What is Kickdown in Automatic Cars and Its Dangers
Kickdown of automatic cars is often done so that the transmission automatically shifts to a lower gear. Is this dangerous?
Some people believe that driving an automatic car is much easier than a manual one. However, in reality, it requires special techniques so that the vehicle's performance remains optimal in all terrains.
What is Kickdown in Automatic Cars and Its Dangers
The term kickdown is often heard when someone is driving a car. In a steep incline or when suddenly needing to overtake the vehicle in front, full power is required.
When driving, one must be agile and quick to take action when facing certain situations. This is done to maintain the vehicle's speed as desired.
When driving an automatic car, kickdown is performed by pressing the gas pedal fully and suddenly. The goal is to shift the transmission down one level and accelerate.
If the automatic car is fully accelerated, the torque will increase. The transmission will automatically downshift and then shift back up. This must be done correctly.
The kickdown technique is often used to suddenly gain significant power. Is this method safe for the vehicle? When doing this, the gear will drop one level and the engine speed will increase.
This action increases the friction of the clutch disc. To achieve maximum torque, in this condition, the clutch disc is made to slip. Over time, it will wear out.
How to Perform Kickdown Correctly
So, how do you perform kickdown correctly? It turns out it's not difficult. First, ensure the lever is in the D position. Release the gas, then quickly and deeply press it again.
When performing kickdown, make sure the driver holds the steering wheel properly to anticipate the sudden increase in power. After going up the incline or overtaking the vehicle in front, release the gas again so that the transmission shifts to a higher level.
To anticipate a lack of power due to the transmission not shifting, position the gear from D to 2 or 3. You can also turn off overdrive. The goal is to increase engine speed so that torque rises.
The Dangers of Kickdown in Automatic Cars
The kickdown technique is actually not recommended. Do it only in emergency situations. If done too often, it can have adverse effects on the automatic vehicle.
The risk of performing kickdown in an automatic car is that the car becomes more fuel-consuming. The position forces the engine to work maximally suddenly, requiring more fuel than usual.
This action, if done too frequently, can damage the engine. Although this is rare, anticipating by minimizing kickdown is the right approach.
It is advisable to perform kickdown only in emergency conditions, such as facing a steep incline or suddenly needing to overtake the vehicle in front. Do it correctly to minimize the possibility of damage to spare parts.
Kickdown can directly cause the clutch disc to wear out quickly. The working process of making it slip and forcing the engine to spin faster can cause spare parts to wear out.
When performing kickdown, the driver must concentrate and focus. Pay attention to the safe distance because the car can suddenly accelerate quickly. Be ready to brake immediately if this happens.
The sudden increase in power can startle the driver. If unable to control the steering, the consequences can be fatal. The advice to avoid kickdown is indeed very appropriate.
Read Also: Causes of Automatic Car Transmission Not Shifting Gears
Nevertheless, anything can happen on the road. It is advisable to use reliable and quality vehicles to anticipate all situations, such as products from Daihatsu. This brand always presents cars ready for all terrains.
Kickdown in automatic cars is a last resort when needing to gain significant power quickly. Do not do it too often as it can cause damage and danger to the driver.
