operation.
What is more important - comfort in the city or a mighty breakthrough on the highway, everyone must decide for himself.
It's not a secret for anyone now that the automatic transmission is gaining very great popularity in Russia. No matter how the mechanics argue with me, but the growth is 5-10% every year, and this is a lot, whether this is good or bad is the second question, but people get used to the good. However, whoever encounters an automatic transmission for the first time must decide for himself which transmission he will take - an old and archaic 4-speed (often these are really ancient models) or a modern one with 6 gears. It seems that at first glance everything is quite simple - of course modern! However, not everything is so simple here. Why - read on, there will be a vote and a video at the end ...
In general, I am very often asked to speak on this subject, and so I decided to write a small article. You know, not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance. And on the one hand, modern manufacturers are to blame here, and on the other hand, those owners who are poured incomprehensible information into their ears by dealers of official salons. However, let's not rush everything in order.
Automatic (automatic transmission) 4 speed
As it becomes clear, there are only four gears, such “boxes” were developed a long time ago, I would even say that their dawn was 20 years ago. Now they are receding into the background and making room for new progressive machines.
However, some manufacturers (in particular Nissan, AvtoVAZ and others) that produce cars in Russia install them in their cars. Is it good or bad? Is it worth buying a car with it, or is your hand reaching out to take a more technologically advanced unit? Take your time, cock all the pros and cons.
Let's go right away let's go negative :
- Yes, they are outdated. Often the gear shifts are slower and there is thoughtfulness
- Fuel consumption with such a "box" is really increased. Compared to mechanics, it can be up to 20 - 30%
- On the track, limited opportunities, already at a speed of 120 - 130 km / h, the engine will work at its limits, as well as the transmission. Turnover will skyrocket! And you won’t be able to upshift; there are only 4 of them! Which leads to excessive fuel consumption and a decrease in engine life.
- A large amount of oil, no one thought about it before, you need 8 - 10 liters, which means that we pour that much.
That's all the negativity that comes to my mind like this. BUT! Despite it, these automatic transmissions, there are a lot of pluses . Old automatic transmissions were made with the expectation of a large number of kilometers, simple and REAL maintenance - OWN HANDS.
What does it mean:
- Yes, it's just that their margin of safety is much higher than that of their modern counterparts (it's just the design)
- They are serviced! That is, you can remove the pallet from them and climb inside without any difficulties.
- You can serve them yourself. THIS POINT IS VERY IMPORTANT! Again, you don’t need more tools to unscrew the pan, that is, an oil change can take place in almost every garage (if there is a pit)
- You can change the filter when you change the oil. This is again important
- It is easy to remove the valve body and check it, and the solenoids
- There is a separate cooling radiator
There are already many advantages. WHAT I WANT TO SAY THIS - friends are often old automatic transmissions, they really go for a long time and if you are timely and correct (with oil and filters). THE RESOURCE IS REALLY HUGE! They can also walk 250 - 350 - 400,000 kilometers. I have such examples.
As for the city mode, they are enough for the eyes, do not believe those that - they say 4 gears for the city is "NOT ICE" - this is not true.
Modern automatic transmission - 6 gears
They were developed much later, this is the modern generation. About 5-7 years ago they were installed only on executive cars, but now they are literally on every Solaris.
I will not stretch the article, let's go straight to positive aspects of this transmission :
- Virtually imperceptible shifts, almost no jolts
- Dynamic acceleration, without "blunts"
- Fuel consumption is low, just like a manual transmission. This is a really big plus, because the efficiency can be up to 20 - 30%
- There's less oil here
- ON the track you can move at high speeds, much more than 120 km / h as on old automatic transmissions. Moreover, the engine will not “roar like a beast”, the revolutions will be within 3000. This means that the consumption on the highway will be minimal
It seems like here it is an obvious choice - THIS IS TECHNOLOGY, PROGRESS, SPEED in the end. BUT here, friends, everything is sad with reliability and resource. Cons and understandable to me these machines have a lot:
- Let's start with the fact that this machine is UNMAINTAINED, that is, it does not have a pallet like the old "machines", you cannot just disassemble it and see what's inside.
- Many dealers tell you that they are maintenance free, in general. That is, you do not need to change the oil, it is there for the entire service life. JUST A NIGHTMARE
- If you still get to the oil change, then you cannot change the filter. And with high mileage, it really clogs up, your automatic transmission starts to kick
- Again, just like that, you can not get to the valve body and solenoids
- YES, and generally serve the box itself (climb inside) will not work. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT! There is no pallet - you need to remove and "half" it, and this is to disassemble half of the car
- The radiator is combined with the engine radiator. Often there just isn't enough cooling.
MANUFACTURERS calculated everything very correctly - modern automatic transmissions MUST WALK 150,000 km, and then everything! The warranty has ended repair or better replacement of the entire car as a whole.
Damn, it’s just funny to me myself - why can’t you leave a pallet in the bottom - it’s so simple. And the owners themselves would be able to change the oil and immediately the filter. The resource would grow exponentially. But no, money will come less. Sadness of the modern world!
It turns out that I buy a car with a 6-speed unit, you yourself, without realizing it, will have to change it at 150,000 km. Against this background, old and supposedly archaic old men in 4 gears look VERY ATTRACTIVE. As you can see, everything is not so simple.
Automatic - arithmetic
Well, what did they hang their noses on - “six-speed”? Guys I'll cheer you up a little. I suggest you calculate - which is better in the end for the money.
Look, almost all old automatic transmissions have a flow rate of about 12 - 14 liters in the city (of course, someone can even "vomit" and fit into 11 liters, but this is rare). Let's take an average figure of about 13 liters.
New "machines" consume 8 - 9 liters in the city. Let it be about 9 liters. Do you understand what I mean? DIFFERENCE in - 4 liters (or so).
From a thousand it will be 1,600 rubles, and from 100,000 - 160,000 rubles.
Considering that the machine breaks down at 150,000 km, it will save 240,000 rubles. And the average repair price of a modern automatic transmission is about 60 - 100,000 rubles (depending on where you do it). YES, and you can buy a contract for 40-50 thousand.
