The active development of the automotive industry continues today thanks to the introduction of the latest technologies in this industry. In modern cars, the manufacturer invests a large margin in terms of dynamic and power characteristics, improves the level of equipment, safety, etc.
At the same time, a lot can depend on the quality of implementation of a particular technical solution, including the life and health of the driver, passengers, and other road users.
Note that, given the great popularity of automatic transmissions, the “S” (Sport) mode is designed to fully experience the “drive” of driving a car. Also, this mode can help the driver in a difficult situation. In this article we will look at what “S” gear is on an automatic transmission, why this mode is needed and how to use it.
Band D: Drive mode
The car is most often in the Drive position. Used when moving under standard conditions. Including the transition from first to fourth gear occurs automatically as needed.
To enter this mode, you need to slow down a little and move the lever to position D. Then the transmission turns on within one second. Afterwards you can start moving.
The advantage of the mode is that the box performs actions automatically. The driver just needs to regulate the speed of the car by pressing the gas pedal. Only when the lever is in D can the car reach maximum speed.
Lesson 4. How to use an automatic transmission
In order to understand how to use an automatic transmission, it is enough to know what modes the machine has and how to turn them on. Therefore, we will consider the main and possible modes, as well as how to use them.
What do the letters on the box mean?
The most common, present on almost all automatic transmissions:
- P (Parkind) - parking mode, the car will not roll away either when it’s running or when it’s turned off;
- R (Reverse) — reverse mode (reverse gear);
- N (Neutral) - neutral gear (the car does not respond to gas, but the wheels are not blocked and the car can roll if it is standing downhill);
- D (Drive) - forward driving mode.
We have listed the standard modes of most automatic transmissions, but there are also more sophisticated, technologically advanced boxes with additional modes, let’s look at them:
- S (Sport) - the name of the mode speaks for itself, the transmission begins to change gears more sharply and quickly, in contrast to the usual comfortable mode (this designation may also have a different character - SNOW winter mode);
- W (Winter) H (Hold) * - winter modes that help prevent wheel slip;
- Selector mode (indicated in the photo below) - designed for manually shifting gears forward and backward;
- L (Low) - low gear, a mode typical for SUVs with an automatic transmission.
How to switch automatic transmission mode
On all automatic transmissions, standard modes should only be switched after the vehicle has come to a complete stop and the brake pedal is pressed.
It is clear that in selective (manual) mode you do not need to stop to change gears.
Band P: Parking mode
During installation, the output shaft is blocked and vehicle movement becomes impossible. The “Parking” mode should only be activated when the car has completely stopped moving. If parking is planned on a slope, first turn on the handbrake, and in the next step move the lever to the Parking position. This is done because when removing the position, the blocker will be under load and it will be difficult to perform such actions.
Band N: what is the neutral mode for?
The handle is located between o and “Drive”. After the automatic transmission is moved to the equilibrium position, the rigid connection between the drive and driven shafts is lost and the car has the opportunity to move freely.
This mode should only be used when towing a vehicle. Even when the engine is not running, oil circulates in the box, which has a beneficial effect on the unit. It is not recommended to use “Neutral” while coasting as the position is for service, not work.
Overdrive mode
Needed to use the inertial component of the engine while moving at high speed. In an automatic transmission, such transmission is considered direct. She is fourth in a row. If you compare it with a manual transmission, then the speed there is fifth.
Overdrive is activated via a button located on the selector or placed separately. If this operating mode is set, direct transmission is switched on automatically after the car reaches high speed. This allows you to significantly save fuel. In practice it happens from 50 km/h.
It is not recommended to turn on Overdrive in winter and when driving with a trailer. A bad road requires engine braking, but in this case this becomes impossible.
Several programs
When you press the “Sport” button, the following happens. A different engine control program is launched in the car. The electronic gas pedal becomes more sensitive to pressure. If previously it had to be pushed a few centimeters to give the car more acceleration, then with the sports program activated, it is enough to touch the pedal with your foot to feel how the car rushes forward.
In other words, when the electronic gas pedal is pressed, for example, by a third in “Sport” mode, the throttle valve opens to a noticeably larger angle than in normal mode.
Article on the topic
Secrets of the "machine gun". What secret automatic transmission buttons can save your life? The more the throttle is open, the more air enters, participating in the preparation of the mixture. The throttle position is recorded by a special sensor, which transmits information to the electronic engine control unit (ECU), which quickly recalculates the required amount of fuel supplied to prepare the mixture. Depending on this, the intake operation is reconfigured. The engine consumes more gasoline, but the car comes to life noticeably.
When the “Sport” mode is activated, the operation of the valve mechanism is also reconfigured. It would be a stretch to say that the engine begins to imitate the settings of cars for circuit racing, where fuel efficiency is sacrificed for the sake of speed.
Mode S – sport on automatic
Refers to additional automatic transmission provisions. You can turn it on with a special button located next to the box selector. The car will begin to respond faster to the gas supply and gain speed more intensely. You can switch on the go. There is no need to stop the car.
It is convenient to use “Sport” in the following situations:
- overtaking when it is necessary to sharply increase speed;
- used in urban environments;
- on a steep descent, engine braking is much more effective.
Some drivers love S mode so much that they use it in everyday driving.
D.S.
During operation, the engine produces higher speeds, and with the accelerator pedal in a standard position. By increasing the gas supply, the engine reacts more sensitively to such changes.
In fact, this is the same sport mode, which is used in the speed range from 40 to 120 km/h. The moment of switching on can occur while moving or at a stop. If you drive less than 40 km/h, the box automatically switches to standard operation. Including Ds, it is convenient to brake with the engine.
Sequential mode
It is also called “manual”. Used when moving at high speeds. Switching speeds occurs smoothly and without difficulty. Can be activated on the go or in advance when the car is stationary.
From BMW M-series to mass-produced cars
The most famous function that changes the operation of electronic systems in a car is, of course, the ESP stabilization switch off key. It helps the driver take full control of the car. This button is found in almost all models equipped with multi-level ESP. Now new functions are becoming widespread, which can also be activated by pressing just one button. Among them is the so-called “Sport” button, with which you can add dynamics to the car and feel much more emotions than during normal driving.
The “Sport” button first appeared on the BMW M-series and for many years was the prerogative of expensive premium cars, but now it is found on mass models, including Volkswagen and Lada. The “Sport” button is available on the XRay model with manual transmission and 1.8-liter engines. It is also installed on Granta with manual transmission.
Question answer
Why does an automatic machine need N mode and how to use it correctly? Some drivers, when they see this button, recall the sports transmission modes of automatic transmissions. However, this function is completely different from them. If the sport mode in the box simply kept the engines at higher speeds, then the “Sport” button reconfigures the operation of the power unit.
The evolution of engine control units has led to the emergence of expanded memory, where engineers add dozens of programs that are activated as needed, depending on the driving conditions of the vehicle. One can make the car economical, but sluggish, and the other, on the contrary, very dynamic, but with high fuel consumption. It was proposed to display this functionality on special buttons in front of the driver.
How to enable economy mode of automatic transmission
A series of manipulations should be carried out with the lever. Switching is carried out in the following order: RPRNRP and Eco mode is activated. Saving of fuel mixture occurs as a result of engaging a higher gear at lower speeds. The operating mode of the torque converter lockup changes. Remember that too low speeds are detrimental to the engine due to the lack of normal oil pressure.
Automatic or manual transmission
Let us compare the two types of transmissions in terms of their advantages and disadvantages. We will take the following criteria as a basis: price, maintenance and repair, efficiency and acceleration, reliability, service life, winter driving conditions, comfort, clutch and engine life, and vehicle behavior on the road.
Maintenance and repair
Maintenance and repair of a car with an automatic transmission will be more expensive. An automatic requires more oil than a manual, and it costs more. The oil filter also requires replacement. Compared to an automatic transmission, a manual transmission is easy to maintain and does not require expensive consumables and spare parts.
Efficiency and acceleration
The acceleration dynamics of a manual transmission are better than those of an automatic transmission, and the efficiency of a manual transmission is higher. A manual transmission makes it possible to realize all the engine power and torque. The exception is robotic transmissions with two clutches.
Reliability
The simplicity of the device compared to an automatic transmission allows manual transmission to claim the title of a more reliable gearbox. Towing over long distances with a flexible or rigid hitch is only possible for vehicles with a manual transmission. It is recommended to transport a car with an automatic transmission only on a tow truck. The operation of a car equipped with a manual when driving in icy conditions, through mud and off-road will be better compared to an automatic.
Service life
And this criterion speaks in favor of mechanics, whose service life is longer. Some manual transmissions can function even after the original car engine fails. The same cannot be said about the automatic transmission, which will only last until overhaul.
Winter driving
It is easier to drive a manual car on slippery surfaces and skid in the snow. For an automatic machine, these actions are not advisable - the transmission oil may overheat.
So, for the six items under consideration (price, maintenance and repair, efficiency and acceleration, reliability, service life, winter driving conditions), a manual gearbox wins. Let's see how the machine responds.
Comfort
Automatic transmission operating modes
An automatic transmission has a higher level of driver comfort than a manual transmission. Even an inexperienced driver will be able to move off calmly and without jerking, without creating an emergency situation. Mechanics require increased concentration and attention from the driver. Constant gear changes and the need to constantly depress the clutch pedal, especially in city traffic jams, tire the driver.
Engine and clutch life
In this regard, the automatic also benefits: it controls the speed and prevents the engine from overheating. On a manual transmission, incorrect gear shifting may result in engine overload. Beginners may forget and fail to change gears from low to high in time, causing the engine to operate at higher speeds.
The same applies to the clutch. In a car equipped with an automatic transmission, there is no need to constantly disengage the clutch.
Car behavior on the road
A car with an automatic transmission moves smoothly, without jerking, and does not roll away on a hill. The machine has a “parking” mode, in which the engine is disconnected from the transmission and the output shaft of the box is mechanically locked. This mode allows the machine to be held securely in place.
Well, three against six! Is a manual better than an automatic? May be. But developers do not stand still and come up with new and increasingly improved varieties of automatic transmissions. If we take, for example, the acceleration of a car as a criterion, then a manual transmission accelerates faster than a classic automatic transmission, and in terms of efficiency it is definitely not inferior to a manual transmission, and sometimes even surpasses it.
Position M (Manual): manual mode
You can use an automatic transmission just like a manual transmission. Also called manual. Before you turn it on, you need to learn how to use it correctly.
To set the position, lower the lever down and move it to the left. Some gears contain numbers: 1,2,3,4. These are speeds that are switched manually.
The need arises when driving on bad roads. The manual mode is needed to reduce the load on the machine, which constantly changes gears during the movement process. This leads to increased wear.
By setting it to M, no speed is automatically switched on. The driver independently regulates the movement using a lever, moving it to the desired numbers.
Is it possible to switch automatic transmission on the fly to manual and back?
While driving a vehicle, manual transmission control can be activated at any time. If necessary, the lever returns to the reverse position. This does not depend on the condition of the car. At this moment he can move or stand still.
Designations of box types
There are several types of automatic transmissions, designated by different abbreviations. The manual for the car indicates the type of automatic transmission used in it, and knowledge of the basic designations of the automatic transmission will help to determine it, if necessary.
CVT – Continuous Variable Transmission, commonly referred to simply as a “variator”.
This is one of the technologies that provides continuously variable gear changes. These boxes are characterized by smooth operation, but their reliability is considered slightly lower than “classic” machines.
DSG, or Direct Shift Gearbox.
This is a preselective robotic gearbox with two clutches from developers from the VAG group. It is built on a “mechanical” basis with an electronic control module and servo drives that change gears.
- AT is the general name for automatic transmissions. Often this designation of an automatic transmission hides a classic hydromechanical design, reliable and time-tested.
- MTA – robotic gearbox, or “robot”.
The abbreviation stands for Manual Transmission Shifted Automatically, which means “a manual transmission that shifts automatically.” The box is based on the usual “mechanics”, but gear shifting is given to automatic drives and a control unit. There is no clutch pedal.
L mode
If you transfer to a manual transmission, this corresponds to first gear. The lever can be shifted while the machine is moving. The position is used when moving the car on bad roads or ice. It is used on descent or ascent.
Including, a lower gear is engaged in the box. During this period, the car provides good traction, but maximum fuel consumption is observed.
Power and Hold modes
The first is briefly designated - Pwr. Including, the engine has the opportunity to operate at high speeds for a long time. This is ensured by a delay in switching to higher gear. For this reason, the clicking sound occurs when the car reaches maximum speed. Downshifting occurs instantly.
The purpose of the Hold option is to engage second gear, starting to move the car. If there is a good road ahead, the box will switch to third. The mode provides certain conveniences during steep descents. It does not allow the car to gain high acceleration due to the braking effect. Including Hold, the car cannot move above 40 km/h.
These two buttons can be located on the automatic transmission handle, on the side or near the dashboard.
Mechanics: reliability and popularity
The most popular among car enthusiasts is a manual transmission. The principle of its operation is the operation of two gears, one of which is rotated by the engine, the second transmits rotation to the wheels. Switching is done mechanically - the driver, using the shift lever and clutch pedal (working together with the gas and brake pedals), selects the required gear, which determines the torque and speed of the car. This is what causes difficulties for beginners - you need to be able to competently switch between speeds, smoothly release the clutch and know at what moment to turn on a particular speed. The mechanics can be installed on any type of drive (rear, front or all-wheel drive).
Mechanics are much cheaper to maintain and repair compared to other gearboxes. Cars with manual transmission are also cheaper than their opponents. Structurally, it is also simpler than other options, which is why repair/replacement will cost less for your pocket than with other gearboxes.
The great popularity of mechanics is explained by the fact that it allows you to own a car to a greater extent than other gearboxes allow. With a manual transmission, the driver decides which gear to engage, and therefore the speed and torque are under his complete control. Thanks to this, fuel consumption with such a box is the lowest. Thus, mechanics have the highest efficiency among other gearboxes.
To summarize the above, it is worth briefly summarizing the pros and cons of a manual transmission. Among the advantages it is worth highlighting:
- lowest cost;
- simplicity of design;
- lower fuel consumption than cars with other gearboxes;
- high operating efficiency, allowing you to operate the car as well as possible;
- excellent dynamics.
The only downside is the need to constantly move the lever and pedals.
Automatic: convenience and ease
The second most popular gearbox today is automatic. It is a kind of “complicated” mechanics, to which a mechanism has been added that independently changes gears. The driver only needs to select one of four modes (park, neutral, reverse and drive - drive) and press the pedal, and the automatic will do the rest for him. As for the pedals, there are two of them: gas and brake, there is no clutch. From the point of view of ease of driving, an automatic transmission allows you to drive it carefree and simply, without requiring constant interaction with the lever and pedals - just selecting the desired mode and pressing the gas pedal. A good stepped transmission option for a carefree ride.
But, given the more complex design of this box, it is worth taking into account its higher cost (both when buying a car, and in case of repairs if a breakdown occurs, or other maintenance). By the way, an automatic transmission weighs more than a manual transmission, which is why the car will have a slightly higher mass. You will also have to increase fuel costs, because the automatic transmission “eats” more than its main competitor, the manual transmission. These two gearboxes have quite a lot of differences, so many car enthusiasts ask the question: which is better, a manual or an automatic, the differences in each of which are visible even to the naked eye (from cost to principles of operation and operation).
The advantages of the machine include:
- convenient driving without the need to change gears;
- the ability of the automatic transmission to change gears at maximum engine power;
- no rollback when starting on a flat road surface;
- increased service life due to the protection of the gearbox, which is why it is not afraid of overload and malfunction due to incorrect gear shifting (mechanics in the hands of beginners in this case invariably suffer);
- built-in anti-rollback system, which helps prevent spontaneous movement of the car while parking.
Among the disadvantages:
- higher (compared to manual) fuel consumption;
- high cost of purchase, repair, maintenance;
- dynamics inferior to manual transmission;
- time delays when changing gears;
- rollbacks when starting on an inclined area.
From the above it is clear that manual transmissions and automatic transmissions have a wide range of differences, and therefore the question - which is better than a manual or an automatic transmission - can be considered quite logical.
