What Are the Bad Habits of Driving an Automatic Car?
2 Answers
Driving an automatic car mainly has the following bad habits: shifting to N gear while decelerating or going downhill; suddenly shifting to a low gear during high-speed driving; shifting to R gear before the car has completely stopped; and towing the car without proper measures. Below are the detailed explanations: Shifting to N gear while decelerating or going downhill: During the operation of an automatic transmission, it requires the D gear or sufficient lubricant to lubricate the transmission gears and clutch. If you shift to neutral while coasting, it may lead to insufficient lubrication for these components, potentially causing the automatic transmission to overheat and fail. Suddenly shifting to a low gear during high-speed driving: Whether it's an automatic or manual transmission, each gear has its maximum speed limit. Just like shifting to the wrong gear in a manual car may cause the engine to stall, shifting to the wrong gear in an automatic car can also cause problems. Especially when the car is driving at high speed and suddenly forced into a low gear, it is very likely to cause damage to the transmission. Shifting to R gear before the car has completely stopped: When the car has not completely stopped, it means the internal components are still operating. Shifting to R gear at this time may generate a reverse pressure on the reverse clutch, leading to wear and tear on the car's components over time. This will significantly reduce the car's lifespan. Towing the car without proper measures: During the driving process, accidents may occur that cause the car to malfunction and fail to start. The most common solution is to call a tow truck to take the car to a repair shop. However, if the car is towed without any proper measures, it may cause damage to the transmission.
When I first started driving an automatic transmission car, I developed some bad habits that I now regret. For example, I often kept the car in D gear while braking at a stop, thinking it was convenient and quick, but this kept the transmission under load, causing parts to wear out faster over time. Also, during long red lights, I wouldn't shift to N gear, and the car would keep shaking, which didn't feel good for the engine. Once, I forgot to use the handbrake or P gear when parking on a slope, and the car almost rolled back, giving me a real scare. Accelerating aggressively by stomping on the gas pedal felt exhilarating, but it spiked my fuel consumption by over 10%, hurting my wallet. In winter, I'd start the car and drive off immediately without warming it up for a few minutes, making the engine sound as rough as an old ox pulling a cart. These small habits might seem minor, but they add up and can lead to major transmission repairs costing thousands. Later, I learned to shift to P gear when parking, use N gear for long stops, and drive more smoothly—my car runs better now, and I feel much more at ease. Developing good habits is crucial—it saves money, reduces stress, and keeps you safe.
