People nowadays relish the ease of driving provided by automatic transmission in vehicles. No doubt, automatic transmissions have made the driving process super simple and smooth. The automatic transmissions come in three types.

• Automatic Manual Transmission
• Continuously Variable Transmission
• Dual Clutch transmission

Let’s have a look at them individually.

Automated Manual Transmission

The automated manual transmission has an actuator and a computer that determines the gear shifting depending upon the engine speed. You just have to select the drive mode using the selector stick.

Once done, sit back and drive easily. You won't have to deal with pushing the clutch and shifting gears. AMT will take care of it. AMT is quite smooth but can be a little jerky when the gear upshifting or downshifting.

It is quite affordable as well. It gives a good fuel economy along with driving comfort. AMt can be found in many cars including Wagon R and Swift etc.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

The second type of automatic transmission is a bit newer called Continuously variable transmission. The transmission continuously keeps changing the gears depending on the speed of the vehicle.

The CVT consists of two conical pulleys. These pulleys are attached to a belt. Depending upon the speed, the pulley length changes which causes the gear to change as well.

CVT is very efficient as there is no delay in gear shifts. It helps to maintain a constant speed for a smooth driving experience. This also helps in fuel efficiency. People who like smooth and painless driving prefer using CVT. But it may not appeal to everyone.

Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)

DCT, also known as direct shift gearbox, works by using two clutches that automatically change the gears. Odd gears (1, 3, 5) and even gears (2, 4, 6) are functioned by two separate clutches. This separation of odd and even gears helps prevent power loss.

DCT is the quickest transmission as the gear shifting is very fast. DCT gearboxes are used in high-performance vehicles that require rapid acceleration. DCT is made for sports cars.

You should not drive DCT in cities as the traffic might cause the transmission to become overheated. Plus, DCT provides a better mileage due to the accurate and fast gear shifting.

How to drive an automatic car?

Driving an automatic car is much easier than driving a manual car. Here are some easy steps to teach you how to drive an automatic car.

1. Push the brake pedal, insert the key and start your car
2. Select the Driving (D) gear keeping your foot on the brake pedal.
3. Release the parking brake and check your surroundings.
4. Slowly release the brake pedal. The car will start creeping.
5. Remove the foot from the brake and press the accelerator using the same foot.
6. If you want to reverse, make sure the car is stopped with a foot pressing the brake.
7. Slide the gear stick to R and gently release the brake, looking behind.
8. When you want to park, press the brake pedal and slide gear stick to P.