How to Properly Use the Auxiliary Transmission?
2 Answers
When driving on sloped roads, you can engage this gear. In this mode, the transmission will automatically shift between gears 1-3 but will not shift to gear 4. Select this gear when encountering long-distance slopes. The control unit adjusts based on driving speed and throttle opening changes.
When I first started driving, I was completely clueless about the auxiliary transmission. I remember the first time I drove a truck loaded with cargo up a hill, the vehicle struggled so much it was shaking. I stubbornly tried shifting the auxiliary gear lever while moving, resulting in a loud clunk that nearly damaged the gearbox. Later, I learned that the auxiliary transmission should only be operated at low speeds or when stopped: for example, before climbing a hill, depress the clutch to come to a complete stop, then shift to a lower gear to increase torque; on flat roads at high speeds, shift to a higher gear to save fuel. Only after much practice did I understand that the key moments to use it are during startup and deceleration, avoiding shifts at high speeds to prevent gear grinding and accidents. Beginners are best off learning from an experienced driver or practicing in an open area to manually get a feel for the rhythm. Even now, I often refer to the manual, as using it correctly can extend the lifespan of parts, while a single mistake can cost thousands in repairs.
