![SDVH [Self Drive Vehicle Hire]](https://sdvh.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SDVH_logo_concept_4-02.svg){kind=logo}
Automatic transmissions provide drivers with a smoother ride more often than manual transmissions due to their ability to shift gears quickly and accurately. Automatic transmissions also reduce driver fatigue by removing the need for them to shift gears manually. This makes them ideal for long-distance trips or city driving where frequent gear shifts are required.
Automatic cars drive so smoothly, it’s the reason why this transmission a common mechanic in luxury cars. In today’s article, we’re going to break down how automatics work, the types of automatic transmissions and what the gear ratio is. So, how do automatic cars work?
The first automatic transmission was introduced in 1940, and since then, it has become increasingly popular in modern vehicles, spawning multiple variants.
Types of Automatic Transmission
There are five types of automatic transmissions, each with its own set of advantages:
- IMT (intelligent manual transmission)
- AMT (automated manual transmission)
- DCT (dual-clutch transmission)
- CVT (continuously variable transmission)
- Torque converter
Intelligent manual transmissions are the most affordable options that act as a bridge between automatic and manual cars. While the gear shift of an IMT has manual hydraulic controls, the clutch control is automatic.
Automated manual gearboxes, unlike other automatic gearboxes, have automatic shifting and an automatic clutch, but the operation of the transmission still functions like a manual, making this a semi-automatic transmission.
Dual-clutch automatics bring sportiness and responsiveness to the vehicle with their specific automatic gearbox that has one clutch for even-numbered gears and the other for odd-numbered gears. This way, the transmission recognises the need to change gear more promptly and ensure fast shifting for maximum speed when driving.
Continuously variable transmissions are the most popular modern automatic transmission. This hydraulic automatic transmission moves with a high level of consistency and accuracy, giving you a very relaxed and smooth driving experience.
In a CVT vehicle, there is an ‘infinite’ number of gear ratios that seamlessly help it accelerate without gear-shift interruption.
Torque converter housing offers amazing balance if you want performance and fuel efficiency. A torque converter has greater performance than CVT and greater smoothness than a DCT. Torque converters also come in a variety of engines. Moreover, this type of automatic transmission is the most common one.
The Advantages
Here are some of the perks of driving an automatic vehicle:
- You don’t need to worry about the hassle of shifting gears. Your car will do all the work for you.
- You get to pay more attention to the road. The car automatically sets its correct gear and speed, so you only have to press the gas pedal and control the vehicle’s direction.
- Automatic transmission engine also reduces the risk of stalling in vehicles.
Learning how to drive an automatic is easier than learning to drive a manual vehicle.
Many automatics come in convertible variants. Learn here about convertible cars.
The Disadvantages
Automatic cars are convenient, but they don’t come without drawbacks.
- Automatic vehicles tend to be more expensive to purchase than their manual equivalents.
- Since driving an automatic car requires less concentration, it is easy for you to lose focus when driving.
- Automatic cars may consume more fuel.
How To Drive An Automatic Car
Learning how to drive automatic vehicles is a great way to save time and reduce stress on the road. Automatic transmission cars offer a smooth driving experience and are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience. With the proper guidance, anyone can master the basics of driving an automatic car.
How To Start
Starting an automatic vehicle is much simpler than starting a manual car:
- With the push of a button or the turn of a key, you can get your car up and running in no time.
- Your automatic car is in the ‘Park’ mode when you just turn it on, so to get it to move, all you have to do is take it out of ‘P’ for parking and put it into ‘D’ for driving.
How To Stop
Stopping an automatic car is not as complicated as it may seem. With a few simple steps, you can quickly and safely bring your vehicle to a complete stop:
- Firstly, step on the brake pedal gently so the vehicle reaches a complete stop.
- Next, set the automatic transmission in ‘P’ and apply the parking brake.
- Finally, release the brake pedal and turn off the engine via a key or button, depending on the car you’re driving.
Things To Consider
Driving an automatic car can be a great experience, especially for those who are new to driving. It is much easier than driving a manual as there is no need to use the clutch pedal or do manual transmission shifts. However, some important things are still to consider when driving an automatic car.
It is important to get used to the different gear options like the park gear, reverse gear, neutral gear and drive gear. You should also relax and take your time while driving – don’t step on the pedal too hard as automatic cars break more often than manual cars.
You may also see automatic cars with additional gear options, such as:
- 1 or ‘L’ (‘Low’ gear) – puts the car in first gear
- 2 – leaves the car in second gear
- 3 – leaves the car in third gear
What About A Licence?
Knowing the type of licence you hold can make a big difference. If your licence is for an automatic vehicle, you won’t be able to get behind the wheel of a manual car due to its complexity. On the other hand, having a manual licence allows you to drive an automatic car.
That being said, according to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), you can drive a semi-automatic vehicle with an automatic licence as long as the vehicle doesn’t require that you use a clutch pedal to change gears on it.
Click here for a comprehensive comparison of automatics and manuals.
Why Are All Cars Not Automatic?
Not all cars are made to be automatic for a number of reasons. For starters, automatic cars are often more expensive to produce. They are also less reliable and don’t always have the best performance. On the other hand, manually operated cars can offer an edge in both fuel efficiency and power output when you use them correctly.
While both automatic and manual systems use transmission fluid, automatic transmissions feature many complex parts, such as:
- Planetary gear set
- Ring gear
- Sun gear
- Gear pump
- Fluid coupling
Many luxury cars are automatics.
Should I Choose An Automatic Or A Manual?
Whether you should choose an automatic or a manual depends on various factors such as your driving preference, budget and the place you’re driving in. If you’re driving in densely populated areas with lots of traffic and are focused on smooth and stress-free driving, we’d recommend a CVT automatic with a planetary gearset.
Manual cars are ideal if their driving complexity does not put you off. They’re cheaper than automatic vehicles, and their transmission system puts you in proper control of the vehicle.
Enjoy the smoothest driving experience with SDVH’s automatic car rental offers. We also have automatic vans for hire for seamless passenger and cargo transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Correct Way To Drive An Automatic Car?
The correct way to drive an automatic car is to press down on the brake and shift the car into ‘Drive’ (D). Proceed to release the brake gradually while pressing down on the accelerator pedal to accelerate. Whenever you need to slow down or stop, take your foot off the accelerator pedal and press down on the brake.
Is It Easy To Drive An Automatic Car?
It is easy to drive an automatic car because you only need to focus on the gas pedal, brake pedal and steering wheel. On the other hand, driving a manual vehicle is more complex. You’ll be responsible for changing gears and controlling the clutch pedal while paying attention to the road.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Automatic Cars?
The disadvantages of automatic cars are their high purchase cost and poor fuel economy. Automatic cars are typically more expensive to purchase than their manual counterparts. Cars with conventional automatic gearboxes also tend to consume more fuel than manual vehicles. However, fuel consumption varies across manufacturers and car models. Also, since automatic cars give drivers a sense of increased freedom with fewer obligations, it is easy to lose focus when driving them.
What Should You Not Do In An Automatic?
What you should not do in an automatic is coast down a hill in neutral. Coasting downhill for a long time causes your brakes to be overheated, making them fade and become less effective. You should also avoid changing gears while the car is moving, as it can damage all four forward gears.
How Do Automatics Know When To Shift?
Automatics know when to shift by using sensors that determine whether or not the car should increase or decrease in speed. It has a hydraulic system with a valve body that uses internal oil pressure to shift gears. The hydraulic fluid used in this hydraulic pressure system is made with mineral or synthetic oils.
Conclusion
How do automatic cars work? Automatic cars feature a complex system of components working together to provide a smoother driving experience. These vehicles switch gear ratios automatically, saving you the stress of shifting gears like in manual transmission cars. Although there are some limitations to overcome regarding the use of automatic cars, there’s no denying that these vehicles make driving way more convenient.
