david bravoDriving an automatic vehicle can feel smooth and effortless, but just because it’s easier to drive than a manual doesn’t mean there aren’t rules to follow.
To ensure your automatic transmission lasts longer and performs optimally, there are some important things you should avoid doing. In this blog, we’ll look at five things you should never do when driving an automatic vehicle.
1. Never Shift from Drive to Reverse Without Stopping
One of the worst things you can do to your automatic transmission is shift from “Drive” to “Reverse” (or vice versa) without fully stopping the vehicle. Many drivers are tempted to switch gears before coming to a complete stop, but doing so puts unnecessary stress on the transmission.
- Why It’s Harmful: Automatic transmissions are not designed to handle sudden directional shifts without the vehicle stopping. It can damage the gearbox and lead to costly repairs.
- What to Do: Always make sure the car has come to a full stop before switching between “Drive” and “Reverse” to prevent wear and tear on the transmission.
2. Don’t Put the Car in Neutral While Coasting
Some drivers think shifting to “Neutral” while going downhill or coasting to a stop saves fuel, but this is a bad habit for automatic cars.
- Why It’s Harmful: Modern automatic cars are equipped with fuel-injection systems that automatically optimize fuel consumption. Shifting to “Neutral” takes away engine braking, and you lose control over the car’s speed. Additionally, shifting to “Drive” from “Neutral” at higher speeds can strain the transmission.
- What to Do: Let your car handle the gears. Keeping the car in “Drive” allows the engine to slow you down naturally while saving fuel at the same time.
3. Avoid Keeping the Car in “Park” Without Using the Handbrake
Relying solely on the “Park” gear to keep your car stationary is another common mistake. The “Park” setting locks the transmission, but it isn’t designed to hold the weight of the car by itself on an incline.
- Why It’s Harmful: Relying only on “Park” can cause strain on the parking pawl (a part that locks the transmission). Over time, this can lead to transmission damage, especially on hills.
- What to Do: Always engage the handbrake (parking brake) before putting the car in “Park.” This ensures your vehicle is securely held in place and reduces strain on the transmission.
4. Never Rev the Engine in Neutral and Then Shift to Drive
Some drivers believe revving the engine in “Neutral” before shifting into “Drive” gives the car a power boost. While this may seem fun or sound impressive, it’s incredibly harmful to your transmission.
- Why It’s Harmful: Revving the engine while in “Neutral” and then quickly shifting into “Drive” causes a sudden jolt of power that can damage the transmission components. The gears aren’t designed to handle such a forceful transition.
- What to Do: Avoid revving your engine unnecessarily. If you need a quick acceleration, gently press the gas pedal while the car is in “Drive” to ensure a smooth power delivery.
5. Don’t Shift to “Park” Before Stopping Completely
Many drivers make the mistake of shifting into “Park” before the vehicle has completely stopped. This may seem like a minor mistake, but it can have serious consequences for your car’s transmission.
- Why It’s Harmful: Shifting into “Park” while the car is still moving forces the transmission’s parking pawl to engage with the wheels in motion, potentially damaging it and other components.
- What to Do: Always wait until your car comes to a complete stop before shifting into “Park.” This prevents unnecessary damage to your transmission and keeps your car functioning smoothly.
Avoiding these bad habits can significantly extend the lifespan of your automatic transmission and save you from expensive repairs. For professional maintenance and repairs, TJ Services offers expert care for all types of vehicles, ensuring your car performs at its best. Treat your automatic car with the right care, and it will serve you reliably for many miles to come.
