Driving Tips: DOs and DON’Ts when driving an Automatic Car

The vast majority of new cars on the market today are only available with an automatic transmission. Though technology has made day-to-day driving considerably easier, it has also resulted in a slew of myths. So, to separate fact from fiction, here are some  Do's and Don'ts to keep in mind if you own a car with an automatic transmission.

Do’s

Using the appropriate kind of transmission fluid – If one needs to top up with the transmission fluid, using the right type is very essential. There are different kinds of transmission fluids that are available in the market. The most available ones are called Mercon and Dexron. These two fluids are the general ones that come with several variants. Hence, it is always best to consult the manual for the ideal type of owner. It is important to use a suitable type of fluid since different fluids have different properties. The wrong fluid can impact the car in ways such as causing irregular pressures, corrosion or precipitation, or clogs that can shorten the life of the transmission.

Checking the fluid regularly – Fluid is a liquid that is responsible for lubricating the transmission. The fluid level on an inadequate level is a sign of potential issues. It is essential to recognize a leakage prior in order to prevent more damage. The fluid quantity should be bright red and smell sweet, and transparency should be clear. If otherwise, it is advised to have a specialist inspect the matter so that it does not cause a problem in the future. Fluids play an important role in every facet of the vehicle, consisting of longevity and fuel economy. Keeping them at a level will help the vehicle last longer as well as drive better. Hence, it is important and advised that transmission fluid be checked on a regular basis. The function of transmission fluid is to maintain proper lubrication of many components that are present inside the vehicle.   

Don’t’s

Engaging “P” prior to stopping- When driving an automatic vehicle, it is important to remember that one should engage the gear to Park only when the car halts. This is because when the gear stick is engaged while the car is in motion, the parking pawl can get spoiled. It will stop the transmission from moving, which will stop the car from moving forward or backward. It is not appropriate to place the gear in the spotlight for many safety concerns. If the light is green, shifting from P to D will need effort so one has to go R and N before one can place the gear stick to D. One can unconsciously engage the gear lever to either N or R when moving from P to D.  

Changing gears when in a moving state – This can lead to facing some jerky motion while finding a suitable balance between the engine and the gears’ speed. Switching gears while the car is moving is a habit that one should break since this can hamper the transmission of the car. If one wants to shift from D to R or the other way round, one should wait for the car to stop being in a moving state before doing so. Not engaging the clutch while moving the gears can damage the transmission of the vehicle.