Learning to drive a car with automatic transmission. Automatic Driving for Beginners: General Rules Driving with an Automatic Transmission

An automatic transmission is presented as a type of transmission, the operation of which is based on the selection of a suitable gear ratio in an automatic manner without the participation of the driver. The choice of the gear ratio directly depends on the speed, the nature of the movement and some other parameters.

Another feature is that there is no clutch pedal in such machines, so it is carried out using a torque converter, the purpose of which is to transfer torque to the wheels.

For more information on how and what it happens, read the article of our specialist.

For information on how to adjust with an automatic transmission, read the material of our author.

Drivers still claim that there is nothing more convenient and reliable than a manual transmission, but the facts speak for themselves - drivers prefer cars with automatic transmission more and more often.

Despite significant changes in legislation, due to which drivers with automatic transmissions can receive special rights, beginners continue to be taught only mechanics. For this reason, many are not aware of the features and principles of driving a car with an automatic transmission.

If you still do not know how to do it right, then be sure to read the interesting and most useful article of our specialist.

You can find information on what is and how it differs from automation in the article of our expert.

Automatic transmission operating modes

Basic modes

It is of paramount importance to familiarize yourself with the operating modes of the automatic transmission, since it will not be possible to drive an automatic without these nuances. So, what are the designations of the letters on the "automatic" box and what gears do they mean?

P - Parking... This mode assumes blocking of the shaft and drive wheels. The relevance of use is observed if the driver leaves the car or during a long stop. Only after a complete stop of the vehicle is it allowed to activate this mode, otherwise the gearbox may fail. To activate another position from this mode, you must use the brake pedal. If the surface is relatively flat, there is no need to use a parking brake. On a steep slope, the handbrake activation and deactivation scheme must be followed. To set, pull the handbrake while holding the brake, then release it and the car will move a little. It just remains to activate the "P" position. To release the handbrake, switch the lever to the driving mode and remove it from the handbrake while holding the brake.
N - Neutral gear... Relevant if you need to move the car a short distance with the engine running, for example, in a car service. Some drivers believe that activating this mode while driving down a hill will save fuel. In fact, this is not the case, since you still have to switch to D mode, which will put the gearbox under additional stress. Also, driving on "automatic" does not require activation of the neutral position during short stops, for example, at a traffic light.
R - Reverse... The mode must be activated if necessary to move in reverse. It is permissible to switch to this mode only after pressing the brake pedal and completely stopping the machine. Activation of the mode in question while driving will lead to breakdown of engine elements, transmissions and the gearbox itself (read how to do it on automation in the article of our expert).
D - Basic driving mode... It is this mode that is often used to drive forward. Driving is possible at any available vehicle speed from zero to maximum.
L - First gear only... Used for off-road driving or other difficult road conditions. Switching to this mode is unacceptable if the car is moving at a speed higher than 15 km / h.
2 - Only the first 2 transfers... Suitable for driving on a winding mountain road. Another option is to tow another vehicle or trailer. Driving at speeds above 80 km / h is an obstacle to the activation of this mode.

Additional modes

Since it is possible to drive a machine around the city correctly only with knowledge of all the designations, it is also worth considering the additional modes of operation of the automatic transmission.

« Kick-down» ... The mode is activated by a sharp drowning of the gas pedal, which is accompanied by automatic switching of the automatic transmission to two or one gears down for a sharp acceleration. The engine rpm in this case is higher when compared with the classic acceleration. A sharp acceleration from a standstill using the considered mode is unacceptable, otherwise the gearbox mechanism will take too much load on itself. The minimum permissible speed for Kick-Down activation is 20 km / h.
OverDrive (O / D)... You can see this button on the gearbox lever of vehicles with gearboxes designed for more than three gears. The use of fourth gear is acceptable if the button is pressed. When released, the O / D OFF lamp lights up, in this mode you can overtake cars by quickly accelerating. The action of the button is aimed at prohibiting shifting above third gear, which ensures fast acceleration. In some cases, it is customary to use this mode during a prolonged climb, if the box begins to switch between third and fourth gears, and the motor does not have enough traction.
SNOW... Since it is necessary to drive an automatic transmission correctly at any time of the year, it is worth dealing with the winter mode. This is a button for blocking the inclusion of the first gear, due to which acceleration is provided immediately from the second. The risk of slipping the drive wheels is significantly reduced. Also, the car becomes less active due to the use of lower revs for switching, but the safety of driving the vehicle in a snowy road increases. Due to the minimum fuel consumption in this mode, some motorists use it in the summer, but it is better not to do this, since the torque converter actively heats up and takes on the entire load. In winter it is designed for this, but not in summer.
WR / SPORT... It is customary to drive actively in this mode. Activation is accompanied by high revs, acceleration is fast, but fuel is consumed to the maximum.

Features of using automatic transmission

This principle of driving a car with automatic transmission confuses drivers who previously used “mechanics”, since it is necessary to drive an “automatic” box using only one leg. For the second, there is a special stand on the left.

It is extremely dangerous to use both feet to drive such a vehicle. This is due to the fact that if one foot is on the gas, and the other on the brake, when an obstacle occurs in front, the driver sharply presses the brake, but the inertia force is triggered and the body moves forward, due to which there is a risk of pressing the gas pedal as well. Braking in such a situation will clearly not be effective.

Simple and at the same time very useful tips and rules regarding that, you can learn from the article of our specialist.

You can find out about the features and nuances of work by reading an interesting article by our expert.

How to get under way

First of all, start the engine and warm it up, since it is unacceptable to get under way on an automatic machine with a cold engine. At a positive temperature, the waiting time is reduced to two minutes, which will ensure that the gearbox reaches operating mode due to the even distribution of oil. The lower the temperature outside the window, the longer it will take to warm up the engine. In cold weather, we are talking about 10 minutes or more.

The engine can only be started in the "N" or "P" positions. The latter is the preferred option. If the car will not start, make sure the lever is in the correct position. You can start driving after warming up, to do this, activate one of the driving modes by switching the lever and wait for a little push. Pressing the throttle hard before pushing can lead to breakage!

You can read detailed information about having an automatic transmission in the material of our expert.

Learn about how the replacement takes place and what precautions should be taken from the article of our specialist.

How to brake

Since it is quite difficult to drive an “automatic” after “mechanics”, gaps in knowledge can be both at the stage of starting and at the stage of braking. There are few rules here, mainly the principle of pressing the brake pedal works when it is necessary to stop, but there are some nuances.

Stopping in front of a zebra or traffic light is carried out in the "D" mode. Just sink the brake pedal.
Neutral mode can be activated when there is a lingering traffic jam if you want to save on gasoline. We are talking about parking for more than 30 seconds. The brake pedal must not be released, otherwise there is a risk of accidentally hitting other cars.
If you are sure of a prolonged stop of movement on the highway, switch to "P" so that your right leg is slightly relaxed.

You should not overly trust the vehicle's automation and refuse to use the handbrake. The relevance of its use is observed at any prolonged stop, according to the instruction manual for the car.

Also, the use of a parking brake is advisable in the following cases:

stop on the slope;
stop for changing wheels;
stopping while the engine is running.

Towing

The possibility of towing a vehicle with an automatic transmission is considered by many drivers, but the only condition in this case is a speed of less than 50 km / h, an activated neutral position and a running engine. The range of such towing should not exceed 50 km. If you can't start a car, using the services of a tow truck will be cheaper than repairing a checkpoint.

If you are acting as a towing driver, remember the following nuances:

the machine copes well with not too heavy trailers;
the vehicle you are towing must be the same weight or lighter than your vehicle;
it is better to avoid such manipulations altogether if there are alternative options.

Launch from the "tug"

In this case, there is no consensus, and drivers perform such manipulations at their own peril and risk. If there are no alternative solutions and you are confident in yourself as an experienced driver, you can take the risk and use the following instructions.

Activate neutral and start the engine.
Press the gas pedal once in cold weather and start towing.
Reach 50 km / h if the transmission is warm, or 30 km / h if it is cold. Continue driving for 2 minutes, during which time the oil pressure in the transmission will reach the required level.
Move the lever to position 2 and press the gas pedal as soon as the engine starts to rotate.
Return the lever to neutral when the engine starts.
If after a few seconds this does not happen, do not insist. The gearbox will overheat if you do not return to neutral.
Run the car in neutral and repeat the steps.

Cars with automatic transmission are attracting more and more attention, becoming popular with motorists. They are easier to operate with just two pedals and no need for manual gear shifting.

Braking in vehicles with automatic transmission

The brake pedal in all vehicles equipped with automatic transmission is located on the left, although it should be pressed with the right foot. Pressing the pedal results in:

to a gradual deceleration of the vehicle;
to a complete stop of the vehicle.

There are two types of braking in cars with automatic transmission:

smooth;
sharp.

Smoothness of braking is influenced by the force applied to the brake pedal. Weak pressure provides smooth braking, while strong pressure provides sharp braking. In any case, the car will stop if braking is started in a timely manner.

passing at a high speed of turning, since the blocking of the wheels can throw it off the road;
driving on an uneven road, various pits and bumps, since blocking the wheels can damage the suspension;
finding wheels on different road surfaces, since there is a possibility of skidding.

Acceleration in cars with automatic transmission

The gas pedal in cars with automatic transmission is located on the right and should be pressed with the right foot. The left leg does not work at all, sitting on a special platform, in order to prevent the simultaneous pressing of two pedals.

By pressing the gas pedal, the motorist increases the engine speed and allows the car to pick up speed. It should be pressed evenly and without sudden jerks, since in cars with automatic transmission it is sensitive to the slightest movement of the foot. With the help of the pedal, the car enthusiast actually controls the engine power, therefore, while climbing the mountain, you need to press on it harder, and during the descent from the mountain you can completely release it. You can simply slow down the speed by releasing the accelerator pedal and not using braking.

Gear lever in a car with automatic transmission

The gearbox transmits rotation from the engine crankshaft to the wheels. Each gear has its own speed limit, and the automatic transmission automatically shifts gears based on the speed gained by the car. To accelerate, a motorist just needs to press the gas pedal, and the gears will change automatically. Loosening the accelerator pedal will slow down and downshift.

The standard automatic transmission shift lever has several modes. There are usually 4 main positions for the gear lever:

P - a parking lot where the car is parked for a long time;
R - reverse;
N - neutral, in which the car is moved over short distances during maintenance;
D is the drive in which the car is moving forward.

It should be remembered that a car with automatic transmission cannot be towed in the usual way. Some car models have additional modes that allow you to:

get out of the mud;
tow another vehicle;
move in sport mode and so on.

Automatic transmission with the tiptronic system allows the motorist to forcibly switch gears.

Steering wheel in a car with automatic transmission

The steering wheel in a car with automatic transmission is able to turn 1.5-2.5 turns in either direction, depending on the car brand. After turning, the steering wheel should be returned to its original position. Do not cross your arms while turning the steering wheel. It is necessary to move your hands along the steering wheel while turning in such a way that one of them is constantly holding the steering wheel. It is recommended to hold the steering wheel with your left hand during normal driving.

A direction indicator in the form of a lever is usually placed on the steering box. By lowering it down, the motorist shows a left turn, up - right. The lever switches to the initial position after the completion of the maneuver, automatically or manually.

Preparing to drive a car with automatic transmission

Before driving a car with automatic transmission, you should:

choose a comfortable sitting position using special adjusting knobs;
check the rear-view mirror, which should cover the rear window and the road;
check the view in the side mirrors;
start the engine when the automatic transmission lever is in the P - parking position.

To start the engine, turn the ignition key clockwise 180 degrees. At this moment, the lights on the dashboard come on. After 3-5 seconds, the ignition key is turned all the way, allowing the engine to start.

Start driving a car with automatic transmission

To start driving a car with automatic transmission, you should select the D-drive mode in the gearbox, while pressing the brake pedal. When the brake pedal is released, the vehicle starts to drive without much acceleration. To accelerate it, you need to press the gas pedal. A complete stop, for example at a traffic light, will require pressing the brake pedal.

The mode of forced movement of the car in the absence of pressing the brake pedal allows during the start of movement:

do not stall;
do not roll back.

Having received this knowledge, the motorist will be able to easily drive a car with automatic transmission.

Ease and comfort while driving a modern car is guaranteed by an automatic transmission. Unlike a manual gearbox, "automatic" means absolutely excluding the driver's involvement in manual gear control, which will greatly facilitate the procedure for driving a car.

Automatic transmission greatly facilitates the procedure for driving a car, because it excludes the participation of the driver in manual gear control

The planetary mechanical transmission was at the heart of the birth of the automatic transmission. It was designed only for partial automation of the machine control process and full control over the situation on the road. To change gears, two foot pedals were used: one served as a switch from lower to higher gear, the second pedal was a reverse lever. Still, the presence of synchronizers made driving a little easier.

American auto monopolists Reo and General Motors (GM) simultaneously proposed a variant of the semi-automatic method of changing gears. General Motors' developments relied on the hydraulic control of the planetary gear. The flaws of such a device led to unreliable and unsafe control, while a clutch was used to change gears.

The final stage in the finalization of the gearbox was Chrysler. The introduction of hydraulic mechanisms into the transmission of vehicles served as the creation of a fluid coupling - the main feature of the gearbox. The company's innovative invention consisted of a two-speed gearbox with the addition of an automatic overdrive. It looked like a semi-automatic Chrysler box with a hydraulic mechanism and overdrive.

How to drive a car in traffic jams

The presence of an automatic transmission greatly facilitates the driver's control process. But, situations on the way are so different and it is necessary to learn how to use the “automatic machine” correctly so as not to create unfavorable or dangerous moments on the road.

The automatic transmission does not tolerate sudden jerks

Sometimes situations on the track involve towing a car. Cars equipped with automatic transmission can still be towed, but only with the engine turned on and the lever "N" mode. The towing speed should not exceed 50 km / h. At the same time, towing the car over long distances is not worth it. This should be no further than 50 km. Towing is not permitted in the event of a breakdown in the power unit. The transmission will fail and it will be quite expensive to repair it. Therefore, a vehicle with automatic transmission must be taken away using a tow truck.

Even if the engine is in working order, towing a vehicle with an “automatic” is an extreme measure when the situation is completely hopeless. Sometimes you need to start the car using towing. This last resort can be costly, but sometimes the situations are insurmountable. For this, the lever is set to "N" mode and the ignition is started.

How to drive a car: video tutorial

By smoothly pressing the gas, the tug will be able to accelerate the car to 30-40 km / h. After establishing this speed, mode "2" is switched on and again "gas". After working out the engine, you need to switch the selector to the neutral position "N".

If the engine refuses to start, in order to prevent overheating of the transmission, it is necessary to turn off position "2" on the selector. The use of such techniques is quite dangerous for the normal operation of an automatic transmission, so they should be used only in very rare cases.

Before getting behind the wheel of a car with an automatic transmission, you need to learn all the modes of the control lever, in which conditions they should be used. The video of driving on the machine describes these functions in some detail in order to prevent damage to an expensive transmission and not lead to an emergency on city highways.

How to learn to drive economically

In the face of rapidly rising fuel prices, many motorists are beginning to save. Those who switch from gasoline to gas, some see a benefit in the purchase of electric cars, but you can simply learn to drive a little more economically in your own car, without subjecting your technique to various tricks.

Among motorists there is a fairly common myth of how to drive an automatic, while saving fuel - this is 5th gear and a speed of 50-60 km / h. Even schoolchildren know that having their own mass, energy is needed to accelerate a vehicle. And the greater this mass, the more energy is needed.

If the car moves for a long time at a constant speed, then fuel consumption is significantly reduced, but the force of air resistance has a very important role.

If the car moves for a long time at a constant speed, then fuel consumption is significantly reduced.

If, for example, a car doubles its speed, then the resistance increases up to eight times, since the drag force is proportional to the square of the speed and has the opposite direction. That is, to support a car that has doubled its speed, it will take not twice as much energy, but eight times. It follows that the minimum speed in high gear is the most economical mode for the car to operate. The required speed in the highest gear can be completely different for each vehicle.

However, the opinion of experts and motorists on this issue is different. A low speed of around 55 km / h in high 4th or 5th gear can adversely affect the engine. Indeed, at low speeds, fuel consumption is significantly reduced, but the engine may fail. Therefore, it is important here to correctly prioritize: either saving on gasoline or on repairing the engine.

Taking into account the peculiarities of each car, you can learn to brake smoothly with the use of the engine, and take turns with minimal losses in speed. Engine speed is also of great importance. Having optimally loaded the engine, low fuel consumption is achieved at about 2000 rpm.

For example, at a speed of 55 km / h on all passenger cars, the average rpm is 1400. In this case, petrol consumption will be the least, but the parts in the mechanism may suffer significantly. Low fuel consumption will be achieved at 1800 rpm.

Each car has its own individual characteristics. The driver is obliged to pay attention to vibration and detonation of the engine while driving. For better economy, you need to downshift and then engage an overdrive. Do not immediately engage in high gear as this could damage the engine. The minimum speed in 5th gear is most often provided for small cars.

If the car is equipped with a diesel or turbine engine, then it is better to familiarize yourself with all the characteristics in the instructions, since their operation differs significantly from standard gasoline engines. Experts believe that a clean radiator, clean spark plugs, a clean space under the hood and a cooling system are important in saving.

The highest figure in economy is driving style

The highest figure in economy is driving style. One of the tasks of a motorist is to learn how to brake smoothly, without jerking. It is necessary to adhere to the optimal constant speed and engine speed at an average of 2000 rpm. There can be no question of any savings if the technical condition of the car is not at the best level.

Each driver should listen as much as possible to his car, to the work of the engine. The machine is intended for a person, and not vice versa.

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The rapid development of automotive electronic systems makes the self-driving car idea a reality. Many automakers and auto component manufacturers are actively working on the development of an automatic vehicle control system. The problem is solved in two directions:

comprehensive vehicle automation;
automation of individual modes of vehicle movement ( parking, traffic jams, moving on the motorway).

The powerful Google is taking an integrated approach to creating a self-driving car.

Currently, various automatic parking systems are being developed and implemented, providing parallel and (or) perpendicular parking of a car in an automatic mode. Parking autopilot is used by BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Opel, Toyota, Volkswagen.

Further improvement of the adaptive cruise control system makes it possible to realize an automatic mode of vehicle movement in traffic jams. Audi, Ford are working in this direction. Another area is the automation of vehicle movement on the highway. Developments BMW, Cadillac are based on existing active safety systems.

Google self-driving car

Currently, Google's automatic steering system has been implemented on six test vehicles Toyota Prius, Lexus RX 450h and Audi TT, which have driven over 2.5 million kilometers in unmanned mode. To implement automatic control functions, the system includes the following input devices: lidar, radars, video camera, position estimation sensor, inertial motion sensor, GPS receiver.

Position estimation sensor captures the movement of the car and helps to determine its exact location on the map. The position estimation sensor is installed on the left rear wheel.

Inertial motion sensor measures the direction of acceleration or deceleration, longitudinal and lateral roll of the car body, when it is moving. The vehicle stability sensor is used.

The signals from the input devices are transmitted to the electronic control unit, where they are processed in accordance with the set program and the formation of control actions on the executive devices. Structural elements of steering, brake system, exchange rate stability system, engine control system are used as actuators.

Since 2016, work on Google's self-driving car has been spun off into a separate company, Waymo.

Tesla Autopilot

The autopilot, which allows the car to drive autonomously on motorways, has been used on the Tesla Model S since 2015. The system includes 8 all-round cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a head radar.

Tesla's autopilot still has the following limitations: it does not always recognize road markings, does not read turn signals and brake lights, and does not detect pedestrians and cyclists. But the company is constantly improving the software of the system through feedback from its cars. The updated version of the program is downloaded to the car by radio signal.

Russian autopilot

The project to create a Russian autopilot was launched at the beginning of 2012 at the initiative of RoboSiVi. The system includes two main units - the GLONASS navigation complex and the so-called. complex of technical vision. The company has not yet disclosed what is included in the complex of technical vision, it is only said about a large number of sensors.

Currently, the system is being tested on a small-sized model, which implements the functions of routing, starting off, maneuvering, braking when an obstacle occurs ( vehicle, people). Despite the fact that the Russian company began work much later than Google, it has every chance of achieving a competitive advantage due to its low price ( supposedly 50 times cheaper than Google) and versatility.

As part of the HAVit (Highly Automated Vehicles for Intelligent Transport) project, a semi-automatic system was presented in 2011 Temporary Auto Pilot, TAP (Temporary autopilot). The system allows the driver, under certain conditions, to place the control of the car under the control of the automation. At its core, the system is an intermediate stage on the way to a robotic vehicle.

The TAP system integrates the already well-known Volkswagen developments: adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition. In its work, the Temporary autopilot system uses standard input devices of the listed active safety systems: lidar, radar, video camera, ultrasonic sensors.

The signals from the input devices are transmitted to the electronic control unit, which, using the actuators, implements the following automatic functions:

maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front;
stopping and starting off;
lane movement;
recognition of speed limit signs and speed adjustment in accordance with the requirements of the sign.

The system provides the optimum degree of automation, depending on the traffic situation and the driver's condition, thus contributing to trouble-free driving. The system works at speeds up to 130 km / h. The TAP system is completely ready for implementation on production vehicles.

Audi's Traffic Jam Assistant is the first series-produced autopilot system for traffic jams. The system automatically maintains the distance to the vehicle in front, brakes, accelerates, turns, avoids obstacles and even gives way to emergency vehicles. Structurally, the autopilot for traffic jams is based on adaptive cruise control and operates at speeds from 0 to 60 km / h.

The system integrates a number of input devices: two radars, a wide-angle video camera and eight ultrasonic sensors. Radars scan specific sectors at a distance of 250 m. A video camera detects road markings and various obstacles. Ultrasonic sensors monitor the front, rear and side of the vehicle. At any moment of the system operation, the driver can take control of the car.

Traffic Jam Assist system

Ford is preparing the automatic traffic jam system and plans to use it in production vehicles by 2017. The Traffic Jam Assist system includes a radar and camera that track the movement of nearby vehicles. The electronic control unit selects the required speed and ensures the movement of the car in the stream.

BMW is working on a ConnectedDrive Connect (CDC) system for highway driving. The CDC system includes an ultrasonic sensor, camera, radar and lidar, the signals from which are processed in an electronic control unit. As a result of the impact on the actuators of various systems of the car, its speed and trajectory change. In addition, the system does not exceed the speed allowed on the section, does not overtake on the right, and also returns the car to its lane after overtaking. In general, the autopilot implements the ideal driver algorithm. According to the company, the system is not yet ready for serial use.

Cadillac's Super Cruise automatic steering system drives the vehicle on the motorway. It allows maneuvering, braking, driving along the lane without the participation of the driver.

The system is based on a number of ready-made solutions from the company: adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking systems, collision warning, lane departure assistance, lane change assistance, active headlights, etc.

The vehicle's current position is assessed using input devices such as radar, ultrasonic sensors, a camera and a GPS system. The developer notes that the efficiency of the system depends on external factors - the weather, the presence of markings.

SARTRE system

An interesting solution to automate the movement of a car is offered by Volvo. System Safe Road Trains for the Environment (SARTRE) allows multiple vehicles to move along a road in an organized convoy. The cars follow the lead vehicle, which is chosen as a truck with a professional driver. Cars line up with a distance of 6 m and completely repeat the movement of the leading truck, which allows the driver to relax, eat, and talk on the phone.

If desired, each of the cars can leave the group at any time. To create the SARTRE system, Volvo's experience in the field of active safety is used, incl. adaptive cruise control. The system is currently in the testing phase.

23 november 2016

An automatic transmission (automatic transmission, automatic transmission or automatic transmission) is a truly revolutionary discovery in the world of the automotive industry, which has significantly increased the number of motorists around the world. It was originally intended for American housewives. Now the majority of motorists in the United States and less than half of Russian drivers use automatic transmissions. In Europe, mechanics are still preferred for reasons of practical off-road driving, but cars with automatic transmission here make up about 20% of the new car market.

Benefits of automatic transmission

This article will discuss how to drive a car with a classic hydromechanical automatic transmission. When driving on an automatic machine, minimal involvement of the driver in changing gears (speeds) is required. To drive such a car, you only need to engage the D (drive) mode with the gear lever. In this case, the car will immediately start, unless, of course, you press the brake. The automatic transmission itself will change gears when driving, depending on the speed of the vehicle.

Driving with an automatic transmission is much easier than with a mechanic, since in a car with an automatic transmission you do not need to squeeze the clutch and move the lever to change gears while driving. It is convenient in large cities with traffic jams. When driving on the machine, only one foot (right) is involved, which you just need to take off the brake pedal to move at a slow pace in D mode.

In addition, the automatic transmission is welcomed by the fairer sex due to the fact that it allows you to drive in high-heeled shoes. This is an important advantage of automatic transmission over mechanics for all auto ladies.

Disadvantages of automatic transmission

The machine also has its drawbacks in operation:

more expensive service compared to a car with a manual transmission (the cost of oil change and repair will be significantly higher);
higher fuel consumption;
slightly delayed response with a sharp increase or decrease in speed.

Automatic transmission modes

The automatic transmission is equipped with the following main modes:

forward movement - D;
parking - R;
reverse speed - R;
neutral position - N.

Other modes can also be provided (depending on the configuration and model of the car). So, quite often there are:

winter (W);
reduced mode (D3 and D2 or S and L).

Decoding the control scheme

Modes are switched using the selector (range selection lever). It is a lever with a button on the side or top. To switch it, you must press (drown) this button and move the lever to the desired mode, indicated by the corresponding letter.

It is not recommended to switch to N mode on the fly, as skidding may occur due to the loss of communication between the engine and the wheels. It is allowed to switch to a low gear mode while driving for engine braking.

Forward mode denoted by the letter D from the word drive. If there are short braking intervals while driving (for example, in front of a traffic light), the automatic transmission mode does not need to be changed. However, if the waiting time for the start of movement is delayed, then it is advisable to switch to the N or P mode. This will save the box from excessive wear. It is also undesirable to switch to N mode when driving downhill, as on mechanics. This will not reduce fuel consumption on a car with an automatic transmission, but will cause unnecessary stress on the box.

In parking mode (P) the wheels are locked and you can leave the car with the engine running or shut off, even on a slope. However, manufacturers recommend not to neglect an additional hand brake (handbrake) when parking on a slope. Before starting the movement, you must not forget to remove the car from the parking brake.

For driving in reverse on cars with automatic transmission, the R mode (from the word reverse) is provided. When you switch the selector to the position indicated by this letter, the machine begins to move backward. If there is an average of 4 gears in D mode, then only one (first) gear is provided for reversing. The reverse speed of the automatic transmission allows the car to move back smoothly, unlike a manual transmission, which requires gas to go back.

Neutral mode (N) allows the car with automatic transmission to be in a running state without moving, if it is not located on a slope. In this case, the wheels of the car are not fixed as in the parking mode. This mode allows you to tow the vehicle over short distances.

The driver must always keep the brake pedal depressed when starting the engine and setting the automatic transmission mode... You cannot leave the car in a parking lot on another modee than R, without the included hand brake. If you leave the car with the automatic transmission in any other mode, the car may roll (if there is a slope).

Rules for driving a car with automatic transmission

The following considerations for driving a car with an automatic transmission should be considered:

When driving a car with automatic transmission, it is recommended not to abruptly press on the gas and brake pedals unless absolutely necessary (emergency). On mechanics, manually you can quickly change gear or reset it, and the machine needs a little more time for such an action. The automatic transmission gradually and sequentially switches gears when increasing (decreasing) power. This is an advantage for manual transmissions in winter. When a car drifts, it is easier on mechanics to brake with speeds (switch abruptly to first speed). With frequent jerky driving, accelerated wear of the automatic gearbox occurs and jolts and jerks may occur during further operation. Replacing and repairing an automatic transmission is costly.
You can't. It is better, if the need arises, to turn to the services of a tow truck. However, in desperate situations, you can tow a car with an automatic transmission for several kilometers in N mode. In this case, it is desirable that the car's engine be started.
The automatic transmission is categorically not intended for off-road driving. In case of slippage, you should try not to put pressure on the gas and thus not aggravate the situation. You need to try to find a way out of this situation without unnecessary stress on the automatic transmission, for example, go smoothly back, put boards, branches, any other materials at hand.
It is not recommended to make sharp maneuvers and drive fast until the engine and automatic transmission are fully warmed up (the first few kilometers). The transmission warms up much later than the engine. To speed up this process, you can switch between different modes before leaving the parking lot with the brake pedal depressed.

Knowing how to operate an automatic transmission and observing the appropriate operating rules, you can increase its service life and avoid a hole in the family budget.