Automatic gearbox - how to use? Modes of switching and automatic transmission control

Today many novice drivers, and even motorists with experience, choose for themselves a car with an automatic transmission. Beginners, as a rule, are often frightened of the very need to switch gears while driving, but experienced drivers simply appreciated for themselves the possibility of a calm and measured movement on a car equipped with automatic transmission. But when a newcomer buys his personal car, he often does not know how to properly operate the "machine". Unfortunately, this is not taught in driving schools, and after all, the safety of movement and the life of the gearbox mechanisms depend on this. Let's see how it is necessary to exploit the automatic transmission system in order not to have problems with it in the future.

Types of automatic transmission

Before you tell us how to drive an automatic transmission, you need to consider the types of aggregates that manufacturers use to equip modern cars. From the type to which this or another box belongs, depends also on how to use it.

Torque converter

This is probably the most popular and classic solution. Hydrotransformer models are completed most of all cars that are currently produced. It was with this design and began moving the automatic transmission to the masses.

It must be said that the torque converter itself is not really an integral part of the switching mechanism. Its function is the clutch on the box "automatic", i.e. the torque converter transmits the torque from the engine to the wheels in the process of touching the machine.

The engine and the mechanism of the "automatic machine" do not have rigid connections with each other. The energy of rotation is transmitted by means of a special transmission oil - it constantly circulates in a closed circle under high pressure. This scheme allows the engine with the gear engaged to work in the event that the car is standing.

The hydraulic system, or rather the hydroblock, is responsible for the switching, but this is a general case. In modern models, the operating modes are determined by electronics. So, the gearbox can work in standard, sporty or economical mode.

The mechanical part of such boxes is reliable and completely amenable to repair. The hydroblock is a vulnerable place. If the valves do not work properly, then the driver will face unpleasant effects. But in the event of a breakdown in the shops there are spare parts of the automatic transmission, although the repair itself will be quite expensive.

With regard to the driving characteristics of the car, equipped with torque converters, they depend on the settings of the electronics - it's the sensor of the automatic transmission and other sensors, and as a result of these readings the team is sent to switch at the right time.

Previously, such boxes were offered only with four gears. Modern models have 5, 6, 7 and even 8 gears. According to the manufacturers, a higher number of gears contributes to the improvement of dynamic characteristics, smoothness of movement and switching and saving of fuel.

Infinitely variable speed regulator

By external signs, this technical solution from the traditional "machine" does not differ, but the principle of work here is completely different. There are no transmissions, and the system does not switch them. The gear ratios change continuously and without interruptions - this does not depend on whether the speed decreases or the engine spins. These boxes provide maximum smoothness of work - this is comfort for the driver.

Another plus, for which variator PPCs are so fond of drivers - is the speed of work. This transmission does not waste time on the switching process - if you need to gain speed, it will immediately be at the maximum effective torque for giving the car acceleration.

Automatic gearbox: how to use

Consider the operating modes and operating rules for conventional conventional hydrotransfotor automata. They are installed on most cars.

Main modes of automatic transmission

To determine the basic rules of operation, it is necessary to first understand the operating modes that these mechanisms offer.

For all cars without automatic transmission, the following modes are mandatory: "P", "R", "D", "N". And so that the driver can choose the desired mode, the box is equipped with a range selection lever. In appearance, it almost does not differ from the gear selector of the manual gearbox. The difference is that the process of changing the transmission is carried out in a straight line.

Modes are displayed on the control panel - it's very convenient, especially for novice drivers. During the movement, there is no need to distract from the road and lower your head to see what gear the car is driving.

The automatic box "P" mode is parking. In this mode, all elements of the car will be disconnected. It should be moved only at long stops or parking. Also, the motor is started from this mode.

"R" - rear gear. When this mode is selected, the machine will go back up. It is recommended to switch on the reverse gear only after the machine has completely stopped; It is also important to remember: the rear is engaged only when the brake is fully depressed. Any other algorithm of actions can cause significant harm to the transmission and the motor. It is very important to know all those who have an automatic transmission. How to use it correctly, experts and experienced drivers advise. Carefully refer to these tips, they will help greatly.

"N" is neutral, or neutral transmission. In this position, the motor no longer transfers torque to the chassis and operates in idling mode. It is recommended to use this gear only for short-term stops. Also, do not turn the box in neutral when driving. Some professionals advise to tow a car in this mode. When the automatic transmission is in neutral, the engine is not allowed to start.

Modes of the automatic transmission

"D" - the mode of motion. When the box is in this position, the car moves forward. In this case, the gears alternately switch when the driver presses the accelerator pedal.

A car can have 4, 5, 6, 7 or even 8 transfers. The range select lever on such cars can have several options for moving forward - these are "D3", "D2", "D1". Designations can also be without a letter. These figures show the available top gear.

In the "D3" mode, the driver can use the first three gears. In these positions it is much more effective to brake than in the usual "D". This mode is recommended to use when you can not go without braking. Also, this transfer is effective with frequent descents or ascents.

"D2" is, accordingly, only the first two transmissions. In this position, the box is transported at speeds up to 50 km / h. Often, this mode is used in harsh conditions - it can be a forest road or a mountain serpentine. In this position, the possibility of braking by the motor is used as much as possible. Also, to transfer the box to "D2" you need in traffic jams.

"D1" is only the first transfer. In this position, automatic transmissions are used if the vehicle is difficult to accelerate above 25 km / h. An important advice for those who have an automatic transmission (how to use all of its capabilities): do not turn on this mode at high speeds, otherwise there will be a skid.

"0D" is an elevated series. This is an extreme position. It should be used if the car has already gained speed from 75 to 110 km / h. It is recommended to exit the transmission when the speed dropped to 70 km / h. This mode allows you to significantly reduce fuel consumption on highways.

Include all these modes can be in any order during the movement of the car. Now you can only look at the speedometer, and the tachometer is no longer needed.

Additional modes

On most gearboxes, auxiliary operating modes are also implemented. This is a normal mode, sporty, overdrive, winter and economical.

Normal mode is used under ordinary conditions. Economical allows you to achieve a smooth and quiet ride. In the sport mode, the electronics uses the engine to the maximum - the driver gets everything the car can do, but the economy will have to be forgotten. Winter mode is designed to work in conditions of slippery surfaces. The car does not move from the first, but from the second or even from the third gear.

These settings are often activated by means of individual buttons or switches. It must also be said that, despite all the advantages for drivers that the automatic box gives, drivers want to drive cars. There is nothing better than how to switch speeds in your car. To solve this problem, the engineers of the Porsche concern created the mode of operation of automatic transmission "Tiptronic". This is an imitation of handmade with a box. It allows you to manually increase or decrease the transmission as necessary .

Automatic gearbox: how to drive

In the process of starting the car from the spot, as well as changing the direction of movement, the operating mode of the box is switched when the brake is depressed. When changing the direction of travel, do not temporarily set the box in neutral.

Removing the foot from the brake is recommended only after the driver feels a characteristic push - this indicates that the gear is fully engaged.

If you need to stop at the traffic light, and also in case of traffic jams, do not set the selector to neutral. Also do not advise it on the descents. If the car slips, then do not press hard on the gas - it's harmful. It is better to turn on the lower gears and use the brake pedal to let the wheels rotate slowly.

The rest of the subtleties of work with automatic transmission can be comprehended only with experience of driving.

Rules of operation

The first thing to do is to press the brake pedal. Then the selector is put into motion mode. Next, release the parking brake. The brake pedal should be lowered smoothly - the car will start to move. All the shifting and manipulation with the automatic transmission are done through the brake with the right foot.

To reduce the speed, it is best to release the gas pedal - all transmissions will be switched automatically.

The main rule is that there are no sharp sets of speed, sudden braking, any sudden movements. This leads to wear of the friction discs and an increase in the distance between them. This can then lead to unpleasant shocks when the automatic transmission is switched.

Some professionals advise giving the box a rest. For example, when parking, you can let the car roll on idle, without gas. Only after this you can press on the accelerator.

Automatic checkpoint: what can not be done

It is strictly forbidden to give a load to an unheated machine. Even if there is a positive air temperature overboard, the first kilometers are best overcome at low speeds - sharp acceleration and jerking are very harmful to the box. The novice driver should also remember that in order to fully warm up the automatic transmission, it takes more time than warming up the power unit.

The automatic box is not designed for off-road and extreme use. Many modern gearboxes of classical design do not like slipping wheels. The best way to drive in this case is to exclude a sharp set of turns on bad roads. If the car is stuck, help shovel - do not heavily load the transmission.

Also, experts do not recommend overloading the classic automatic transmissions with high loads - the mechanisms overheat and, as a result, are stronger and wear out more quickly. Towing trailers and other cars is an early death for the machine gun.

In addition, do not start cars equipped with automatic transmission from the pusher. Although many motorists violate this rule, one should remember here that this will not pass without a trace for the mechanism.

Also it is necessary to remember some features in switching. In the neutral position, you can stay, but if you hold the brake pedal. In the neutral position it is forbidden to muffle the power unit - this can only be done in the "Parking" position. It is forbidden to move the selector to "Parking" or to the "R" position when driving.

Typical malfunctions

Among typical malfunctions experts distinguish wreckage breakage, oil leaks, problems with electronics and hydraulic unit. Sometimes the tachometer does not work. Also sometimes there are problems with the torque converter, the engine speed sensor does not work.

If, when using the box, there are any difficulties when moving the lever, these are signs of problems with the selector. For the solution it is required to replace the part - the spare parts of the automatic transmission are in the car shops.

Often, many breakdowns occur due to oil leaks from the system. Often, automatic boxes flow from under the seals. It should be more often to inspect the units on the flyover or the inspection pit. If there are leaks, this is a signal that urgent repair of the unit is necessary. If you do everything in time, the problem can be solved by replacing oil and seals.

On some cars, this situation occurs that the tachometer does not work. If the speedometer also stops, the automatic transmission can go into emergency operation mode. Often these problems are solved very, very simply. The problem is a special sensor. If you replace it or clean its contacts, then everything returns to its place. To check up the gauge of turns АКПП is necessary. It is located on the body of the box.

Also motorists are faced with incorrect work of automatic transmission due to problems in electronics. Often, the control unit incorrectly reads the revolutions for switching. The fault may be the engine speed sensor. The repair of the unit itself is pointless, but replacement of the sensor and trains will help.

Very often a hydroblock goes out of action. For example, this can happen if the driver incorrectly operated the transmission. If the car did not warm up in winter, then the hydroblock is very vulnerable. Problems with the hydraulic unit are often accompanied by various vibrations, some users diagnose jolts when switching the automatic transmission. In modern cars about this breakdown will help to find out the on-board computer.

Operation of automatic transmission in winter

Most of the failures of automatic transmission happen in the winter. This is due to the negative impact of low temperatures on the system's resources and the fact that on the ice when the wheel is started to drive, this also does not affect the state in the best way.

Before the onset of cold weather, the car enthusiast should check the condition of the transmission fluid. If spots of metal shavings are seen in it, if the liquid has darkened and become cloudy, then it should be replaced. As for the general regulations for the replacement of oil and filters, it is recommended to do this every 30,000 km of the vehicle for operation in our country.

If the machine is stuck, then do not use the "D" mode. In this case, switching to low gear will help. If there are no lowered ones, then the car is pulled forward and backward. But do not abuse this too much.

To avoid skidding when lowering gears on a slippery road, for front-wheel drive cars you need to keep the accelerator pedal, on the rear-wheel drive - on the contrary, release the pedal. Before turning it is better to use lower gears.

That's all that can be said about what an automatic gearbox is, how to use it, and what rules should be followed. At first glance it may seem that this is an extremely fastidious mechanism with a small working resource. However, observing all these rules, this unit will live the life of the car and will please its owner. Automatic gearboxes are completely immersed in the process of driving, without thinking about selecting the right transmission - this is already taken care of by the computer. If in time to service the transmission and not load it beyond its capabilities, it will only bring positive emotions in the process of using the car in different conditions.