cooljules, I do understand what you're describing now, and yes a auto does have a element of what most would call 'slip' as the converter handles the drive through to the box, Not all but some cars will be fitted with a PWR or sport mode which will partly remove this and give a much more direct drive if selected.
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Quote: Originally posted by rabb_uk on 21/8/2011
cooljules, I do understand what you're describing now, and yes a auto does have a element of what most would call 'slip' as the converter handles the drive through to the box, Not all but some cars will be fitted with a PWR or sport mode which will partly remove this and give a much more direct drive if selected.
ah, i know mine has sports mode, and having used it, i know it allows the revs to peak before changing gear. its a old mid 90's BMW 525 touring so not one of these new fangled things.
i havent towed anything with this one yet, but was just thinking about steep hills, pulling out of junctions etc. generall tootling along caravaning i can see how much better it would be with a aut.
Quote: Originally posted by AlanHardware on 18/8/2011Auto rules . Could be worth checking Honest John review pages for your car to see if it has any gearbox issues .Some modern auto boxes have a pretty short shelf life if put to hard work and an overhaul can be many times the cost of a clutch . My old Ford with 3 speed and torque converter was unbreakable with regular servicing of the bands and fluid changes plus a added oil cooler . The next generation of four speed boxes , even with a cooler , were unreliable . Worth doing the homework , modern boxes are not always better boxes .
That's interesting Alan. I used to have a Honda Civic 1600cc 4 speed auto, but it was very low on the road, so I part ex'd it for a P reg 1600cc 3 speed auto Nissan Almera when I got my little van. I wondered if I had done the wrong thing, as it didn't seem to have as much power as the Honda, and have been wondering whether a 4 speed younger Almera would do a better job of towing (max weight of van 650kg!) It already has an oil cooler fitted as standard and the thermo never goes above half way no matter how far I drive. I had convinced myself that a four spped auto would be better, but having read your post I'm wondering now if there would actually be any difference! The only thing I find with my tow car is that at some speeds it seems confused about what gear to be in, so that's when I either put my foot down a bit or use the overdrive button. Am I doing the right thing, or is it underpowered? This only happens between 45 and 50mph and usually going uphill.
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Topic: Towing with an automatic
