An automatic transmission is an automobile gearbox, instrumental in changing the gear ratios automatically when the car moves! This means it makes the driver free from shifting gears manually. Automatic transmission is integrated to the engine of the car and it sends power to the wheels. To be very precise, the function of the automatic transmission is to help the car use various gears automatically to drive the wheels and operate its engine within its optimum RPM or revolutions per minute range.

Automatic transmission runs with the help of a combined operation, which includes a number of components. Here are the components required for the operation of automatic transmission:

• Planetary Gear Sets: This gear system consists of a number of gears. The gears are designed to rotate around a central gear so that they can offer a range of torque multiplication. In other words, these gear sets provide forward and reverse gear ratio.

• Hydraulic System: Hydraulic system makes use of a transmission fluid that is sent by the engine oil pump. The fluid controls the working of the car clutches that support the working of the planetary gear sets.

• Seals and Gaskets: Seals and gaskets are instrumental in maintaining a proper location of engine oil.

• Torque Converter: Torque converter is a form of hydraulic fluid that connects the engine to the transmission. It allows the engine to remain running even at rest without stalling. The converter also provides a variable torque multiplication at low speed.

• Governor or Modulator: A modulator helps to monitor the car speed and throttle position to determine when the gear shift is required by the car.

• Computer: The computer makes the principal working unit of an automatic transmission system. The purpose of the computer is to help control all the gear shifts.

There are several benefits of having automatic transmission in a car. First of all, it increases the fuel efficiency and power of the car. Besides, it helps preventing premature wear of the vital transmission spare parts, drivability problems, as well as varnish build up. Since fuel efficiency is a major concern these days, more car buyers are opting for cars with automatic transmission.

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