Common Mistakes That Dent an Automatic Transmission
Automotive expert Mikhail Kolodochkin explains a frequent error many drivers make when transitioning from manual to automatic vehicles. The issue isn’t with the car itself but with ingrained habits formed during manual transmission driving. When drivers come from a manual to an automatic, they often carry over the habit of letting the clutch or gear selector linger in neutral during stops. In a modern automatic with a distinct gear selector and a Park position, this misstep can lead to unnecessary wear and a rougher initial engagement when moving again.
A common demonstration of this misbehavior appears at stoplights. Some drivers briefly shift through the intermediate positions as if they were still driving a manual, and in cars with familiar gear behavior they might try to rest the vehicle by placing the lever into Park prematurely. The result is a tendency for the transmission to register unusual shifts later, and the engine experiences a less smooth start when acceleration resumes.
The transmission is designed to operate most efficiently when the driver leaves the selector in the Drive position while maintaining brake application during brief stops. This approach helps the system manage engine load, torque distribution, and gear engagement in a controlled manner. It also reduces the risk of unnecessary wear on clutch components and transmission gears. The goal is for the vehicle to be ready to move smoothly with minimal driver intervention beyond light braking and throttle input.
These patterns are easy to spot. When the driver repeatedly cycles between Park and Drive or passes through reverse at low speeds, the transmission experiences extra stress. The consequence is faster wear on internal components, and the engine may feel a bit taxed during a dynamic start from a standstill.
Prolonged or unnecessary shifting can shorten the life of an automatic transmission and affect performance. In routine city driving, the best practice is simply to keep the selector in Drive or, if the stop is extended, to apply the brake and stay in Drive until it is time to move again. This simple discipline helps preserve transmission integrity and ensures a comfortable driving experience for the long term.