P vs N + handbrake in auto

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iolanthe07 wrote: »

Holding a vehicle at a standstill in D is absolutely no different to accelerating the vehicle in D, and produces no more or no less wear.

So would you use the handbrake to hold the car against D then? Otherwise you're in danger of dazzling the driver behind. Also my handbook advises going into N when stopped at lights, so I think I will stick with the manufacturer's advice.

Yes, I would. The advice in your handbook, if followed, will significantly reduce the lifespan of your gearbox.

Manufacturers advise many things, most of them are for their benefit, not yours.

iolanthe07

I wouldn't mind betting your "handbooks" also state that gearbox oil is a lifetime fill.

Yes, it does. Surely there would be comeback on the manufacturers if their advice was incorrect. I have had automatics since 1991 and have never had a moment's problem with any of them using the driving technique I have described. (VW x 2, Nissan x 2, Oldsmobile, Pontiac & Mitsubishi).

vikingaero

Well it doesn't say in any of the handbooks that the ATF is lifetime fill. The service departments will say that and so will the manufacturer.

It doesn't make a difference to me because I get the ATF in my cars pumped out and filled every 2 years.

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

iolanthe07 wrote: »

I wouldn't mind betting your "handbooks" also state that gearbox oil is a lifetime fill.

Yes, it does. Surely there would be comeback on the manufacturers if their advice was incorrect. I have had automatics since 1991 and have never had a moment's problem with any of them using the driving technique I have described. (VW x 2, Nissan x 2, Oldsmobile, Pontiac & Mitsubishi).

Their advice is most certainly incorrect, and is designed not for the benefit of the gearbox but for the benefit of the company car fleet director who will see smaller service bills in exchange for a car that will last fewer miles. Not that he'll care of course, because it'll be the owner who has it in ten years time who will pay for a new gearbox.

iolanthe07

because it'll be the owner who has it in ten years time who will pay for a new gearbox.

Fair point. I always buy new cars and never keep them for more than four years so perhaps that is why I've never had a problem.