Thanks to cutting-edge technology, the automotive industry has introduced to the market many types of automatic transmissions with structures and principles suited to operation and use, which also enhance vehicle performance, such as the 5-speed automatic transmission, the 6-speed automatic transmission, or the 8-speed automatic transmission… In this section, we will provide drivers with more information and knowledge about a type of automatic transmission that is very popular today – the 6-speed automatic transmission. Let’s take an in-depth look and discover What does 6-speed automatic mean? and how to use it.
What does 6-speed automatic mean?
A 6-speed automatic transmission is a car transmission equipped with 6 forward drive gears (although there are many more actual physical “gears” inside the transmission). Unlike manual transmissions, automatic transmissions can shift gears automatically based on the analysis of factors such as load, speed, and throttle position. The function of this type of transmission is to alter the engine speed gear ratio and the wheel torque like other gearboxes. The first 3 gears act as drive gears and multiply your car’s engine torque. The 5th and 6th gears are like overdrive and are mainly used when driving on the highway.
The role of these gears is to reduce the engine speed when the drive shaft rotates. With the corresponding 6 gears, the ECU will have more options to assist in the best balance between engine torque and wheel resistance. Thus, helping drivers easily perform maneuvers such as parking, reversing, and steering. Because it’s an automatic transmission, you don’t need to shift gears, your car will do it for you; all you have to do is drive your car.
6-speed automatic transmission: how does it work?
The principle of the 6-speed automatic transmission works efficiently through torque from the engine’s crankshaft to the hydraulic torque converter, and from the torque converter to the transmission’s input shaft. At this point, the signal from the Electronic Control Unit’s sensor will operate, allowing the path to the clutches to open and close. For the torque to be transmitted to the output shaft in the gearbox, the 2 clutches must be closed.
- When your car moves forward: The speed clutch or the forward drive clutch corresponding to the vehicle’s speed will close.
- If the vehicle is held in neutral (N): Only the second clutch is closed; the forward drive clutch must be open. This is the reason why torque cannot be transmitted to the gearbox’s output shaft.
- The car reverses: With a 6-speed automatic transmission composed of 5 forward gears and 1 reverse gear, clutches 2 and 5 close.
Compared to other types of gearboxes in general, the 6-speed automatic transmission has many exceptional advantages such as faster and smoother gear changes, fuel economy, a significantly reduced risk of engine stalling, and easy control of your car even in crowded places.
How to drive a 6-speed automatic transmission?
Automatic transmissions are becoming increasingly popular, so it’s essential to learn how to drive a 6-speed automatic transmission before letting the car roll. Like other automatic transmission cars, 6-speed automatic cars also use symbols on the automatic transmissions as follows:
Meaning of symbols on a 6-speed automatic gearbox
N (Neutral): The function of this gear is to disconnect your engine from the wheels. You can use it when taking a break in the car or when coasting downhill.
R (Reverse): Used when the driver wants to reverse the car
P (Park): You can use this function when the vehicle is stopped or parked in one place for a long time.
D (Drive): This position sets your transmission to the drive gear. Use it when the driver wants to move forward.
M (Manual): You can shift gears manually, and it helps the driver control the addition and subtraction of gears when overtaking or going uphill and downhill.
S (Sport): The letter “S” on the automatic transmission means Sport mode. When you switch to this mode, you will see the car’s RPM increase faster than usual and provide a more dynamic driving sensation.
L (Low): You shift to this lower gear when your car is climbing or towing another vehicle.
‘+/- : This icon indicates whether you need to shift up or down.
How to use the 6-speed automatic transmission?
Safely start a 6-speed automatic car:
If your car uses a key, turn the key clockwise and press the brake pedal to start the car. For vehicles equipped with a Start/Stop button, it will be simpler; just have the key nearby, and the driver presses the brake pedal and touches the start button. Note, when starting a 6-speed automatic car, the driver must remember to check the gear lever is in the P position, press the brake pedal, and lower the handbrake if it was used previously, before starting the engine.
Some models do not require the driver to press the brake pedal when starting. Furthermore, it is possible to leave the gear lever in the N position when starting, but the driver should regularly use the operation of P gear – press brake – start as a habit to ensure safety.
How to stop and park with a 6-speed automatic car
To stop the vehicle, the driver should move the gear lever to the D position, press the pedal quickly, and then engage the parking brake if necessary. If the vehicle needs to be stopped for a long time, the driver should put the gear lever in the N or P position.
Stopping at a traffic light when driving an automatic car
Driving when stopping at a red light can be flexible between using the N or D position. Consequently, many people have experience driving a 6-speed automatic transmission. When you stop at a red light, the time is usually short; remain in D position, press the brake, and release the brake when moving.
Final thoughts: What does the 6-speed automatic gearbox mean?
With features suited to drivers, the 6-speed automatic transmission is currently the most commonly used type of transmission in vehicles. When using a 6-speed automatic transmission, the driver can easily leave the car in D position. And just move the gear lever when you want to reverse or use it for parking. On the other hand, the gear shifting speed of the 6-speed automatic transmission is also smoother than the 6-speed manual transmission. The gear ratios are more nuanced than the 4 and 5-speed automatic transmissions.