Shifting gears with overdrive on an automatic transmission
Throttle shifting is a driving technique that involves briefly increasing engine speed before downshifting. This helps smooth out shifts, reduce wear on transmission components, and improve vehicle responsiveness.
To change gears with overdrive in an automatic transmission, perform the following steps:
1. Press the gas pedal: Press the accelerator pedal approximately 20-30% to slightly increase the engine speed.
2. Shift gear: While the engine is at high speed, move the automatic transmission selector to a lower gear.
3. Release the gas pedal: Release the accelerator pedal as soon as the gear is engaged.
Note:
*Regassing must be done quickly and accurately.
* Avoid excessive over-throttle, which can damage the engine or transmission.
* Re-gas may not be suitable for some modern automatic transmissions with complex controls.
Advantages of shifting to an automatic transmission:
* Shift Smoothing: Throttle shifting helps synchronize engine speed with transmission speed, resulting in smoother shifting.
* Reduced transmission wear: Re-gearing reduces stress on transmission components such as the clutch and gears.
*Improved vehicle response: Shifting the throttle can help improve the vehicle’s response when changing gears, especially when overtaking or driving uphill.
When to use overdrive on an automatic transmission:
Regas should be used in the following situations:
* When downshifting for engine braking or slowing down.
* When driving uphill when additional torque is required.
* When overtaking, when fast and smooth acceleration is required.