What is Automatic Transmission

The first thing you notice when getting into a car with automatic transmission is that it has no clutch. Hence the term 'automatic' - the car changes gear automatically without your direct intervention.

Most automatic transmission has something called a 'torque converter' that transmits engine power to the gearbox and on to the driving wheels (this is very complicated and you don't really want to know about it!).

By sensing the load on the engine, the car determines which gear will be best for the job. Most automatics still have gears, typically 3 or 4 with some models including a 5th gear (overdrive).

Some modern automatics have different settings, these are operated by engine management wizardry and let you choose different driving modes depending on the traffic conditions and your mood (for example, you might have a 'sport' or a 'winter' setting).

Whatever system the car is fitted with, all the driver has to do is stay awake, steer, brake and accelerate.