Driving an automatic vehicle feels so easy and enjoyable, especially for those who find it more difficult to exchange gears swiftly in manual vehicles. You get in, press the pedal, and go. But hold on a second! Even automatic transmissions come with their own set of unspoken rules.
There are quite a few habits and mistakes you should avoid if you want your car to run smoothly for years to come. It’s not just about putting the gear in ‘D’ and hitting the gas. Let’s dig into the things you should avoid when driving an automatic car—if you want to keep things running smoothly.
What to Avoid when Driving Automatic?
Here are 15 things you should avoid when driving automatic vehicle.
1. Putting Your Car in Neutral While Stopping at Traffic Lights
So, you’re at a red light. Seems harmless to slip the gear into neutral, right? It’s not. A lot of drivers think switching to neutral saves fuel, but the difference is minuscule. What’s worse? It puts extra wear and tear on your transmission. The reason? Your automatic transmission is designed to stay in drive even when you’re stopped. Your engine is idling and still lubricating those important parts. Shifting in and out of neutral can confuse the transmission and cause long-term damage. So, unless you’re parking, avoid neutral while stopping at traffic.
2. Resting Your Hand on the Gear Lever
Here’s one for all the casual drivers out there. Resting your hand on the gear lever feels comfortable, doesn’t it? But did you know that this habit could actually damage the transmission? The gear lever is connected to selector forks inside the transmission system, and those delicate parts are not designed to handle pressure for extended periods. Over time, the weight of your hand can cause premature wear on those parts. Stick to keeping both hands on the steering wheel. It’s safer and will keep your transmission in better shape.
3. Shifting Between Reverse and Drive Without Stopping
We’ve all been there. Maybe you’re trying to make a quick U-turn or pull out of a parking space faster than usual. But moving from reverse to drive (or vice versa) while the car is still moving? Big no-no. When you shift gears before coming to a complete stop, you’re forcing your transmission to take over the braking for you. That puts unnecessary strain on the internal components. Over time, this habit can lead to premature failure of your transmission. Always make sure your vehicle comes to a full stop before changing gears.
4. Coasting Downhill in Neutral
Some drivers believe coasting in neutral while going downhill helps them save fuel. Here’s the reality check: it doesn’t. Modern automatic vehicles are smart. When you’re driving downhill and take your foot off the accelerator, the car automatically adjusts its fuel intake to a minimum. Coasting in neutral can actually cut off your engine from providing the necessary control to keep the car steady. In other words, it’s risky and provides no real benefit. Keep the car in gear and let it do what it’s built to do—control your descent safely.
5. Ignoring Your Parking Brake
Automatic cars are convenient because they don’t require as much multitasking when parking. You just pop it into ‘P’ and call it a day, right? Wrong. Neglecting the parking brake can place extra strain on the parking pawl, the small part in your transmission that locks the car in place. Over time, this tiny component can wear out, especially if you park on slopes without using the parking brake. Always engage your parking brake, even on flat surfaces, to take some pressure off your transmission and avoid costly repairs down the road.
6. Keeping Your Foot on the Brake While Driving
Now, this is one of those habits that many people develop without even realizing it. Keeping your foot lightly on the brake pedal while driving can seem like a good way to be prepared for a sudden stop, but this practice is actually quite harmful. Lightly riding the brake while driving can cause excessive wear on your brake pads. Not only that, it confuses drivers behind you, as they might think you’re about to stop suddenly. Save your brakes, and only use them when you need to.
7. Revving the Engine Before Shifting into Gear
Are you guilty of revving your engine before putting it into drive? You might love the sound of the revving engine, but it’s not doing your car any favors. Revving the engine while in neutral and then immediately shifting into gear can cause a sudden jolt, which puts extra stress on your transmission components. The transmission is designed to handle gradual increases in power, not sudden surges. Always wait until your car is in gear before pressing the gas pedal.
8. Using the Wrong Gear for the Situation
Automatic cars are designed to take a lot of the guesswork out of driving. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore gear selection altogether. If you’re driving up or down a steep hill, your car might need a little help. Don’t hesitate to switch to a lower gear if the road conditions call for it. Your transmission will thank you for it. Relying solely on the automatic setting in challenging driving conditions can cause overheating and unnecessary strain. It’s okay to step in and choose the right gear for the job.
9. Accelerating Hard When the Engine is Cold
When your engine is cold—like after a night of sitting in your driveway—it’s crucial to be gentle with it. Gunning the accelerator right after starting the car puts undue stress on the engine and transmission. At low temperatures, the fluids in your transmission haven’t fully warmed up, and they need time to circulate and lubricate all the parts. Take it easy for the first few miles until everything heats up and runs smoothly. Think of it like warming up your muscles before exercise—it just makes sense.
10. Relying Too Much on Cruise Control
Cruise control is one of those features that makes highway driving feel like a dream. But, it’s not always a good idea to use it excessively, especially in stop-and-go traffic or hilly terrain. On uneven roads, cruise control can cause your transmission to shift gears more often than necessary, leading to overheating. And in heavy traffic, relying too much on cruise control can dull your reflexes. It’s best used for steady highway cruising, not for every driving situation.
11. Ignoring Transmission Fluid Changes
Transmission fluid is the lifeblood of your vehicle’s transmission. But how often do you think about changing it? If you can’t remember, that’s a problem. While automatic transmissions are generally low-maintenance, ignoring fluid changes can lead to bigger issues down the road. Transmission fluid helps to cool, lubricate, and clean the transmission components. When it breaks down or gets dirty, it can cause your transmission to overheat and wear out prematurely. Always stick to your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule, and make sure your transmission fluid is in good condition.
12. Overloading the Vehicle
It’s tempting to stuff your car full of luggage, people, or gear—especially when going on a long trip. But did you know that overloading your vehicle can have a negative impact on your automatic transmission? The extra weight makes your transmission work harder to shift and maintain speed, which can lead to overheating and wear. Make sure to stay within your vehicle’s recommended weight limit to avoid unnecessary strain on your transmission and other components.
13. Rushing Shifts Between Park, Reverse, and Drive
Shifting between gears, like from park to drive, may seem like an insignificant action, but doing it hastily can cause issues over time. Each gear change engages different parts of the transmission, and rushing this process can cause a jarring motion that leads to wear and tear. Allow your car a moment to adjust before accelerating when shifting gears, and you’ll help protect your transmission from unnecessary stress.
14. Using Cheap Transmission Fluid or Ignoring Leaks
When it comes to transmission fluid, quality matters. Opting for cheaper alternatives might seem like a good idea initially, but it can cost you more in the long run. Lower-quality fluids might not provide the same level of lubrication and cooling, leading to potential damage. Leaks are also a red flag. Transmission fluid leaks can go unnoticed but may cause major problems if ignored. Always choose high-quality transmission fluid and address leaks as soon as possible.
15. Ignoring Warning Signs of Transmission Trouble
Your car is smart—it will tell you when something’s wrong. Ignoring warning signs like strange noises, delayed shifts, or a burning smell can be costly. These are often early indicators of transmission trouble. Addressing these issues early can save you from a full-blown transmission failure later on. Listen to your car, and when it gives you a sign, don’t wait to get it checked out.
Automatic cars are a dream for many drivers, offering ease and convenience with every ride. But, like any well-oiled machine, they require a little care and attention. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you keep your transmission in top shape for the long time.