Auto blog driving 101: A step by step guide to using Automated Manual Transmission

Most cars are either manual or automatic transmission gearboxes, and many car makers are shifting to an automatic transmission as the default options for most trims. For many cars, which are equipped with Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)that has a manual or sport mode that is similar to a manual gearbox. The key difference of AMT is the lack of a clutch but has an automated clutch system that shifts gears manually. Okay, this may seem confusing because AMT is equipped with an electronic clutch that is activated by moving from “D” to the “+/-“ section of the shifter. Quite a number come with it, but some car makers just go with the standard automatic transmission. 

The main difference of AMT to AT, is that AT has D1, D2, L, L1 as the gears used when “DRIVE” is not suitable anymore. Between the two which is AMT and AT, using AT is much simpler and less confusing. Which is why these step by step guide will come in useful for that. But AMT is better when it comes to the function of semi-shifting the AMT like an AT. Though it takes a bit of timing and some care to use manual or sport mode better. Examples of it are Mitsubishi Mivec and other trannies installed in other cars. When driving AMT, there are some things to expect and it should be noted! 

1.) AMT is not good for fast acceleration on automatic mode. 

2.) Let the differential downshift because it is still an automatic, don’t for it to engine brake. 

3.) AMT is not good at uphill driving, shifting to sport mode is better. The engine won’t be stressed too much! 

4.) Use the hand brake a lot when hanging on an incline.

When driving here are the simple steps to take when using AMT in these driving conditions. These will save your transmission from getting damaged and to make it last longer!

1.) When the car starts moving, Shift from N to D but don’t make the shifting abrupt. The manual mode can be engaged while moving anytime, its gearbox is ECU controlled with hydraulic assistance.

2.) Once the shifter is in “+/-“ then you’ll need to shift to + when the speed is 20 kph plus. The indicator will show 2 in the indicator.

3.) Next, when the shift needs a higher speed then it will be 3 in the indicator, push it up. Then feel out the engine that it isn’t strained or a too low a gear for the speed.

4.) When there’s enough speed, the shift up to 4, better check what speed is the gearbox. It might not be the same for all AMT gearboxes for cars.

5.) Most AMTs will automatically shift down when losing speed but better reference the driving conditions. Downshifting can be done but be careful.

6.) When going uphill start at 1 and shift up to 2 or 3, as long as there is momentum and no slow shifting that is okay. Just remember to cycle from 1 to 3 as seen in the indicator, to minimize transmission strain.

7.) Do the process and feel out the engine before shifting. This works for overtaking to make shifting faster, but be careful though.

Just follow these steps and always consult your car manual on how to use Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) best! Remember shift to manual or sport mode when on inclines and overtaking too. Never downshift similar to engine brake because it’s not advised.   

Auto blog driving 2019: Top 8 not-to-dos when driving an Automatic car!

Novice drivers and experienced drivers will attest to the simplicity and no-brainer simplicity of driving with automatic transmission cars. It will cost more for an AT option as the drive train which is the go-to because of the horrendous traffic in the metro! For most private cars, this is the usual kind of transmission that is used to cope with the daily grind of stop and traffic. Believe it or not for most motorists who think they know how to drive a AT gearbox. They’re got one thing coming to them and most aren’t aware that they are even doing anything wrong. No need to worry because with these not-to-do’s that should make motorists able to avoid it. It’s rather normal to repeat minor mistakes when it does happen occasionally but not often. With that mentioned and we’ll move onto the meat of the article! All and everything that should not be done will be gone over for the better advisement of motorist with an AT gearbox in their cars.

1. Never coast an inclined slope with neutral engaged! Any driver who disengages the drive will lose the ability to accelerate faster when needed. Another thing is that modern AT gearboxes and brakes are controlled by the ECU at the same time. It’s better to be in drive than neutral because they work in tandem when slowing down. Compared to a manual gearbox that is less efficient when free-wheeling because automatic gear boxes are more fuel-efficient. The ECU detects the exact amount of fuel needed so in effect auto gearboxes will use fuel better, in most instances.

2. Shifting gears with an auto gearbox while moving is not advised. Most drivers have experienced shifting with improper timing are plentiful. Despite all precautions to avoid and it still happens because of impatience. Also, not paying enough attention to proper shift timing and taking the AT gearbox for granted. Shifting from drive or reverse is just careless because AT gearboxes are precise and engage easily. Grinding the transmission gears will wear out the gearbox in time because of carelessness. If any driver has this awful habit which will earn a mighty repair bill for him! Repairing the AT gearbox will be complicated and costly just because it wasn’t minded at all.

3. Putting the AT gearbox in neutral at full stop does bad things to it. It's a common practice for drivers of AT cars to shift into neutral when at a full stop! If you are one of those drivers who’s done it a gazillion times and it is done reflexively too. This isn’t totally accurate and doesn’t even waste fuel or causes undue engine wear as well. A simple explanation is that switch from neutral to drive will cost fuel and engine wear with this [practice. Leaving the AT gearbox on neutral will lessen engine wear and save more fuel in the long run.

4. Revving an AT car in neutral is not smart for starters! Anyone who’s guilty of doing this should know what happens what happens to the gearbox. AT gearboxes are meant to shift automatically and naturally. When acceleration is forced to get more speed that will damage the gearbox unduly. Even with extensive ECU control which optimizes the gear shift for more efficiency that is reserved for high performance cars only! The expected lifetime of the gearbox is compromised and may need repair sooner than it should.

5. Always engage the “park” when car is at full stop. Do you know that a locking pin is engaged when the AT gearbox is placed in “park”? When the car isn’t at full stop and the park is engaged the locking pin could break off and set off expensive repairs. It’s no joke and it will make your wallet bleed! It’s better to wait till full stop then shift to park and never forget it.

6. Low automatic transmission fluid will damage the gearbox. One of the biggest problem which is easily overlooked is when all vital auto fluids should be topped up! More than one drive neglects this simple task which is easy to do. Follow all the manufacturer’s instructions on what is the best grade automatic transmission fluid and when to change it. Production of excess heat will create a carbon build-up that contaminates the transmission fluid if not done. Shifting gears in the gearbox is done by the fluid that lessens friction inside it. This a menial task for car owners that will affect the auto gearbox.

7. Don’t have the car towed unless precautions are taken! Those who own AT cars will have a big predicament when it’s broken down. Most tow trucks in the metro aren’t equipped to tow AT cars and they don’t discriminate between auto or stick shift. These tow truck should raise the car whether it’s front wheel drive or rear wheel drive accordingly. But they don’t care and are careless most of the time. Another problem for cars with auto gearboxes is that the suspension can be damaged by negligent towing too.

8. Cars with AT gearboxes can’t be jump-started and repairs can be costly! Driving cars with AT gearboxes are very convenient when compared to MT gearboxes by far! Should any AT car not start is something serious and it cannot be jump-started at all. If the car doesn’t start even with a new battery or jumper cable, then it won’t. Attempt to force start it and you’ll damage the gears in doing so. That’s why there are still those in favor of manual transmission that can be jump-started. 

 Most Drivers will not be aware of the top 8 not-to-dos when driving an AT car! Keeping the AT transmission is done by following these rules to the letter. Ridding ourselves of these bad habits should be SOPs when driving any AT car. An alternative is optional with the need to speed on expensive repairs.