Today we will take a look at How Automatic Car Works and what are the benefits and drawbacks of it. An automatic car has an automatic gearbox and does not require the driver to shift gears manually. The Transmissions, also known as gearboxes, aid in the direction of a vehicle’s rotational force and speed. As a result, as the vehicle moves, automatic transmissions change gear ratios.
By introducing “no-muss, no-fuss” methods of shifting, automatic transmissions achieved this. The first automobiles, fundamentally similar to today’s stick-shift cars, only had manual transmissions. In 1921, Canadian steam engineer Alfred Horner Munro developed the first automatic transmission.
Munro’s device lacked power and was never commercially sold because it was made to use compressed air rather than hydraulic fluid.
Components of Automatic Cars
Automatic cars are equipped with advanced technology that helps simplify the driving experience. These components work together to shift the gears smoothly and efficiently, making driving more comfortable and convenient for the driver. So, let’s discuss these components in detail below.
1. Transmission
Planetary gear sets in automatic cars include sun gear, planet gears, and ring gear. These gears move and interact with one another. This helps the car achieve various forward and reverse speeds.
2. Clutch
The clutch pack in an automatic gearbox comprises several discs housed within a drum. In an automatic gearbox, a piston inside the drum squeezes the clutch pack with oil pressure, locking the clutch pack’s components together.
3. Bands
The bands of an automatic gearbox are essentially steel bands with a frictional material that tightens under pressure. When this occurs, the bands tighten around the clutch pack drum, preventing it from turning.
4. Torque Converter
Located between the engine and the gears, the torque converter prevents the car from stalling by keeping the gearbox disconnected. When you press the accelerator, more fluid enters the torque converter, allowing more power to flow from the engine to the gearbox.
5. Valve Body
The valve body, located near the bottom of the assembly and known as the transmission’s brain, is filled with hydraulic fluid that travels to the valves, which engages the clutch pack or band to shift gears.
Do you know: How To Drive A Car?
How an Automatic Car Works
Automatic vehicles have only four gears: P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), and D (Drive). Each piece of equipment does what its name implies. The gear R – Reverse, required when moving backwards, is the same in automatic and manual transmissions.
1. Starting the Car
You have to begin by adjusting your seat to a comfortable seating position. Then, turn the ignition on while the brake pedal is still pressed.
2. Accelerating and Braking
Now that the engine has been started, it is time to engage the driving gear and start the vehicle. Depress the brake pedal and shift the gear stick from the Parking (P) to the Driving (D) position. To get your vehicle moving, slowly release the brake pedal.
3. Changing Gears
An automatic gearbox uses internal oil pressure and sensors to shift gears properly. The torque converter controls the temporary disconnection of the gearbox from the engine, which happens when gears are changed.
4. Parking the Car
Switching the gear from the driving (D) to the parking (P) position allows you to easily park an automatic car while leaving your vehicle in a parking space.
Benefits of an automatic car
There are many advantages to owning an automatic car. Automatic cars tend to be more fuel-efficient and have a smoother ride. That said, below are the various benefits of using the automatic car.
1. Easy to Drive
It is simpler to learn to drive in an automatic gearbox. Driving a manual vehicle is more difficult than driving an automatic vehicle. A manual vehicle requires more limbs to operate. It takes less time to learn how to drive an automatic car.
2. Convenience
Manual cars require more effort to start, stop, and accelerate; starting and stopping a vehicle in heavy traffic can be tedious. You can easily start and stop automatic vehicles by pressing a single pedal.
3. Reduced Stress and Fatigue
A driver may unintentionally stall a manual car at a stoplight. Automatic cars stall less frequently unless there is a mechanical issue with the vehicle. This makes the Driver Feel more comfortable and helps reduce his stress and fatigue.
Drawbacks of an automatic car
While automatic cars offer a hassle-free driving experience, there are some drawbacks. These drawbacks are described in detail below.
1. More Expensive
The cost of automatic vehicles is higher than that of manual vehicles. Depending on the model and technology, the cost can range between a few thousand and lakhs.
2. High Cost of Maintenance
The repair of the gear issue in an automatic car is higher than the repair of the manual gearbox issue. The cost of servicing and maintaining an automatic vehicle is very high.
3. Worse Fuel Economy
It was almost a given that cars with manual transmissions would use less gas than cars with automatic transmissions. However, modern automatics have surpassed manuals regarding fuel efficiency as they have more gears and rely less on torque converters.
Future of Automatic Cars
Autonomous driving is predicted to generate $300 billion to $400 billion in revenue by 2035. The near future of transportation is automated and autonomous vehicles. Current research indicates that this future will be more bright than dark.
The relationship between automated vehicles, society, and the environment has more positive aspects than negative ones, according to the analysis. However, environmental concerns must be addressed. The increased competition in the global auto industry will probably result in better consumer prices and quality.
The desire among consumers for fleets of highly efficient autonomous vehicles to ferry them to their destinations has fueled a significant amount of investment, with billions of dollars pouring in. However, despite some setbacks that have extended AV launch dates and slowed consumer adoption, the mobility community still agrees that autonomous driving (AD) can potentially change consumer behaviour, transportation, and society.
Conclusion
Automatic cars have witnessed a significant rise and are expected to generate a billion dollars in revenue soon. The newer generation is likely attracted to automation technology like driverless cars. So, cars with both automatic and manual transmissions are good, and choosing which is best for a person depends on a person’s needs and preferences.