i got an auto because i don't know how to drive a stick, but more importantly because i think the set up of the auto looks nicer than the stick.

 

So I shouldn't use the transmission to work how I want it to? I have to ride my brake in traffic because Toyota built this thing to roll? It's not auto-pilot. Why do I need to choose to have to do it all myself or to bow down and let the car do what it wants? That attitude is just silly. It's my machine, I'll use it how it best suits me. Just because I got an auto doesn't mean I have to turn off my senses and follow the sled dohg in front of me. My camera has auto settings and it picks mediocre settings in order to try to capture as much range as possible. The auto tranny will do the same thing if you don't take control. I don't mean always shifting, but paying attention to what gear its in, whether to accel with or without making it downshift, stuff like that and its all done with a flex of my big toe.

If you think engine braking is harsh on the car, then you better NEVER take your foot off the gas while you're rolling. If you go down a hill and take your foot off the gas, what does the engine do? It stops feeding in gas and spark to the cylinders, but the engine is still turning at a few thousand RPMs. So now the pistons are working up and down but there's no combustion to send the piston down each time so it keeps turning by centrifugal force. It's just pumping air thru and losing it's momentum. If your drivetrain is still engaged, this forces the car to slow as well. That's Engine Braking... why is that harsh? It's all about knowing how much of each to use...

Didn't you guys have any science or even auto shop in HS?

 

dont shift it...not meant to be shifted in that manner...i mean sure put it in 3rd if your going up a steep hill...NEVER DS into first are you crazy? thats for like towing and ____ dude...use your brain...and trade the tc in for a 5 speed...i blew the tranny in my vw downshifting and neutral bombing it...it aint tiptronic dude...its strait automatic...besides theres a selector switch that gets tripped when you depress the throttle all the way so do that instead...

 

what i was told to do was if im going to shift my automatic like if im in a race or something. start in L wait until 5500 rpms switch to 2nd wait until 5500rmps switch to 3rd 5500rpms then go into D.

 

there is no real reason to mess with shifting that automatic.


i know it has been said befor but, if you want that type of control get a manual. the automagic is just that, automatic. i wouldn't want to risk my transmission (and the money to fix it) to beat somebody off the line.

 

OK heres the answer to this question. Manually shifting an automatic is mostly harmless. Redlining any engine isnt going to give you the best results because at a certain rpm your torque and HP start going down usually before redline you always wanna shift and the peak of the hp curve that way youre always pulling the hardest. Youd most likely have to have your car dyno'd to know where exactly that spot is. I would never recomend redlining a "stock" car motor as you will most like shorten the life of your motor. We can argue about this all day or people can just go read a few articles about racing AUTOMATICS.

 

I sense a lot of ignorance in this thread. I'm with Mark. Sometimes it is necessary to downshift into a lower gear, and sometimes even 1st gear. Don't just come to the conclusion that people who shift their automatic transmissions are dumbasses and don't know what they're doing.

 

< takes gun out of mouth...

Thanks, I thought I was gonna lose it there for a minute...

Thinking that you shouldn't shift the automatic makes as much sense as thinking the stick is faster for all drivers...

It's mostly about using a clutch or not, and 5 gears vs 4 gears. Other than that, the basic concepts are the same... The automatic isn't some voodoo technology that shouldn't be tampered with. If you pay attention when driving an auto, you will understand. The reason I didn't get a stick is because I don't need to pay attention to the driving ALL the time and sitting in traffic for 10-20 minutes working a clutch is senseless, considering the minute advantages it gives at other times...

Why is it I see so many threads where people will say "PLEASE get a stick!" You never see the auto driver's pushing it so hard... What's up with that? Validation?

 

the whole thread that quote came from

and here is another thread with some thoughts on this matter

i really don't have an opinion on this. i have a manual for a reason. do what you do, it's your car.

 

I'm not quite sure why you quoted me. Are you affirming what I said? :?

 

yes sir, i am. it makes since to me. and i like to give credit where it is due.

 

Thanks. :D

 

On a sidenote, moriarty, were you at the YST lap around the bay ?

 

[hijack]
no, i had to work (i work at maita scion) the guy i work with was there. did you meet damon?
[/hijack]

 

it's weak because i helped set that event up. and i couldn't go.

curses!

 

Yeah, I met Damon and Eric as well and some other folks. I was one of the many Flint Micas.

 

that happenes sometimes. (a lot of the time)

 

do you have to know how to drive a stick to work at a dealership? like if all you are going to do is wash cars.

 

it sure would help. although, i have seen people who didn't know how. it looked like it slowed work down a bit.

 

dude chill i anit hattin on autos. . its all good. . im just saying that its kinda werid that you would do such a thing as shifting in a auto