Parts and Autos

Automatic Transmissions 101

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Most drivers operate cars that use automatic transmissions rather than manual. Both do the same basic job, but each approaches the task differently. The main differences between an automatic and manual are that the former doesn’t require the driver to use a clutch to manually shift gears. Everything happens automatically. In this article, I’ll provide an overview of an automatic transmission, including the parts involved and how they work together.

The Parts

Automatics use a planetary gearset to change and manage the different gear ratios as your car accelerates and decelerates. They also include internal bands and clutches which help lock various components of the gearset. These bands and clutches are managed by a hydraulic system. Finally, a pump is used to shuttle fluid through the parts. The gearset is the most important component of the system and is responsible for controlling the various gear ratios. It’s comprised of sun, ring, and planet gears, each with different numbers of interlocking teeth.

How They Work Together

Manual transmissions require the driver to slide gears along multiple shafts with the stick shift knob. As these gears slide, different gear ratios are achieved in order to allow the engine to maximize power. Automatics don’t use sliding gears within the planetary gearset. They’re always attached to the other gears along their teeth.

Try to imagine a top view of the connected system. The sun gear is in the middle with the planets attached on the exterior. Those components are contained within the ring gear, to which the planet gears are attached. The ring gear is connected to the engine through the input shaft and everything is contained with a planet carrier. The carrier holds the sun gear in place. As the ring turns, the planets turn, walking around the stationary sun gear.

Watch For Warning Signs

A lot of things can potentially go wrong with automatic transmissions. The key is watch for signs of impending problems. For example, get into the habit of checking the fluid regularly. Ideally, it should have a transparent, reddish hue. If it looks dirty or muddy, or smells like something is burning, have a technician take a look. You may need to have the fluid drained.

Also, watch for persistent leaks. Too often, drivers become accustomed to their cars developing minor oil leaks and neglect to check whether fluids are leaking from the transmission. At some point, enough fluid will leak that it can sustain heavy damage.

Automatic transmissions are complex and this article is only meant to provide a basic overview. It’s important to learn how they work and the potential issues that can emerge over time. In a future column, we’ll explore the various components and how they operate in more detail.

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How Do Anti-Lock Brakes Work?

In the past, millions of traffic accidents occurred partly due to drivers’ inability to stop their cars before colliding. The reason this happened was because people would slam their brake pedal down, causing their wheels to lock up. This would, in turn, cause them to lose steering control. Even in the best circumstances, vehicles would skid across the road into each other. In rainy weather, when the roads are especially slippery, the locking of the wheels made the problem worse. That’s why anti-lock brake systems (ABS) were developed.

Components Of An ABS

Anti-lock brake systems are comprised of a controller, valve, speed sensors, and a pump. The purpose of the speed sensors is to identify the point at which the wheels are about to lock. Each wheel usually has its own sensor which alerts the controller about a potential locking event. The controller is a computer that continuously monitors the sensors and the valves in each brake’s line. Depending on the potential for locking and the pressure in the brake lines, the controller can automatically flip the position of the valves. Finally, the pump applies pressure to the brake lines to compensate for it being released by the controller.

How They Work

Each car manufacturer calibrates their ABS systems according to proprietary algorithms. As a result, each works a little differently than others. Typically, a controller which monitor the wheels’ sensors are looking for reductions in speed that it considers abnormal. When a wheel locks up, its change in speed is identified and the controller responds by flipping the valve. It does this to either block the master cylinder’s pressure on the corresponding brake or to cause the valve to release built-up pressure.

This process prevents the wheel from becoming locked. Once the wheel gains speed that is more consistent with the system’s algorithm, the controller will allow the pressure to increase on the brake line to slow the vehicle. The entire process happens quickly, helping the driver to maintain steering control without skidding.

Leveraging Your Car’s Anti-Lock Brakes

Motorists often pump their brake pedal to prevent their car from skidding. Years ago, before vehicles were designed with anti-lock brakes, this was an effective way for drivers to maintain control. However ABS systems preclude the need to do this. Instead, during emergencies, drivers should press the brake pedal firmly and allow the ABS to do its job.

The development of anti-lock brakes was revolutionary for the car industry. It has saved countless lives and helped millions of drivers avoid serious accidents. Make sure that the ABS system in your car is well-maintained. Ask your mechanic to flush the brake fluid from the system periodically to keep it working properly.

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An Objective View Of Leasing A Car

Leasing a car is generally more expensive over the long run than buying and keeping a car for several years. I’ll explain why in a moment. Despite the increased costs, millions of people willingly lease cars every year. The decision is usually a matter of your outlook on your personal finances and your lifestyle. Those who enjoy the feeling of driving a new vehicle every couple of years will find leasing to be an attractive option.

On the other hand, people who cringe at the thought of spending money unnecessarily will likely prefer to keep their vehicles for several years. Below, I’ll provide an objective view of leasing a car. We’ll explore both the advantages and potential drawbacks of doing so.

Advantages To Leasing

One of the main reasons why people enjoy leasing a car is because it allows them the privilege of driving a new vehicle every couple of years. If you typically grow tired of your car after a few years, leasing a new one might be an ideal alternative.

Another advantage is that monthly lease payments are usually lower than the payments for financing an identical car. For example, you’ll pay less each month for leasing a Toyota Corolla than you’ll pay to service the loan for buying that same Corolla.

Potential Downsides

Of course, leasing isn’t without its limitations. The first disadvantage is that you’ll never truly own a car that you lease (unless you buy it at the end of your contract). This is mostly a financial factor. If you buy a car and make the monthly payments for 5 years, you’ll own the vehicle after the last payment. You’ll still derive value (via driving) from the car even though you won’t by making payments. If you lease a car, you’ll be making payments into the foreseeable future. After 5 years, you won’t enjoy the benefits of owning the vehicle.

Second, most lease agreements limit the number of miles you can drive each year. If you drive more miles than you’re allotted, you’ll end up paying significant fees. That may seem like a reasonable limitation, but millions of people exceed their mileage limits each year.

What Is Important To You?

Ultimately, your decision regarding whether to lease or buy a car (or simply keep your old vehicle) will depend upon what factors are important to you. The manner in which you view your personal finances and the amount of money you’re willing to spend to enjoy driving new cars every couple of years will dictate your decision. The key is to approach car leases with an understanding of the pros and cons, and how they affect you.

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