Ever wondered how the power from the engine reaches the wheels of your car? Well, it is all possible due to transmission. Transmission is one of the most important systems of your car. There are two major types of transmission- automatic and manual. Earlier people use to drive the car with manual transmission system, but now most of the cars are come with automatic transmission system. You do not need to change the gear of your car to control the speed because automatic transmission system will automatically regulate the speed of your car.
What is Automatic Transmission System?
In the automatic transmission system, the gears changes at different speed without any direct control by the driver. In this type of transmission, the vehicle’s computer electronically manages the hydraulically operated control systems, instead of the clutch and gear stick. The only job of the driver is select ‘park’ (P), ‘neutral’ (N) into ‘drive’ (D) and the gear will be shifted smoothly. Such cars have only two-foot pedals- accelerator and brake pedal.
The Main Components of Automatic Transmissions Are:
Planetary gear sets: In automatic transmission, the gears are never physically moved. They are always engaged to the same gears with the use of planetary gear sets. Sun gear, ring gear and two or more planet gears are the components of the planetary gear sets.
Torque converter: Torque converter converts motion from the engine to the transmission. In this case, torque converter takes place of the clutch. A torque converter has three main components, such as pump, turbine and stator.
Hydraulic system: This system sends transmission fluid to all parts of the transmission and torque converter. It basically shifts control, provides general lubrication and does transmission cooling. So you can prevent the sudden breakdown of your car by installing an automatic transmission system.
Governor, modulator or throttle cable: The governor tells the transmission as to how fast the car is moving. Faster the car moves, faster is the rate at which the governor spins. The modulator monitors the engine vacuum and the throttle monitors the position of the gas pedal.
Manual Transmission vs. Automatic Transmission
Automatic transmission, when compared to manual transmissions is much easier to use and simpler to learns as well.
Safest way to drive is to keep both the hands on the steering and this is possible in automatic transmission but not in manual transmissions. You do not need to operate the hand gear anymore and you can easily concentrate or control your car’s steering.
Driving uphill in an automated transmission vehicles is easier than driving in a manual transmission car. The automatic transmission system has faster governor spins and they can also prevent the heat from the car’s engine.
Chances of accidental stalling are higher in manual transmission car as compared to automatic transmission vehicle.
While stuck in traffic, driver driving the automatic transmission vehicle doesn’t have to do more than pushing a single pedal but, in manual transmission, drivers have to take care of a lot of things.
However, manual transmission is less expensive than automatic transmissions vehicles. But automatic transmission system can provide you more flexibility than manual one.
Evidently, automatic transmissions are providing a comfortable driving experience. It provides a comfortable, convenient and luxury driving. It may be a little expensive but at the end of the day, it all comes down to what kind of driving experience you are looking for. There are many car models, available in the market today, which match manual transmissions in terms of performance and fuel efficiency. It depends if you want to take care of all the controls or if you want your car to do the work for you.