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Use of gearbox
Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 11:47 am
by Muzzlehatch
Excuse me if it's a daft question, but I've only ever owned manual cars before getting the RS6 a few months ago...
I'm more than happy with the 'box, it's excellent, and I've come to learn a few things about how it "thinks". But one thing is niggling me:
When stationary with the handbrake on (e.g. at traffic lights) and in "D", the "gear" is always partially engaged, rather akin to riding the clutch in a manual car, so it's forcing itself against the handbrake. Therefore, I tend to put it into "N", as I feel that the resistance in the gearbox may be wearing something out unnecessarily (again, like riding the clutch will wear the clutch out on a manual 'box).
I feel that I'm being mechanically sympathetic by selecing "N", but am I actually preventing any wear - i.e. is my understanding of how "D" works correct?
Re: Use of gearbox
Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 8:29 pm
by Chris24565
I always do exactly the same, not sure if there's any benefits, but it just feels right to do it!
Re: Use of gearbox
Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 3:09 pm
by rost12
Why do they teach british drivers to use the handbrake at traffic lights is a better question...
Regardless, with auto gearboxes you keep it in "D" at traffic lights, and just hold the brakes, be they foot or hand operated. I don't see you doing the car any harm this way, it how it was designed to be operated. And there's no "clutch" to slip anyway
Re: Use of gearbox
Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 3:33 pm
by Muzzlehatch
rost12 wrote:Why do they teach british drivers to use the handbrake at traffic lights is a better question... ...keep it in "D" at traffic lights, and just hold the brakes
Here's why: It's not very nice for the drivers waiting behind you, the brake lights will dazzle them, especially when it's dark. I hate cars ahead of me sitting on their brake pedal, so I try to be considerate and use my handbrake.
rost12 wrote:And there's no "clutch" to slip anyway
I know there's no clutch (
), but the car is still being forced forwards, so something will be using additional energy (basic laws of thermodynamics).
Re: Use of gearbox
Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 4:42 pm
by Golfather
There's probably more wear and tear done whilst engaging/disengaging it in D than if you were to just leave it alone!
Re: Use of gearbox
Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 5:46 pm
by Muzzlehatch
golfather wrote:probably
That's why I'm asking. I was hoping someone might actually
know 
But doing a bit of reading, I've seen that the torque convertor can overheat if too much slippage occurs (a good reason to put it into "N"), but interestingly, according to Wikipedia (I know, I know), the C6 RS6 torque convertor enables itself to disengage when the car is stationary (which would mean it can't overheat), although I have never consciously experienced that.
Still, if the handbrake is on, and it's in D, and you accidentally hit the throttle pedal, it'll automatically disengage the handbrake and lurch forwards, possibly causing an accident.
So best play it safe and use N.
There, sorted!
Re: Use of gearbox
Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 7:51 pm
by Nudenut
I just leave it in D or S and put the handbrake on, then drive off from it... Audi spent a fair few quid designing the systems to support that feature, be rude not to use it
Re: Use of gearbox
Posted: Sat May 07, 2011 7:26 pm
by jezitalia
rost12 wrote:Why do they teach british drivers to use the handbrake at traffic lights is a better question...
Regardless, with auto gearboxes you keep it in "D" at traffic lights, and just hold the brakes, be they foot or hand operated. I don't see you doing the car any harm this way, it how it was designed to be operated. And there's no "clutch" to slip anyway
I was taught very early on in my driving career that you use the handbrake to do as mentioned as it prevents glare, but more importantly if you get shunted the handbrake is far more likely to hold the car than relying on the foot brake which could slip and is not under significant pressure while at a light.
I believe this is why British drivers are taught this, and in my opinion, based on having live in Europe and Asia, and having driven on many other continents, Brit drivers remain on average some of the best and certainly most considerate.
I too engage N for the same reasons if I am at a light I know to be long, however here in Italy every light is treated like the start of a F1 Grand Prix!
Re: Use of gearbox
Posted: Sat May 07, 2011 8:01 pm
by amanda1
Muzzlehatch wrote:rost12 wrote:Why do they teach british drivers to use the handbrake at traffic lights is a better question... ...
Because 99% of uk drivers use a manual car
If you use an auto its left in drive with foot on brake at traffic lights no need for anything else!!!
ohh you lot might find this interesting
http://www.driving-test-success.com/dri ... ic-car.htm
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Re: Use of gearbox
Posted: Sun May 08, 2011 12:02 am
by Muzzlehatch
Women drivers eh?
Re: Use of gearbox
Posted: Sun May 08, 2011 3:08 pm
by rost12
In UK you're also supposed to shuffle steer (at that's what I was told to do to pass the driver's test here), and that's NOT the way to steer according to any performance driving school. I wrote it down to antiquity and lack of desire to change, so the handbrake thing gets filed in the same folder
I like to arrange vents in my car just right, it makes me feel good. So if keeping your hands busy doing the parking brake up, moving the shifter to N and then reversing the process at every traffic light keeps ya happy, go fer it
But it ain't necessary.