It is easier to drive an automatic than a manual transmission vehicle, but it is still possible to cause serious damage to the transmission. Poor driving habits can spell disaster for an automatic gearbox, resulting in the need for expensive repairs at Transmission Repair Shops in Grand Rapids MI. Below are a few things to avoid when driving a vehicle with an automatic transmission.
Coasting Downhill in Neutral
Today’s automatic transmissions control fuel flow to the engine, so shifting into neutral won’t result in any fuel savings. Additionally, it takes control away from the driver, and it is illegal in some areas.
Changing Directions Without Coming to a Full Stop
It is important to come to a full stop before changing from reverse to drive, or vice versa. If the driver doesn’t do so, they’re using the transmission to stop the car instead of allowing the brakes to do their work.
Using the Transmission to Launch the Vehicle
Do not rev the motor in neutral and quickly shift into drive to propel the vehicle forward. Doing so will cause unnecessary wear on the bands in the transmission; these are costly and time-consuming to replace. However, drivers needing transmission repair after a “failed launch” can visit a site like website domain to schedule a repair.
Shifting into Neutral at Stop Lights
As mentioned earlier, shifting into neutral can sometimes be costly. It will not result in any significant fuel savings, and it can cause severe wear on the transmission’s internal components.
Shifting into the Park Before Coming to a Full Stop
Some vehicles are designed to prevent this, but drivers should not do it even if the vehicle has no such safety measure. Shifting into park before stopping can break the lock pin that keeps the transmission from running. If the transmission is damaged from such practices, a local shop like Bob’s Transmission can solve the problem.
Some of the above mistakes may seem elementary to those with automotive experience, but not all drivers know how a transmission works, and many are unaware of the damage they can cause with a seemingly innocuous habit. The tips are given here, along with help from Transmission Repair Shops in Grand Rapids MI, can help drivers stay safe while extending the life of an automatic transmission.
