Here’s A Quick Way To Know What An Automatic Transmission Actually Does
Topics: transmission, auto, car, engine
Most cars sold in the United States since the 1950s have been equipped with an automatic transmission. Automatic transmissions are great for those of us that just want to drive. Period. They are a mystery to most of us, and we’ve always relied on the competence of the manufacturer that it would work without a hitch. If the transmission failed, we took it to our friendly, neighborhood mechanic and hoped that it could be repaired.
Performance enthusiasts are all about the fact that auto transmissions have gotten smaller, generate more speeds and that they now require greater gear precision. For the non-enthusiast, it’s all Greek-speak. They might be cognizant of the fact that there are two types of transmissions, and that they are manual or automatic transmissions. That’s about it.
Automatic transmissions allow you to switch gears just like manual transmissions. An automatic transmission is a car’s gearbox changing gear ratios automatically as the vehicle moves.
For the rest of us, a simple explanation or two might be in order. The gear ratio is the relationship between the number of turns made by a driving gear to complete one full turn of the driven gear, and the gear box is your transmission.
The primary job of an automatic transmission is to allow the engine to operate and control a range of speeds while providing a wide range of output speeds. It uses something called a planetary gearset to accomplish this, and without it, your car would be limited to only one gear ratio or gear that would need to be set to the drivers desired top speed. The gear would need to be permanently set and subsequent efficiency would be dramatically diminished as a result. For instance, if you wanted to go 75 miles an hour, you’d need to have your car permanently set in third gear even when you were going at 10 miles an hour.
There are some obvious differences between a car with an automatic transmission and a manual transmission model. There is no clutch or third pedal, just gas and brake, no gear shift and once you put in drive, everything is automatic. It could be considered boring to manual transmission drivers, but to automatic drivers, manual transmissions are a pain if not impossible to master.
Nowadays, car manufacturers have taking the automatic transmission one step farther in that the engine and transmission management computers are now integrated, It has allowed the manufacturer to include refinements like retarding the ignition during gear changes to give smoother movement. Up until recently automatic transmissions have had a set selection of possible gear ranges. Recently manufacturers have begun to make continuously variable transmissions or CVTs. These can change the ratios over a range rather than between set gear ratios.
Automatic versus manual transmissions is also geographic. There are more automatic transmission drivers on the East and West Coast than in the heartland.
On the whole, it’s a matter of taste. Automatic transmissions get worst gas mileage, and manual transmission replacement is supposed to be cheaper overall. But even that is now a grey area. There are pros and cons on each side, but it basically comes down to whether you like tea or coffee. Manual or auto. It’s more about choice than necessity nowadays.
Alex Olson is a real expert when it comes to automotive issues. She will provide you with all necessary information about auto transmission and will give you an extensive insight, reviews, tips, guides and recommendations on this item at www.autotransmissionshelp.com
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Dog Training Tips (1)
For the first couple trips, let the dog sit in the car for a few minutes to get used to his surroundings. Go for longer trips each time. Praise your dog as he jumps in the car.
Essential Camping Checklist - For A Thrilling Camping Experience (2)
Arrange for a well planned and fully equipped camping! Before planning for any vacation we should have a checklist handy so that we do not miss to pack the most important and essential things whose presence or absence could actually make or mar our whole trip or vacation.
The Hilton Hotel & Beach Club In Dubai (3)
The staff at the beach club were friendly and we liked the fact that they brought food and drinks over to us. The suites were furnished very nicely and had an Arabian feel to them.
Tips For Collecting Antique Tiffany Lamps (4)
The patina process is used on metal bases to create a aged bronze look on the material using a special treatment process. If over polished, the value of the lamp decreases and a new patina is expensive to get for the lamp base.
How To Choose The Right Men's Basketball Shoe For Your Level Of Play (5)
The lower top type of shoes is for players that are not very heavy and can run fast. When you are buying a pair of new basketball shoes you want them to last a long time.
Camping - The Path To Wellness (6)
Truly camping is the path to goodness, enrichment and well being for all. Download Abhishek's FREE Camping Report "Camping With The Family: How To Have A Safe, Fun, And Inexpensive Vacation" and learn some amazing Camping tips and tricks - And save a lot of your time, money and effort!
A Better Game Starts With A Better Golf Ball! (7)
A golf ball in today's market is amazing: the amount of money spent on research and development is incredible and the time and resources used to fill the 1.68-inch diameter ball is truly astonishing.
What Makes A Super Pocket Rocket Different From Regular Minibikes? (8)
In order to accommodate a larger engine and a higher seat, super pocket mini motos should also be larger than their regular counterparts. Their dimensions may even approach those of full-sized motorcycles, but it should still be easy to distinguish them from larger bikes.
Constructing And Designing A Training Session For Sports Teams (9)
After each session, make notes on what went well, what needs to be worked on further, record all test scores, and think of ways to improve on the next session.
Majorca To Have Spain's Top Hotel (10)
Siuated in Mallorca's Port de Soller it is only 10 miles from the Malloca hotel owned by Richard Branson. In Port de Soller two hotels have marketed themselves as boutiques recently, with Port de Soller and neighbouring Soller aiming to become the lucrative luxury area of Mallorca.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Classic Motor Show In Birmingham (1)
You will find a selection of classic cars for sale at the show with all tastes and budgets being catered for from everyday classics to prestige cars. Whether you are going to find parts for your car, find cheap classic car insurance, make a purchase or merely admire the selection of classic cars, the Classic Motor Show is a fun and enjoyable day out for all.
Tour De France 2007 Shame (2)
The Tour de France has long been known in conjunction with just one man; seven-time winner American Lance Armstrong. But more recently, it's also been marred by scandal when a record number of riders were banished this year due to failed drug tests.
A Merlot Lover's Wine Tour In Napa Valley (3)
Although Napa Valley is particularly famous for Cab, it is also a huge draw for Merlot lovers who simply love the wine. Wine lovers love this thin-skinned variety that's as popular as Cabernet Sauvignon, but has more lush.
Skydiving For The First Time: 4 Great Tips Before You Skydive The First Time (4)
You will feel your fear urging you to turn back and get the pilot to land the plane with you still in it. However, you need to get past this voice.
How To Realize A Discount Disney Vacation (5)
By Miriam Boh for DiscountFamilyVacation4U.com. Want to know how to have an extravagant Disney vacation for a mere fraction of what others pay? Go to www.discountfamilyvacation4u.com for real discount Disney vacation strategies.
Planning Walt Disney Vacations The Right Way (6)
It is, however, better to travel during the less busy times whenever possible. The joy of a Walt Disney vacation is that no matter how many times you have experienced it, the feeling is unique every time.
How Can I Write Like An Expert When I Don't Think That I Am? (7)
The hardest part of all of this is getting motivated to start writing. Once you start, you will be challenged to get it finished and start earning money from your ebook.
Top Five Places To Go Camping In Washington State (8)
It's filled with natural beaty everywhere you look. The variety you'll find in Washington is simply astounding. You'll find rivers, mountains, rainforests, lakes, and more. Washington has nearly every outdoors feature that you can ind in North America.
Coolest Attractions In Pittsburgh (9)
Ranked as the fourth best zoo overall in the United States this is definitely a must see stop that is jam packed with animals spread out over the massive zoo grounds.
Alaskan Fly Fishing - The Thrill And The Enjoyment! (10)
It's time to get set and go and gift yourself and your family the surprise of a lifetime.It's time to take a deep dive into the unexploited waters filled with fresh fish and loads of adventure just waiting for you to grab them!
Permalink to Here’s A Quick Way To Know What An Automatic Transmission Actually Does