Automatic Transmission.

allblacks

Is it correct that if I leave my Automatic car not in use for 2/3 months,on starting I should leave the enging running for 10 mins before driving? Otherwise I might seize the engine! Help appricated.

colm_mcm

If this is only going to be done every couple of months it mightn't be any harm to just do it regardless.

Boskowski

allblacks wrote: »

Is it correct that if I leave my Automatic car not in use for 2/3 months,on starting I should leave the enging running for 10 mins before driving? Otherwise I might seize the engine! Help appricated.

Who told you that?
I mean I'm no expert and therefore I expect to get corrected within a minute, but thats the maddest thing I ever heard.

In order to prevent engine seizure let the engine run for 10 mins?
Or else even if the gearbox was a brick why would the engine seize?

That makes no sense at all.

allblacks

Somebody told me it to allow the oil to heat (become more liquid) and circulate through the automatic trassmission.

colm_mcm

automatic transmission has its own oil.

biko

It has ATF - automatic transmission fluid.
You should check this occasionally, it has its own dipstick.

allblacks

Many thanks for help.Am returning to Spain to-morrow after 3 months,just wanted to check on advice a friend gave me.

si_guru

allblacks wrote: »

Many thanks for help.Am returning to Spain to-morrow after 3 months,just wanted to check on advice a friend gave me.

Let it warm up sure... but your best driving it gently ratehr than letting is stand still as the air flow is better.

unless the car has had any other engine problems I expect it will be grand.

dirtydiesel

Ive 2 automatics and never heard anything like that. One thing many people forget to do is change the gearbox oil, as mentioned there is a seperate dipstick for the gearbox, pull up the dipstick and see what colour the oil on it is, it should be red, if its brown or blackish get it changed.
Both automatics I have had gearbox trouble(according to previous owners) but after changing the oil both are perfect.

Esel

dirtydiesel wrote: »

Both automatics I have had gearbox trouble(according to previous owners) but after changing the oil and filter both are perfect.

FYP

frex

I think your friend's advice is a little over cautious. No need to leave it standing while running. The auto will pressurise with fluid in seconds and will be fine without running.

Over time, engines can develop leaks if left sitting as seals can creep under the load of shafts etc...but we're talking a LOT of time, in bad environments and generally older cars. 3 months shouldnt be a problem. If I'm away for any length of time, I usually get someone to turn the car over ever couple of weeks for a few mins just to make sure the battery doesnt die and cause the alarm to go off.

You might have a flat battery at worst I'd say, and as it was cold and damp a few months ago, the cabin might have a fragrant musty smell, but that'll clear with the windows down for a bit in the weather we have now.

Your brakes discs are likely to be a nice shade of rust, so a few applications of them should clear them off. Handbrake might bind on as well, but it should pop out as you drive off.

galwaytt

allblacks wrote: »

Is it correct that if I leave my Automatic car not in use for 2/3 months,on starting I should leave the enging running for 10 mins before driving? Otherwise I might seize the engine! Help appricated.

...back on topic: I am reading from this that someone has told you that it's because it's automatic that there's an issue. There isn't.

Now, the advice about starting the car and letting it warm up gently isn't bad advice, but there's no connection between engine issue and gearbox type.