Things to avoid when using an automatic car.

Currently, the automatic transmission (AT) car market has dominated the automotive industry for decades. The convenience of simply shifting the gear lever to "D" mode and letting the car operate automatically throughout the journey has led to an increasing number of people choosing this type of vehicle.

Gone are the days of manually shifting gears by pressing and pressing the clutch pedal; automatic driving has become more accessible, especially in congested urban traffic and frequent traffic jams.

However, it is precisely because of this simplicity that many drivers become complacent, assuming that automatic cars can "just drive as they are," leading to incorrect habits that can cause long-term damage to the transmission.

In reality, the operating mechanism of an automatic transmission is very different and sophisticated, designed to optimize smooth gear changes without much driver intervention. However, if you use it incorrectly, such as applying the mindset of driving a manual transmission, or trying some seemingly clever "tricks," the consequences can be very serious.

Seemingly harmless daily habits can silently wear down important components, making gear changes sluggish and less smooth, and in the long run, potentially leading to gearbox failure, one of the most expensive parts of a car.

Shift gears before the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

One of the most common but seriously damaging mistakes when dealing with automatic cars is switching between D (Drive), R (Reverse), and P (Park) modes while the car is still moving.

In principle, these three modes serve completely different situations, and switching between them should only be done when the vehicle has come to a complete stop. However, many drivers, due to haste or carelessness, have a habit of shifting gears while the vehicle is still moving, such as quickly pulling into a parking space and then hastily switching to P mode, or going downhill in N mode (neutral).

This is not only dangerous from a safety standpoint, but also a "death sentence" for the gearbox. Automatic transmission systems are designed with high precision, requiring seamless coordination between gears and the drive mechanism.

When you shift gears while the car is moving, these parts are subjected to significant pressure, leading to premature wear and tear, damage, and potentially costly repairs in the long run. This is the kind of problem you might not notice immediately, but the consequences will become apparent after some time.

Keep the driving mode engaged while parking.

When stopping your car in a parking lot, on the roadside, or anywhere outside of traffic, a simple but very important thing you need to do is shift the gear lever to P and take your foot off the brake pedal.

This not only makes the car safer, but it also helps to "free" the gearbox and engine from unnecessary stress, especially if you plan to stop for a few minutes or longer.

However, some drivers, for convenience or impatience, have a habit of keeping the driving mode (D) and pressing the brake pedal while waiting to pick up passengers or making temporary stops. In the long run, this seemingly harmless action can cause the engine to overheat unnecessarily, because the system remains in a ready-to-move mode.

If this happens frequently, the engine temperature will gradually increase over time and may lead to overheating, a common cause of serious damage to internal components.

Therefore, even if you're only stopping for a few minutes, switch to Park mode. It's a simple way to extend the lifespan of your vehicle and ensure your own comfort.

Press the accelerator suddenly.

Flooring the accelerator as soon as the car starts, also known as "launching," is a common temptation, especially for new drivers. The thrill of the car surging forward in an instant might be exhilarating, but in reality, it's the quickest way to wear down your transmission and engine.

Automatic transmissions are not designed to handle sudden bursts of high torque while the vehicle is stationary. When you floor the accelerator from a standstill, the entire drivetrain is subjected to a massive force immediately, which not only stresses the transmission but also pushes the engine into a state of sudden overload.

In cold weather conditions, the consequences are even more serious because the lubricating oil doesn't have time to warm up and circulate effectively, causing metal parts to rub directly against each other—an ideal scenario for premature failure.

Whether you're in a hurry or simply want a thrill, remember that accelerating slowly and steadily is the smart way to drive, ensuring both safety and long-term vehicle longevity.

Ignore the "Check Engine" warning light.

Among the warning signals on a car's dashboard, the Check Engine light is perhaps the most confusing. It often lights up unexpectedly, without any clear indication of a problem, and sometimes even disappears on its own.

This ambiguity leads many drivers to be complacent, choosing to ignore the problem in the hope that "everything will be fine." But, like any problem in life, ignoring it is not a good solution.

The Check Engine light is not only related to the engine system, but can also warn of serious problems with the automatic transmission such as low transmission fluid level, slipping gears, gear grinding, or transmission overheating.

If these malfunctions are not detected and addressed promptly, they can lead to serious damage, costing tens of millions of dong to repair.

Even if your car seems to be running "normally," don't ignore this warning sign. Take it to a garage for inspection as soon as possible to determine the specific cause. A timely check can save you both a significant expense and an unnecessary safety risk.

Shift to neutral when stopped at a red light.

In automatic transmissions, the N (Neutral) mode exists primarily as an emergency measure, such as when the car experiences a problem with the accelerator or brakes, or when the car needs to be pushed out of a stuck position.

However, many drivers, especially those accustomed to manual transmissions, have a habit of shifting to neutral at traffic lights, thinking it will save fuel or allow the car to "rest" a little. In reality, this is an unnecessary and potentially risky habit.

Automatic transmissions are designed to operate reliably when the vehicle is in D mode, even during temporary stops. Frequently shifting to neutral not only fails to save fuel but can also cause unnecessary mechanical wear and tear on the transmission.

More dangerously, if you accidentally press the accelerator while the car is in neutral (N), it won't move as intended, which is extremely dangerous if you're at a busy intersection or in a situation requiring quick reflexes.

Instead of sticking to the old habits from manual transmissions, leave the car in D mode and keep your foot on the brake pedal; this is safer and more suitable for the design of modern automatic transmissions.