How to use it the right way and when to pay Miko

Before rarely, a file automatic transmission Already equips about 50% of cars with a radius of zero kilometers sold in Brazil. For a few years now, this element has been introduced even in mid-range versions and the latest compact cars.

The technology, which takes away the clutch pedal and gearshift for you, is actually a lot easier.

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Above all, Japanese brands today are investing in a CVT (continuously variable transmission), which also eliminates the need to change gears because it has no gear: the ratios are unlimited, with a pulley system – many brands offer the option of virtual shifts for those who insist To increase the control of the car. This box prioritizes fuel economy.

Today, many people buy their automatic cars for the first time. Therefore, it is normal to have doubts about its work. Knowing this, we consulted the experts to point out what you should and should not do when driving an automatic car.

We are naturally skeptical about the real “alphabet soup” that this kind of interchange brings: by default, it has “D” options (to cutthe English term for leadership), “P” (parkpark), “R” (reflectD) and “N” (neutral, neutral). Not to mention the “L” (low gear, low gear), “S” (sports mode) modes and other options.

Check out the tips:

What is the function of “P”?

When should the “P” function be activated?

This option must be used when leaving the car in a parking lot. However, do not forget that it must always be combined with the parking brake. Activate it and select “P”.

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“When the engine is turned off, the pressure in the hydraulic system stops, the transmission disengages and a kind of pin locks the steering wheels,” explains Edson Oricasa, Director of AEA (Brazilian Association of Automotive Engineering).

The parking brake protects this lock from potential damage from eventual “stop” or even hitting another vehicle in your car while it is parked in space.

It’s different from what happens when you leave a manual car with the engine off. In this case, it is the transmission itself that locks the wheels, and not using the parking brake can cause damage with final repairs.

When should I set the exchange rate to No?

On cars with a manual transmission, it is recommended to put it in neutral when stopping at a traffic light, for example, to avoid premature wear of the clutch, which should be activated only when starting and changing gears.

However, with automatic vehicles, the procedure should be different. According to Camilo Adas, Chairman of the Executive Board of SAE Brasil, the “N” function, corresponding to “Neutral”, was created for maintenance situations, when it is necessary to tow or move the car with the engine turned off, freeing the wheels that drive the car.

“Don’t put the automatic transmission in neutral while waiting for the light to open. Keep it in the ‘D’ position with your foot on the brake, as this maintains hydraulic system pressure and allows you to start faster,” the specialist teaches.

It is worth noting that some cars have technology that automatically disconnects the transmission, even when the car is in motion, in order to save fuel. In this case, the design is provided to the resource and the security is not compromised.

Works on “toothless”, no way

It is a bad and dangerous habit to walk down a “toothless” slope with the expectation of saving fuel. This practice does not make the car drink less and still jeopardize safety, and it also brings transmission damage risks.

“Putting the gear in neutral makes the car use more fuel than it would if it was in gear. The injection system is factory set to enter low fuel mode as soon as your foot is off the accelerator pedal, with the transmission in gear.” d.” This causes the engine to receive only the necessary amount of fuel to keep it spinning. This does not happen with the transmission in ‘N’, explains Orikasa.

Especially on hill slopes, putting the gear in neutral still brings with it the risk of accidents.

With Free Wheels, you end up uploading a file brakesWhich can overheat and lead to a loss of efficiency,” explains the specialist.

Adds Adas: “Leaving the vehicle running in neutral and returning to ‘D’ with the vehicle still moving could damage one or more of the shift gears,” the engineer warns.

What are the functions of “N”, “2” and “3”?

On the slopes, as we said earlier, the correct thing is to keep the transmission in the “D” function. In addition, on vehicles that allow manual shifts, it is possible to lower the gear. There are also cars with “2” or “3” options in the selector. Adas knows that these numbers correspond, respectively, to the second and third gears.

“When the gearbox is left in the ‘2’ or ‘3’ position, it does not bypass these gears, which keeps the engine ‘full’ and enhances the engine’s braking effect and helps control the vehicle when descending.”

Some cars also have an “L” function.

“A lower gear is also useful for keeping gears shorter and revs higher. It’s an important job for getting through mud, towing another vehicle and even for crossing a flooded area, where it’s necessary to run at low speeds and high revs so you don’t let the engine “die,” Orikasa recommends.

Some models also provide the “S” function to make the car more sporty. In this mode, gear changes occur a little later, with higher revs. This improves acceleration, but consumes more fuel.

Transmission requires an oil change?

Many believe that the automatic transmission does not require regular maintenance and this belief can generate huge losses in the event of a transmission failure. Especially in a configuration with a torque converter and gears, the transmission, like other mechanical components, requires lubrication.

Specifications and deadlines for changing the fluid are indicated in the vehicle manual and must be respected. An oil change can be expected depending on the vehicle’s usage conditions.

“A lubricant reduces friction and heat generated in gears and other internal components. With use and time, the oil loses its original properties and must be changed,” says Addas.

According to the engineer, in today’s cars, the deadlines for replacing the fluid are very long, but you can not neglect them.

“Depending on the situation, you can run for three or four years without realizing that the gearbox lacks lubrication. As a result, there is wear in the gears. And any metal residues from this early wear, even if they are in a microscopic arrangement, bring abrasive properties capable of on the effect on rubber seals, leading to leakage and exacerbating the problem.”

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