Habits that damage automatic car transmission
Jakarta,
There are still many people who think that caring for a car with an automatic or automatic transmission is more complicated than a manual car. This assumption is not entirely wrong because if one transmission component is damaged, the damage can spread to other parts and result in considerable repair costs.
To keep the automatic car durable and comfortable to use, there are some habits that should be avoided by the driver. Asst. To Aftersales Department Head of Service PT Suzuki Indomobil Sales (SIS), Hariadi, conveyed some common mistakes that are often made by drivers.
First error: Moving the transmission lever to a neutral position when driving on a downhill road
Some drivers think that moving the transmission lever to a neutral position while driving down a downhill can save fuel. However, this can actually damage the transmission because the lubrication system does not work optimally when the gear is not connected.
Modern cars now have a system that automatically adjusts the fuel supply when driving on a derivative. With the fixed gear attached, the fuel injector will close and the rotational power of the wheel will keep the engine spinning without additional gasoline consumption.
The second error: replacing the gear when the car has not stopped
The next mistake is changing the gear position when the car hasn’t really stopped. For example, from ‘D’ to ‘R’ or vice versa when the vehicle is still moving.
This habit can cause collisions on the transmission components and shorten their lifespan. The driver must remember that the transmission lever serves to change gears, not to stop the vehicle. Use the brakes to stop completely.
The third error: the engine runs from the neutral position before moving to the ‘drive’
There are also drivers who like to drive the engine from a neutral position before moving to the ‘drive’. This method is very risky because it can damage the clutch and internal components of the transmission due to a sudden spike in pressure.
Fourth error: Keep pressing the brake with the gear position on the ‘D’ when it stops
When stopping at a red light or in a traffic jam, you should move the transmission lever from ‘D’ to a neutral position. Many drivers choose to keep pressing the brakes with the gear position on the ‘D’, even though this habit makes the oil pressure in the transmission continue to work and can shorten its lifespan.
Fifth error: shifting the gear to the ‘P’ position before the car stops
Lastly, never shift gears to the ‘P’ position before the car stops completely. The position of ‘P’ is used for parking, not to stop the car. If the lever is moved too fast, the locking mechanism inside the transmission can be worn or even broken.
By understanding and avoiding these habits, the driver can maintain the optimal condition of the automatic car transmission and avoid unwanted damage.
