Am I Damaging My Trans?

in-too-deep · May 11, 2011

Trying to save gas, I accelerate very slowly in my '05 F-150. Sometimes I can get to 55-60 without going much over 2000 RPM if at all. While accelerating my RPM's stay steady while speed is gathering between shifts...doesn't that mean a lot of slippage in the trans? Don't have a temp gauge. Is my foot too light?

Bob · May 11, 2011

Your tranny isn't slipping... the torque converter is simply doing it's job.

buickanddeere · May 11, 2011

The gas savings are minimal and the frustration of other drivers behind having to brake is maximum.
Fuel savings are from less idling. Lower top speed as fuel required increases with a square of velocity.
And from not using brakes, coast the last 1/4 mile to your laneway if traffic permits. Lift your foot off the gas a few hundred yards back when the traffic light is red. Instead of racing up to the red light, braking to a halt. Then accelerating away when the light turns green 2 seconds later.
Can't get Mrs B&D to understand. Her right foot only does two things with only 1/2 second's pause. She's either pressing the gas or brake, never coasts.

big fred · May 11, 2011

Laneway? Must be a Canadian word that isn't in common use here in the States.

in-too-deep · May 11, 2011

Ok, that's what I was hoping to hear. Thanks!

buickanddeere · May 11, 2011

driveway/entrance/exit/parkway from municipal roads onto your private property.

Nebraska Cowman · May 11, 2011

Yup. I've drove like that for years. If people behind me don't like it they can go around.

mkirsch · May 11, 2011

In a classic torque converter, there is no mechanical linkage. The engine turns a pump in the front of the converter, and the rear of the converter is a turbine attached to the transmission. No slippage, because it's all oil.

Modern torque converters have a lockup on them which mechanically locks the engine to the transmission. Usually these only kick on in overdrive, and sometimes the next gear down if you've got a tow/haul mode.

But, starting out and accelerating slow, no problem.

Just keep in mind that by forcing people to "go around" you are creating a traffic hazard. You could get away with driving like an old yokel in the 1970s and even into the '80s. There's just too much traffic and too many idiot drivers with poor decision making skills on the road. They'll try to pass you without considering that there's a loaded 18-wheeler bearing down on them in the oncoming lane, and someone inevitably ends up splattered all over the road.

big fred · May 11, 2011

I learned something. Thanks.

big fred · May 11, 2011

BTW, that's what I've always heard called an approach, at least that's what we called it when I was growing up in North Dakota. At times, some folks considered their driveways to be "lanes" if they had a stand of trees along both sides, but in general, "driveway" was used in lieu of "lane".

Wardner · May 11, 2011

Just be thankful that Mrs. B&D doesn't apply both the right and left foot to separate pedals at the same time like my long deceased step-mother. Your wife must have learned to drive with a manual transmission. That's a good thing.

John S-B · May 11, 2011

Around here, a "lane" would serve more than one house or building. Usually privately maintained.

buickanddeere · May 11, 2011

Way back when vehicles were carburated and when men were men.A stomp on the throttle would send a squirt of extra accelerator pump fuel down the carb.Or when opening the carb far enough that power enrichment occurred. So yes back then feather footing around did help.
25+ years later................Unless you get so far into the throttle the engine leaves closed loop operation. Other wise engine runs at 14.7 to 1 between idle to approx 3/4 of max power. At w.o.t the computer will enrich the mixture for max power and detonation reduction.
So what used to be a fact has passed into urban myth.
In fact put and engine on a dyno and the lbs of fuel per hp per hour drops as the engine is loaded heavier.
Don't blame me for what your pappy used to tell you.

Ludwig · May 11, 2011

Lower speed is a big one, people will tell you "I went slower and it didn't make a difference" but what they're really saying is "I took 2 minutes extra on a 10 minute trip once and it didn't make a difference".
I drive 118 miles a day and I can tell the difference between keeping my max speed to 65mph vs 70mph, usually worth 1-2mpg just for that.

Russ from MN · May 11, 2011

We did some experimenting recently with rapid acceleration vs. slow and found that taking off slow can save a lot of gas, as long as you don't cause an accident like someone else said!

MarkB_MI · May 12, 2011

You'll get the best economy if you get quickly to a speed where your torque converter will lock up. With most vehicles that's about 45 mph, so the longer time you spend accelerating, the more gas you're wasting due to torque converter slip.

Contrary to popular belief, gasoline engines are most efficient at high throttle settings. Meaning you want to accelerate fairly quickly to get into your highest gear, then keep it in high gear as much as possible.

Am I Damaging My Trans?

in-too-deep

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Bob

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buickanddeere

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big fred

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in-too-deep

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buickanddeere

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Nebraska Cowman

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big fred

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