Correct protocol for using an automatic transmission?

[mickymellon1]

those 'blinded' by brake lights are either stopped too close to the car in front or need to see an optician - come on, they're not that bright

[drivin_me_nuts]

I find that limiting the gears on interesting roads is very useful. My LS is an 8 speed box and if driven anywhere near intent it needs to be limited to 5. It's a curious thing though that the changes going down the gears are at times imperceptable, except in to 2, which unless done at low speed jolts the car.

[RDMcG]

I have done huge mileages in automatics...at one point 60,000 miles a year. Mainly GM, VWs and Cayennes.

(1) I never used the parking brake and never had a problem. Modern autos are amazingly robust. Just use park.

(2) In traffic I keep it in drive unless I have pulled over to stop for more than a moment, then I use park. I would say I have done about 600k in autos and never had a wear-related transmission problem.

[Monty Python]

mickymellon1 said:

those 'blinded' by brake lights are either stopped too close to the car in front or need to see an optician - come on, they're not that bright

I'm surprised that some car company hasn't made brake lights that drop to side-light intensity after a set period of time. They could even use rear PDC sensors to determine when the car behind has stopped and do the same thing. Probably some legislation that stops them...I mean, how hard can it be?

[RDMcG]

Monty Python said:

mickymellon1 said:

those 'blinded' by brake lights are either stopped too close to the car in front or need to see an optician - come on, they're not that bright

I'm surprised that some car company hasn't made brake lights that drop to side-light intensity after a set period of time. They could even use rear PDC sensors to determine when the car behind has stopped and do the same thing. Probably some legislation that stops them...I mean, how hard can it be?

My M6 has LED tail lights that become more intense with higher application of the brake.

[redtwin]

Monty Python said:

I'm surprised that some car company hasn't made brake lights that drop to side-light intensity after a set period of time. They could even use rear PDC sensors to determine when the car behind has stopped and do the same thing. Probably some legislation that stops them...I mean, how hard can it be?

The car behind would have to be quite close to activate the PDC. I can only imagine such a system has not been introduced because no car company has found a need for it.

The few people who don't like brake lights aren't enough to cater to, and besides, why would they buy a car that dimmed it's brake lights, that's hardly going to help them when stopped behind a car that doesn't?.

Auto dimming electrochromic windscreens, now that they would buy.

[yellowbentines]

Paul O said:

‎

Aaaaghhh, aagghhh, my eyes, I've been dazzled, blinded even, you're crazy for posting such a picture.

Come on, the brightness of brake lights at night is no worse than an oncoming car's headlights, perhaps those affected should consider whether or not nighttime driving is really for them?

[craigjm]

I don't see what all the issue is with the brake lights. Every auto I have had including my current PDK holds leaving it in drive and putting the handbrake on. How hard is that to mean you can take your foot off the brake? and in previous cars with electronic handbrakes they released as soon as you touched the gas.

[PanzerCommander]

craigjm said:

I don't see what all the issue is with the brake lights. Every auto I have had including my current PDK holds leaving it in drive and putting the handbrake on. How hard is that to mean you can take your foot off the brake? and in previous cars with electronic handbrakes they released as soon as you touched the gas.

Because so few people use the handbrake on an automatic they are often seized up and don't work properly; enough for the MOT but often not enough on more powerful cars to hold against the engines torque.