The automatic transmission also referred to as full auto gearbox is a completely automated gearbox that self-changes gear ratios as the vehicle moves. It uses three main components such as fluid or hydraulic coupling, planetary gear train and hydraulic controls. A fluid coupling did a quite similar job that what a clutch does in a manual gearbox, which changes gear by locking and unlocking a system of planetary gears that provide the various gear ratios. Hydraulic control acts quite similar to fluid coupling but it is typically a gear pump mounted between the torque converter and the planetary gear and controls the clutches depending on the speed of vehicle running condition. Now let us have a deep insight into the pros and cons gives by the automatic transmission system.
Advantages of automatic transmission system :
- This system gives great driving pleasure.
- The reduced effort of the driver and more features available to the driver to handle the car.
- Better for hilly areas.
- Greatly reduced the risk of stalling.
- Easier to use especially in heavy traffic.
- Accurate and effortless shifting of gears.
- No clutch replacement cost.
- To help accelerate quickly.
Disadvantages of automatic transmissions system :
- Expensive gearbox thus not equipped with low car price and the initial cost is high.
- A fully automatic gearbox means complexity.
- Less fuel-efficient because of a lack of control on the torque converter.
- Maintainance is costly.
- The additional gear train is required for the reverse condition.
- Fuel consumption is also higher than a manual transmission. Automatic transmission consumes 10% more than a manual transmission.
- Take a longer time to change gear between high and low.
- Compromise with the mileage.
- Mechanical efficiency is less.
- Limited torque capacity.
- It may not be best suited for off-road driving.
- Transmission fluid must be transferred every 50,000 km on average.
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