10 Ways to Take Care of an Automatic Car to Stay Prime


Public interest in automatic cars in recent years has started to soar. Indeed, in big cities, the use of automatic cars is considered more appropriate because the road conditions and driving methods are different from the traffic in cities that are not too congested. Some users even say that driving with an automatic car is more comfortable than a manual car. Of course, this shifting trend is also supported by the response of car manufacturers who are competing to present the latest automatic cars with various models and advanced features. But of course the difference between automatic and manual transmissions will also affect how they are maintained. How to care for automatic cars is different from manual cars.


This time automotive tips will explain how to take care of automatic cars so that the vehicle remains in prime condition. Also pay attention to some of the problems that often arise in automatic vehicles that do not occur in manual vehicles so that unwanted damage occurs to your favorite automatic car.


Understanding Automatic Cars


An automatic or automatic transmission car is a vehicle with a transmission shift system that is regulated without having to step on the clutch pedal and is carried out by the driver. In the market today, there are two types of automatic systems issued by car manufacturers, namely semi-automatic and automatic. Simply put, the transmission gear shift in automatic cars is carried out by a gearbox which will respond to transmission shifts based on the speed and speed pattern of the vehicle. On automatic vehicles, the transmission lever contains a set of features such as the PRND-D3-D2-L. This clutch arrangement sometimes differs between semi-automatic and automatic.


the Difference Between Automatic Vs Manual Transmission Cars


Of course, there are many differences between automatic cars and manual cars. The first thing that stands out the most is the number of pedals that differ between the two. If the pedal on a manual carthere are three consisting of gas, brake, and clutch, then an automatic car only has two pedals, namely the gas and brake pedals. The next difference is the more extravagant fuel consumption in cars with automatic transmissions compared to cars with manual transmissions. This is because the engine on an automatic car works harder than a manual car. On the acceleration side, manual cars have a more responsive transmission that affects speed. Meanwhile, automatic cars are designed to drive at moderate speeds in urban areas that do not require agile acceleration. However, several car manufacturers are currently developing CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) technology which will make automatic car acceleration more aggressive.


Advantages of Automatic Cars


When compared to manual cars, there are several advantages of automatic cars that make the drivers feel comfortable and prefer automatic cars. Some of the advantages of automatic cars include:


  • Easier to use because the way to drive is simpler. Automatic cars can be driven just by stepping on the gas pedal without having to think about shifting the transmission gear when encountering different terrain.
  • The feet are more relaxed because there is no clutch pedal that must be stepped on along with the transmission shift. Riders only need to use one foot to step on the gas and brake alternately.
  • Safe for uphill terrain because automatic cars are not prone to backtracking like manual cars. There is also a special transmission for steep inclines so you can be sure that automatic cars can pass through steep terrain.
  • Comfortable in traffic jams because the driver does not have to change the transmission too often because of the slow speed of the vehicle. Riders also don't have to bother holding the clutch pedal when the streets are crowded.

Disadvantages of Automatic Cars


Having many advantages, of course automatic cars also have a list of disadvantages that users must pay attention to. If you want to have an automatic car with all its advantages, then you also have to pay attention to the shortcomings of this automatic car as a consequence that you will face when caring for or driving.


  • Waste of fuel because the engine speed is more frequent and has been adjusted automatically so that it cannot be adjusted while driving. This is influenced by the Torque Converter feature which is the cause of the high RPM level of automatic cars and affects fuel consumption.
  • Maintenance costs are quite expensive because automatic cars must have their oil changed according to a specified schedule with a fairly high intensity. This is caused by more frequent engine rotation so that the oil resistance is not very long lasting. In addition to more frequent oil changes, spare parts from automatic cars are also more expensive than manual cars. Moreover, not all technicians understand how automatic machines work, which sometimes always experience updates from different manufacturers.
  • It is risky on downhill roads because there is no engine brake like in manual cars. Automatic cars will run without the engine brake and only rely on the brakes to hold the car.
  • The selling price is low due to high service costs, so many potential buyers are reluctant to buy used automatic cars. The lack of interest in buying a used automatic car makes the price fall, even though the price of a new automatic is more expensive than the price of a new manual car.

How to Take Care of an Automatic Car


After understanding the ins and outs of automatic cars, then next you need to know how to care for automatic cars so that the engine remains durable and remains comfortable to use. Here are some ways to take care of automatic cars both new and old that you can do, it's easy!


1. Warm Up the Car Every Day


Heating the car every day is indeed a maintenance activity that must be done on manual cars and automatic cars. Although it seems trivial, automatic cars are more fussy when it comes to heating this engine. An automatic car that is heated every day will have a prime engine and rarely experience disturbances. By routinely heating the automatic engine every day, the oil will remain evenly distributed throughout the engine components. Make sure when heating the automatic engine, the transmission is in neutral and let it run without air conditioning.


2. Change Engine Oil Periodically


How to care for various types of automatic cars such as CVT and diesel as well as various brands such as Avanza, Brio, and Ayla are generally the same. Make sure you change the oil regularly. In automatic machines, engine maintenance depends on the health of the car oil and transmission oil. Pay attention to the transmission oil change schedule periodically which is determined by the car's mileage. Ideally, automatic cars should change cars if they have traveled a distance of 25 thousand km and a maximum of 50 thousand km. Choose a good quality oil and always check the condition of the oil through the dipstick. If the oil position is in normal condition, then the oil condition is in good condition. However, if the oil position is at the lowest line, it means that there is an oil leak and must be addressed immediately.


3. Pay Attention to the Condition of the Automatic Car Transmission


How to care for the next automatic car is to pay attention to the condition of the automatic car transmission. Make sure you know the entire history of the car from the beginning until now, even if you bought it not new. So that the condition of your car's transmission is maintained, there are 2 ways to maintain automatic cars that you can try.


A. Change Transmission Oil Regularly


In automatic machines, oil changes are not only for engine oil, but also for transmission oil whose maintenance is not found in manual machines. Engine lubricant can be renewed if the car has covered a distance of 80 thousand to 100 thousand km. Make sure to use quality transmission oil so that the resulting performance is also optimal.


B. Use Gears Properly


Automatic cars make it easier for the driver to move the transmission so that the transmission lever has several different settings. For users who are used to manual cars, of course using the automatic transmission lever is quite confusing because each feature choice has a different function and must be used correctly. If the use of the transmission gear lever is not in accordance with its intended function, then damage to the gearbox can occur quickly. Make sure you understand every function of the features provided such as the "P" transmission is used to park or shift the transmission to the N position when stopped at a red light.


4. Do a Road Test


Automatic cars should be used routinely every day for daily activities. If indeed you have not used the car for a long time, make sure you drive it every few months to detect if there are significant changes to the condition of the engine. Watch for unusual shocks when moving the transmission or other uncomfortable changes. This is very important to do because it relates to the health of the gearbox when the car is rarely used so that the transmission oil thickens.


5. Valve Condition Control


In automatic cars, there are valve components that can leak due to how to move the transmission too fast and too fast. If the valve leaks, it will propagate to other transmission components so that it interferes with driving comfort. Sometimes valve damage is also caused by an overly aggressive gas stroke. Therefore, periodically controlling the condition of the valve is one of the most important ways to take care of automatic cars.


6. Avoid Stepping on the Gas Suddenly


Automatic cars are designed for relaxed driving by driving that is not too aggressive. It's a good idea to step on the gas slowly from a stop position so that the car feels smooth. In addition to the comfort of the driver, this also affects the condition of the car, which can quickly be damaged by stepping on the gas suddenly and deeply. The habit of driving an automatic car like this will result in the solenoid valve being damaged. This valve failure is caused by an imperfect oil change to the torque converter.


7. Drain Engine and Transmission Oil If Flooded


Maybe all vehicles will need maintenance when exposed to flooding. However, for automatic cars, this flood-affected condition can lead to even greater component damage. When an automatic car is flooded, try to immediately dry the spark plugs, carburetor, V-belt, starter dynamo, and air filter. Another thing to do is drain the transmission oil and immediately replace it with a new one.


It seems futile to follow the four ways of caring for an automatic car above, if when the car is submerged in a flood, you are not immediately alert to provide first aid. If this is not done quickly, the automatic machine will be damaged even more badly because the water has damaged several risky important components.


8. Ensure "N" Position When Stopping


The next way to take care of an automatic car is to ensure a neutral position when it stops. The automatic car will go slowly when the transmission is in a "D" state even though it doesn't hit the brakes. So make sure you change the transmission to "N" if you really want to stop. Avoid pressing the brakes to stop the car while the transmission is still in the "D" position. When stopped at a red light, for example, change the transmission to "N" and then apply the handbrake.


9. Regular Car Service


When you buy an automatic car, make sure you fully understand the maintenance and driving guidelines. Maybe every car brand has different maintenance procedures from other brands. If you buy a used automatic car, ask in detail about the maintenance so far and special features if any. Don't forget to pay attention to the routine service schedule so that the engine condition remains in excellent condition and avoid replacing components that are already badly damaged. So even if you buy an old automatic car that is rarely used, make sure you know how to take good care of a used car.


10. Be Sensitive to the Condition of the Car While Driving


It is proper for car owners to have a special bond with their car. Building this special relationship will make the car owner aware if something unusual happens to his car even if it is only a minor damage. Not only felt, sometimes the damage to automatic cars can be seen clearly and must be immediately taken to a repair shop to be handled professionally. If you already know the damage but are still delaying fixing it, then it could be that the damage will spread to other components and of course have an impact on even more expensive repair costs.


Damage That Often Occurs in Automatic Cars


Generally, automatic cars have common problems and automatic car drivers must know to anticipate more severe damage or endanger themselves when the car is forced to drive. The following is a breakdown that often occurs in automatic cars.


1. Unnatural Vibration Occurs When Driving


You must be able to distinguish which vibrations occur due to normal vehicle speed or vibrations that are not normal and different from usual. If there is an unnatural vibration on an automatic car when driving, it is usually caused by a problematic transmission system resulting in friction of a worn clutch.


2. Teeth Are Difficult to Move


Another problem that generally occurs in automatic cars is the difficulty of moving the transmission. Sometimes the shift lever does not make any changes to the condition of the car engine. This problem can occur if the driver has bad habits in operating the transmission system. How to care for automatic cars with this condition must be more consistent and painstaking.


3. Transmission Feels Rough


Transmission problems are indeed a major risk for automatic car owners because these components are most susceptible to damage. Transmission shifts feel rough and there is a jump in acceleration in speed is a sign that the automatic engine is in trouble. If this transmission problem begins to occur, then the pleasure of driving an automatic car will be lost and even more dangerous.


4. Smell of Burning Oil


Driving habits that are less precise and careless will make the gearbox damaged more quickly. If the gearbox is damaged it will affect the quality of the transmission oil which gets dirty quickly. Pay close attention to the regular schedule for changing the transmission oil because dirty transmission oil will make the engine heat up quickly, causing the smell of burning oil to appear.


5. Can't Back Down


An automatic car that cannot move backwards even though it has been moved to a reverse transmission is caused by damage to mechanical components that interfere with the transmission system. There are several things that trigger an automatic car that can't reverse, such as the reverse gear lever is already damaged, the solenoid cable device is broken or has lost stroom, or the return shift is broken.


All the advantages and disadvantages of automatic cars make car owners need to understand that no product is perfect. You can choose an automatic car with all its advantages compared to a manual car, but you still have to pay attention to the drawbacks. After understanding how to take care of an automatic car so that it remains prime and optimal for the next few years, make sure you also prepare car insurance to anticipate risks during the use of your favorite automatic car. Car insurance will provide a sense of comfort and security when driving and stay productive with routine activities with your favorite automatic car.