5 Things You Should Never Do In An Automatic Transmission Vehicle

1. Never Shift from Drive to Reverse While Moving

Shifting between drive and reverse (or vice versa) while your car is still moving can cause serious damage to your transmission. Always come to a complete stop before changing gears to avoid unnecessary wear and costly repairs.

2. Don’t Coast Downhill in Neutral

Putting your car in neutral while going downhill may seem like a fuel-saving trick, but it’s actually unsafe and harmful. You lose engine braking and control, and it can prevent proper transmission fluid circulation, leading to overheating and increased wear.

3. Avoid Revving the Engine in Neutral Before Shifting to Drive

Revving your engine in neutral and then quickly shifting into drive or reverse gives your transmission a harsh shock. This sudden stress can damage internal components and shorten the lifespan of your transmission.

4. Never Overload or Tow Beyond Capacity

Exceeding your vehicle’s weight or towing limits puts extra strain on your automatic transmission. This can cause overheating, break down the transmission fluid, and lead to premature failure. Always stick to your vehicle’s recommended limits.

5. Don’t Neglect Maintenance and Fluid Checks

Regular maintenance, especially fluid changes and level checks, is crucial for automatic transmissions. Using the wrong fluid or skipping scheduled service can result in poor performance and expensive damage. Always follow your manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines.