Best way to use an auto in heavytraffic?

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Mon 20 Dec 2004 09:57
Best way to use an auto in heavytraffic? - Boltar
Hi

I had a discussion with some friends a while back about the best way to use an auto in heavy traffic with respect to the least wear and tear on the box itself. 1 of them said its best to leave it in drive all the time as putting it into neutral a lot wears out the actuators, another couple thought it best to put it in neutral if you're stationary for a long time as leaving it in drive heated up the torque converter and could shorten its life. Is either of them right?

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Mon 20 Dec 2004 10:05
Best way to use an auto in heavytraffic? - Schnitzel
The first ones.
When stationary, in D, all that is moving is the fluid. A bit like the power steering, or the hydraulics of a digger or dustbin lorry - dpoesn't really cause a problem.

To maintain an autobox, all you can really do is replace the fluid at sufficient intervals with a good quality fluid of correct grade.
And try to use all positions of the selector at least once.
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Mon 20 Dec 2004 10:27
Best way to use an auto in heavytraffic? - Aprilia
Should be left in D, other than if idling for long periods on a warm day. When in D the fluid is circulating - but most of the engine's output power is being dissipated as heat in the torque convertor - hence on a hot day with long-term idling the fluid can get a bit hot. Knocking the 'box into N releases the convertor and the fluid is allowed to cool.
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Mon 20 Dec 2004 13:01
Best way to use an auto in heavytraffic? - John 2002
I like to switch it to 'winter' mode and set it in 2nd gear. That way it isn't constantly changing up and down from 1st to 2nd.
Just need to remember to switch it back before needing some acceleration, eg. pulling out onto a junction.
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