The differences between an automatic transmission and a manual transmission boil down to two things. An automatic has no clutch pedal and you do not have to shift the gears yourself when driving a vehicle with an automatic transmission.
The automatic uses a torque converter which drivers in the Maroochydore area and across the Sunshine Coast can operate their vehicles just like those with manual transmissions, only with less work.
But what is an automatic transmission, how does it work, and what are the complexities that this system of changing gears means for your vehicle? A qualified mechanic experienced in transmission installations and repairs will be able to explain this system to you. It is advisable to get your vehicle serviced regularly with an experienced transmission mechanic.
What is an Automatic Transmission?
Put simply, for your vehicle to operate efficiently at different speeds, it must use the right size of gears. In manual transmission, you depress the clutch and then move to the next gear up or down depending on the speed in which you are travelling.
In automatic transmissions, this is performed automatically as the name implies. However, there is something more involved with the automatic transmission as it uses a planetary gearset.
Inside the automatic transmission are many different parts seemingly stuffed into a small area. This includes the planetary gearset, a set of locking bands for the gearset, and three-wet plate clutches that lock other parts of the gearset.
Rounding out the parts is the hydraulic system used to control the bands and clutches. And finally, a gear pump that moves the transmission fluid to keep the system properly lubricated.
What is a Planetary Gearset?
This is a gearset that resembles a model of the solar system, hence the name. It consists of a sun gear, planet gears, and a ring gear. Each of the gears can be the input, output, or it can stay in the same position. In a compound planetary gearset, there are two sets of sun and planet gears with only one ring gear.
First Gear:
This is the smallest gear designed to start the vehicle rolling from a full stop. It normally has only 30 teeth compared to the ring gear’s 72 teeth.
Second Gear:
Once the speed exceeds the capacity of the first gear, the second gear engages. It connects to the sun gear and ring gear to provide movement to the vehicle.
Third Gear:
This is the gear that engages when the vehicle begins to reach highway speeds. It has a 1 to 1 ratio with the ring gear for maximum efficiency at such speeds.
There is also an overdrive gear designed for even faster output, such as when you need to pass at highway speeds. And a reverse gear that moves the gear system backwards so you can pull out of your driveway for example.
Torque Converter and Other Parts
The automatic transmission and torque converter also contains other parts as well to make it run smoothly. This includes the hydraulic system itself which helps the gears perform at all speeds. The gear pump which feeds the hydraulic system from fluid left in the sump. And the governor which is a valve that indicates to the transmission how fast the vehicle is going.
There are several other valves and modulators in the complicated, yet efficient automatic transmission Maroochydore drivers have experienced. And while more complicated, it does make speeding up or slowing down considerably easier.
MillerMatics & Mechanical have the knowledge and expertise to go through this process of the Automatic / Manual transmission with you. Contact the team on 07 5479 3638 with all your queries.
