how does one properly drive an automatic

[jaffar]

Hi all

I know, it seems a stupid question, please bear with me.

It's my first automatic car. Simple question - while in busy traffic and having to stop every few meters, what is best ?

- always leave it in D
or
- put it in N

Which is best for my gearbox life ?
I feel that the gearbox is trying to push the car while in D and braking, so this seems not healthy.

Thanks,
Dan

[pokeybritches]

Keep it in drive.

[speddmn]

Originally Posted by pokeybritches

Keep it in drive.

this.

[yousefnjr]

Automatic tranny has a part called a torque converter which is a fluid clutch. This is the part that allows you to stop while in drive with the engine running, and it's completely normal operation. Leave it in D.

[ZStig]

Here's what you should NOT do: while driving about 20mph, switch to N, rev to 5000rpm, and then quickly switch to D

[mgwatson48]

How did you get your license?

[seank]

Originally Posted by mgwatson48

How did you get your license?

You might say that, but I would say that most just leave the car in over-drive, which tells me they don't know how to drive an automatic.

[davesz4mc]

Overdrive is just the final drive gear, The locking torque converter then engages the locking clutch for increased economy.

Alot of trucks come with a function to turn that locking off when towing so as not to damage anything and keep up engine speed.

When on the highway and you get on the gas to accelerate you can feel it unluck even though it may not downshift it will "gain" a few RPM as it disengages.

Overdrive is part of drive not a seperate element.


I have driven cars with a "high stall" converter that will still rotate the back tires even when stopped at a stop sign, cars with rear drum brakes.

the brakes keep the transmission from turning when stopped so there is nothing happening/no moving parts at that point. You remain stopped because the energy being transfered by the fluid in the torque converter is less that the force of the breakes holding the car still.

[beta]

Originally Posted by mgwatson48

How did you get your license?

Really? This is not that kind of forum. How about keeping it constructive.

I don't have the faintest idea of how anything about an automatic works and thought it was a reasonable question.

There's always stuff to learn and there's always room for improvement. For example you shouldn't keep your hand on the shifter in a manual, only touch the shifter when you are changing gears.

[mgwatson48]

Originally Posted by beta

Really? This is not that kind of forum. How about keeping it constructive.

Sorry but when someone is asking how to drive an automatic I lol a bit inside. If it was an SMG then it would be a different story.

[pokeybritches]

Originally Posted by beta

For example you shouldn't keep your hand on the shifter in a manual, only touch the shifter when you are changing gears.

This is true. In older cars at least, resting your hand on the shifter would cause premature wear in the syncros. You should also switch gears by cupping your hand over the top of the shifter.

[norcal_cyclist]

Originally Posted by mgwatson48

How did you get your license?

Wow that's helpful... what you don't realize that here in the US most cars are autotragics. Elsewhere most are manuals... this is no different than an American not knowing how to drive a stick, most do not. I haven't met anyone in SA that doesn't drive a stick or was taught to drive in one.

I did have a customer who put their car in Manual mode and drive around w/o shifting. They called to complain of the elevated noises from the car on the freeway. I had them come in from Pleasanton to Sacramento. My tech drove the car and said nothing was wrong so I had him go with the customer. She got in, pulled the paddle shifter, driving off never touching it again. Needless to say it stayed in 2nd gear....