Buying cars isn’t usually a part of our daily or even our weekly routines, so chances are you might not have been keeping up with all of the new lingo and jargon for industry standards. That’s why we’re bringing you a helpful guide to understanding all things automotive with the Atlantic Auto Group Decoder! Learn the tips and tricks of the trade from the experts in the field, and you’ll be very prepared for your next sale or purchase.
Today we’re going to explore Automatic Transmissions!
A car’s transmission is a vital part of your vehicle’s operation system, and one of the most important components. The transmission helps ensure that the engine is spinning at the right rate, transferring the correct amount of power to the wheels, and it changes gears depending on how far you push down on the accelerator pedal. If you want to visualize this process more simply, think of a bicycle’s gear and chain pulley system which moves its wheels in synchronization, and ensures they move at the same rate of speed.
The transmission is a gearbox containing gears and gear-trains which provide power from your car’s engine to the wheels, and prevents the car from overheating and reaching max velocity. It regulates the engine’s RPM to avoid overloading the engine and also to decrease your fuel consumption, allowing you to regulate your vehicle’s energy. Driving slowly with an automatic transmission means your car is operating in a lower gear; accelerating will switch the car into a higher gear, and thus rotating the wheels faster. The transmission directs the vehicle to idle when its wheels are not in motion by disconnecting the engine from the drive wheels.
Let’s take a closer look:
-
Automatic transmission
A transmission that uses a torque converter, planetary gearset and clutches or bands to automatically change a vehicles gears.
-
Automatic transmission bands
In an automatic transmission, adjustable circular straps lined with a friction material which are actuated to tighten around and stop the rotation of a drum as part of the shifting process.
-
Automatic transmission cooler hoses
Flexible tubes that carry transmission fluid to and from a heat exchanger or oil cooler.
-
Automatic transmission filter
A component in most automatic transmissions that is fitted over the fluid intake, usually in the pan, that prevents debris and other contaminants from circulating throughout the transmissions inner workings and potentially causing unnecessary wear or damage. Some transmissions use a reusable metal or nylon mesh-type screen in place of a disposable filter.
-
Automatic transmission fluid
The fluid used for lubricating and cooling an automatic transmission.
Automatic transmissions feature a computer-operated clutch that contains special sensors and processors to monitor your vehicle’s speed, directing the actuator to operate the clutch based on your speed and how hard you press on the accelerator. Many drivers prefer automatic transmissions due to their ease of use, and the lack of multi-tasking required while driving. If you listen carefully while you drive, you can notice when the automatic transmission’s mechanisms switch into another gear as you drive.
The easiest way to monitor your transmission is by checking the fluid, which should be a bright red color; dark red or brown tinted fluid indicates it’s time for a flush and fluid change. For those cars with a sealed transmission, there are a few sounds and sensations to look out for. If you notice that your car is having a rough time switching gears and you feel a slight pop sensation as it switches gears, or you notice that it is delayed in shifting gears while accelerating or decelerating, these are common signs your vehicle may need a service call with an experienced transmission. Likewise if you notice any grinding, squealing, or a burning smell while shifting gears during your drive, these also point to a need for troubleshooting.
Call one of our experienced service technicians today to schedule an appointment!
