What does the W in automatic transmission stand for
2 Answers
Automatic transmission W refers to the snow mode. W can be used for starting on slippery surfaces, with wheel torque equivalent to second gear, preventing skidding on wet or icy roads. Automatic transmission eliminates the need for manual gear shifting by the driver, as the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. The method for shifting gears in an automatic transmission is: 1. Press the clutch pedal all the way down to fully disengage the clutch; 2. Shift the gear to first gear. The parking steps for an automatic transmission are: 1. Press the foot brake to stop the vehicle; 2. Shift the gear from D to N; 3. Pull the handbrake and turn off the engine; 4. Release the foot brake without turning off the power; 5. Press the foot brake again and shift the gear from N to P; 6. Release the foot brake and turn the key back; 7. Turn off the power and remove the key.
I recently noticed this W gear position on automatic transmission cars while driving. It stands for Winter mode, primarily designed to reduce the risk of skidding during winter or on slippery roads. I've driven several models equipped with this feature. When the road is wet or snowy, manually switching to W mode makes the vehicle start from second gear instead of first, which reduces the likelihood of wheel spin and loss of control—pretty safe. It might not be very useful on flat roads under normal conditions, but it's quite effective in mud, rain, or snow. I recommend trying it in bad weather. By the way, for regular driving, just use D mode, and for a sportier feel, you can switch to S mode, but W is one of my essential driving techniques during cold seasons. Remember to maintain your transmission regularly to ensure smooth mode switching and worry-free driving.