Ok to use Engine Brake on Auto Car?

[Skateboard]

I am driving an AT car. Maybe I am too used to MT and sometimes, I will step down the gear when cornering. Any bros here who does that? Is it ok to use engine brake on AT cars? Also, do u think that this will "spoil" the engine, transmission gearbox in any way? Sometime, it surprises me that some of my colleagues dun even put the gear into "Neutral" while stopping at traffic lights!

[Cynidejunkie]

Technically, the lower gears in the automatic gearboxes are meant for engine braking or slope climbing purposes.

 

i guess if you dont abuse the gear too much you should be fine. and make sure you are slow enough to engage the lower gear before proceeding.

 

 

anyway, as to putting neutral during traffic lights, i guess ure too used to driving a manual car, actually automatic gear boxes does not require you to put the gear into neutral when you stop. just hold on to the brakes will do.

 

 

[Watwheels]

I suspect that you used to drive a diesel engine van before getting this car of yours.

 

The purpose of an automatic gearbox is not to shift anything but to let it shift gears on its own. If you need to shift it, it will be called a manual gearbox. Shifting in & out of gears will shorten the lifespan of the autobox cos what you are doing is defeating the purpose of it. I suggest you do some reading at howstuffworks.com to understand how they work.

[Skateboard]

Hi, if that is the case, why do that introduce L,2,3 and D gears then?

[Skateboard]

Technically, the lower gears in the automatic gearboxes are meant for engine braking or slope climbing purposes.

 

i guess if you dont abuse the gear too much you should be fine. and make sure you are slow enough to engage the lower gear before proceeding.

 

 

anyway, as to putting neutral during traffic lights, i guess ure too used to driving a manual car, actually automatic gear boxes does not require you to put the gear into neutral when you stop. just hold on to the brakes will do.

 

I assume that putting gears to Neutral is the right thing to do. One reason, the car will not move on an even gradient even if you do not apply the brakes. Also, you save some petrol.

[Pigkachu]

my driving instructor once told me not to change from D to N at the red light frequently. it says the engine will spoil. im not sure whether its true.

 

i drive a semi-auto, sometimes when im bored i will use the engine brake because hearing the engine rev is very pleasing.

[Pigkachu]

Hi, if that is the case, why do that introduce L,2,3 and D gears then?

 

for climbing slopes or overtaking i guess.

[Boyboy]

I assume that putting gears to Neutral is the right thing to do. One reason, the car will not move on an even gradient even if you do not apply the brakes. Also, you save some petrol.

 

it's the WRONG thing to do. clarify with your car owner's manual.

 

many pple have this misconception. but it's good for those in the business of repairing autoboxes i guess

 

basically, u don't do that unless u are gonna park for more than a few minutes, in which case you should consider switching off your engine too

[Alfisti168]

Is it ok to use engine brake on AT cars?

yes. If you want better control while cornering, go ahead.

 

"it surprises me that some of my colleagues dun even put the gear into "Neutral" while stopping at traffic lights"

No wonder so many ppl auto gearbox pack up after 70000km or so. Doing this often puts premature wear into the gearbox.

Edited November 14, 2009 by Alfisti168

[RadX]

Is it ok to use engine brake on AT cars?

yes. If you want better control while cornering, go ahead.

 

"it surprises me that some of my colleagues dun even put the gear into "Neutral" while stopping at traffic lights"

No wonder so many ppl auto gearbox pack up after 70000km or so. Doing this often puts premature wear into the gearbox.

 

 

haiz...the misinformed

[Ithunk]

I am driving an AT car. Maybe I am too used to MT and sometimes, I will step down the gear when cornering. Any bros here who does that? Is it ok to use engine brake on AT cars? Also, do u think that this will "spoil" the engine, transmission gearbox in any way? Sometime, it surprises me that some of my colleagues dun even put the gear into "Neutral" while stopping at traffic lights!

 

if you can corner fast y do u want to use an engine brake?

[Ithunk]

putting to N wouldnt be a problem.....it really depends on the individual

 

also you dun really need to do an engine brake....unless you want to make the engine work...which in turn will consume more petrol....but if u feel u are going too fast...the maybe use the foot brake....but for auto it will normally engage a higher gear on a turn....so it depends really....

 

for manual yeah...you can control....say from gear 3 drop to gear 2 while turning.....but it will be slower....

 

for auto....you cant really change gears....but u can force the gear box to change gears....lol....but it not really needed...since the vehicle is already at a higher gear....

 

[Ithunk]

anyway the bottomline here is to drive safe.....dun end up on the grass while turning... :)

[Ruzhyo]

Actually I never use the N

 

Can anyone advice when to use the N gear in an auto car?

[Picanto]

Hi, if that is the case, why do that introduce L,2,3 and D gears then?

 

 

L2, 3 gears are used for driving up steep slopes, which is not very applicable in spore.

 

[Hermit]

Actually I never use the N

 

Can anyone advice when to use the N gear in an auto car?

 

For me:

1) Short stops when driver has to get off/ Change driver (with vehicle on a levelled ground, of course).

- Engage N and pull handbrake

 

2) Engine stalls in the middle of the road, and for quick cranks to restart.

- Handbrake, Engage N, Crank engine.

[Ithunk]

Actually I never use the N

 

Can anyone advice when to use the N gear in an auto car?

 

when yr vehicle is stopped or highway jams....however if u feel that it will spoil the gear box, then dun do it....it is after all your vehicle....and sometimes you will have to change fast also...basically its driving an auto like a manual

[Skateboard]

haiz...the misinformed

 

Any technical explanation why? Putting gear to N seem harmless enough.