5 Things to Avoid with Your Automatic Transmission: Expert Tips from Ideal Media

In this latest offering from the Ideal Media channel, Brad and Trav take us on a wild ride through the treacherous terrain of automatic transmissions. They boldly present us with five cardinal sins that should never be committed when dealing with these mechanical beasts. Brace yourselves, ladies and gentlemen, for this is a journey into the heart of automotive darkness.

First on their hit list is the act of coasting down a hill in neutral. Now, I know what you're thinking. It may seem like a stroke of genius, a way to harness the power of gravity and feel like a physics prodigy. But hold your horses, because Brad and Trav are here to burst your bubble. They reveal that modern cars are far too clever for such shenanigans. When you coast downhill in gear, the fuel supply is cut off, reducing it to zilch, nada. However, if you dare to slide that gear lever into neutral, your engine will still require a bit of fuel to keep idling. And let me tell you, my dear viewers, that might just be illegal in your neck of the woods. So, unless you fancy yourself a law-breaking Newton, keep that transmission in gear and let the engineers do their magic.

Next up, the duo tackles the age-old debate of whether to choose neutral at a stoplight or drive-through. Some misguided souls believe that shifting into neutral will save them precious drops of fuel. But Brad and Trav, being the voice of reason, swiftly debunk this myth. They inform us that modern transmissions have been meticulously designed to handle the idle state at a red light with ease. So, unless your owner's manual explicitly states otherwise, leave that gear lever in Drive and let the engineers do what they do best.

The dynamic duo also enlightens us on the perils of switching gears without coming to a complete stop. Imagine, if you will, trying to change the direction of a spinning top while it's still in motion. That's precisely what you're subjecting your transmission to when you shift from Drive to Reverse (or vice versa) while still rolling. It's like asking your grandma to run a 100-meter dash - it ain't pretty, folks. So, take a moment, let the poor transmission catch its breath, and then proceed with caution.

Now, let's talk about launching your car. We all know the thrill of putting the pedal to the metal and feeling the raw power surge through our veins. But Brad and Trav are quick to remind us that there's a right way and a wrong way to do it. Revving up in neutral and slamming it into Drive is akin to subjecting your dear old grandma to a 100-meter dash. It's just not pretty, my friends. Instead, they suggest using launch control if your car has it or applying brake torque within reason to get the energy flowing. Release the brakes, let it fly, and rest assured that you're not causing any harm.

Last but certainly not least, the team delves into the delicate matter of using the Park position. They caution against the grave mistake of putting your vehicle in Park before coming to a complete stop. You see, my dear viewers, when you engage Park, a locking pin inside the transmission interacts with a gear connected to the output shaft. This gear, my friends, is permanently engaged with your driven wheels. So, if you dare to slam it into Park while still rolling, you'll be greeted with a horrific grinding noise that will make your heart sink. And in the worst-case scenario, that locking pin might just snap like a twig. So, remember to hit the brakes like you mean it, bring your car to a halt, and then engage Park.

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Viewer Reactions for NEVER Do This With An Automatic Transmission

• Importance of turning front wheels when parking to direct the vehicle into the curb
• Shifting gears improperly can damage the transmission
• Using only "D" instead of "OD" below highway speeds for better transmission care
• Transmission fluid absorbing moisture can cause slipping and vibration
• Appreciation for the content creator, Brad
• Humorous comment about putting a vehicle into park at high speeds
• Mention of the low usage of emergency brakes by automatic owners
• Suggestion to only buy manual transmissions unless there is a physical disability
• Joke about car throttles sticking
• Various humorous comments about the purpose of the "P" and "R" gears in automatic transmissions