How to drive a steptronic?

[RAArmstrong]

I'd always use the handbrake... Less stress on the gearbox but thats just me :fencelook:

 

[OppositeLockMT]

Modern autos definitely are more responsive. There is however a noticeable delay when trying to overtake or accelerate quickly with the older autos (like mine). I find it convenient to always be in the right gear at the right time.

 

[Nikhil]

Leave it in drive, traffic or robot. The only time I ever use neutral is on a very long downhill towards the house, right down to the garage door, allowing me to "idle" the car before switching off. This also only on rare occasions after spirited driving.

Spirited driving in a 530d unheard off :fencelook:

 

[PhoenixGG]

I am curious, when you guys do switch the auto manually on the new gearboxes, do you take your foot of the gas or just keep it flat?

 

[P1000]

Well I don't know, I just followed what they said to not void warranty. If I remembered correctly they said something in the lines of the gearbox is still receiving engine power and thus causing the torque converter to wear, it's basically "slipping", also to have it cool.

But I guess it all depends on how long you are waiting at a full stop, as they didn't specify the interval to wait before deciding to take it into neutral.

Did you get this advice from the cashier or the mechanic? Because a torque converter does not wear in the least when you idle. Engaging and disengaging the forward clutches does cause some wear. And if you start accelerating before the gearbox is fully engaged, that causes a lot of wear, so it is much better to leave it in drive. The only downside to leaving it in drive is slightly higher fuel consumption. But fuel is cheap compared to a new gearbox.

 

[ChefDJ]

Leave it in drive, traffic or robot. The only time I ever use neutral is on a very long downhill towards the house, right down to the garage door, allowing me to "idle" the car before switching off. This also only on rare occasions after spirited driving.

Spirited driving in a 530d unheard off :fencelook:

Shhhhhhh :mmm:

I am curious, when you guys do switch the auto manually on the new gearboxes, do you take your foot of the gas or just keep it flat?

Keep it flat.

 

[P1000]

I am curious, when you guys do switch the auto manually on the new gearboxes, do you take your foot of the gas or just keep it flat?

It is better to keep your foot on the gas, the ECU and TCU will manage the torque output of the engine during the transition to minimize wear and shift as smoothly as possible.

 

[Ash777]

Seems different people have different driving habbits

 

[ChefDJ]

An auto needs hardly any thinking when it comes to standard driving.

Once in "drive", you go where you need to be. You only touch the gear lever again once you stop and need to put it in "park" and switch off.

Relaxed driving :thumbs:

 

[OppositeLockMT]

Definitely different driving habits, honestly think it depends on your driving style.

 

[Theo333]

Keep them in Drive mode...
Must say, the three Auto's i've owned i never had problems with overtaking...
in fact the kick downs were Very addictive....:joy:
Would love to experience the kick down in a 330d or 530d though...:idea:

 

[ChefDJ]

Keep them in Drive mode...
Must say, the three Auto's i've owned i never had problems with overtaking...
in fact the kick downs were Very addictive....:joy:
Would love to experience the kick down in a 330d or 530d though...:idea:

If only you were in Joburg :rollsmile:

 

[DieselFan]

I put it in manual when I dont want a delay when pulling off or over taking. And the shift to the right gear and move it back to drive. I dont use manual all the time.

 

[Rory]

I've never even used neutral in my car. I must try that "trick" when parking on a slope though.

Sometimes I put my P035 in D(oo)S mode though. Never bothered to use it in M because DS does a great job already.