I know there have been a lot of discussions in the past regarding manual shifting in an auto. I personally don't do it, but I have a question somewhat related.

I drive an auto and it just occurred to me yesterday whether it would be better to stick it in neutral during stops? Since an auto is always in gear, aren't you basically keeping the car from moving when the car actually wants to go? Hence, additional wear. It would be like stepping on the clutch on a manual. Just a thought.

kafene.

 

wouldn't you be putting more stress on the transmission changing gears at every light?

 

Each time you shift an automatic transmission into gear, hydraulic pressure is applied to a piston that engages a clutch pack for that gear. The multiple clutch discs slip a bit as the pressure rises to full engagement. This is what gives the smoothness to engagement. The same thing happens each time the transmission shifts gears while you're underway.

So why put additional slippage on the clutches by shifting into neutral at a stop, then back into gear when you're ready to go? The transmission is quite happy to sit in gear at a standstill. The necessary slippage is occurring in the torque converter, not the transmission itself. The torque converter is basically a hydraulic "coupling" between the engine and transmission. In simple terms, it consists of two "fans" facing each other in a housing filled with transmission fluid. As the engine-driven fan called the impeller spins, the hydraulic pressure it generates applies force to the transmission-coupled fan, called the turbine. This turbine carries power to the transmission, and ultimately to the drive wheels.

There is no mechanical wear occurring during the normal slippage in the torque converter while the vehicle is stationary. Thus, no harm, no foul in leaving the vehicle in gear when stopped. In fact, as I mentioned above, it's actually better to do so, because it puts fewer clutch engagements and less stress on the transmission itself.

 

I put my car into neutral at every light.

 

do you let it roll back on hills too when you are at a light?

 

 

There's no need to throw the auto into neutral when sitting at a stop light. Maybe if its the summer time, very hot out and your tied up in traffic that's not moving much it would make more sense.

 

It's people like this who wrote this that make the .org very helpful and informative. It's people like the guy with the direct post after him that waste space.

Just like I am doing now. Either way, excellent reponse 5spd92SE! Thanks..

 

My ex-g/f use to do that and say: "Look everbody thinks I have a stick" She always wanted to learn, but too dumb I guess.

 

Ya Sprint it rolls back, and I look soo damn cool doing it.

 

Whew! Thanks for the info...

kafene.