Automatic Transmissions: Pros and Cons

Automatic transmissions are popular with new drivers. They make a car easier to learn for many kinds of drivers, because the control system does most of the work and is tuned to run in optimal modes. But unlike a manual gearbox, an automatic demands a careful, respectful approach. Repairs are complex and expensive, because the unit is intricate to build, and neglecting it will lead to damage. In terms of difficulty, repairing an automatic is comparable to major engine work. Careful treatment of an automatic transmission includes regularly checking the fluid level in the transmission and using only fluid made specifically for automatic transmissions. This matters because of the fluid's particular properties, in particular how quickly it responds. Here is a short list of problems that can appear while operating an automatic. Structurally, an automatic is not very different from a manual gearbox, but the operating requirements are much stricter. If you like aggressive driving with fast, frequent shifting, this type of transmission is not for you. If you keep driving that way, you will eventually feel light jolts when shifting. These will get worse over time and can only be fixed by completely disassembling and rebuilding the transmission. You should also be careful to avoid situations where your car has to be towed, since towing can damage an automatic. If it can't be avoided, follow a few rules: help the car along with the engine where possible, and watch the transmission temperature. Problems can also occur when the fluid level drops in the main line or in the transmission itself. This is hard to notice unless you are driving uphill. A low level causes slight slipping, and to compensate, the transmission will shift down into lower gears and may stop working altogether. This behavior is typical of rear-wheel-drive cars. The cause may be a leak through which fluid drains out until the car stops completely. In that case the car can be towed, but no more than 50 kilometers (about 30 miles), because a longer tow can cause serious wear and destroy the differential and transmission bearings. Pay close attention to the fluid level in a car like this, because neglecting an automatic can lead to serious expense. Keep in mind, too, that not every repair shop will take on this kind of repair and see it through to the end.