Why Some Automatic Transmissions Shift Straight and Some Are Zig-Zag?

The automatic transmission is the rapidly growing technology in the latest automobiles. But have you ever wondered why some cars have straight and others have zig zag automatic transmissions? 

If yes, you are in the right place. Here you will get to know about some amazing facts of having two types of gear shifters in automatic cars!

Basic Reasons For Having Two Types Of Gear Shifter In Automatic Transmissions

The popularity of automatic transmission has taken over the entire automobile world, but the contradiction of choosing one out of linear and zigzag gear shift is always there. 

Therefore, before you select a particular type, check out the reasons why the gears are different for different cars.

1. Control & Safety

The linear and zigzag gear shifters serve the same purpose to the car, which is to keep the vehicle in gears. Imagine you are driving and it’s raining outside. You need to shift the gear but accidentally put it on the wrong level.

This hazardous situation is possible with the linear gearshift. The zigzag pattern prevents you from putting the wrong gears as the curves provide an accurate estimation of where the stick is at the moment. Therefore, you get better control over the vehicle.

Those who keep safety in the first place prefer linear gearshift. Easy gear stick movement and security lock key that prevents the car from going dangerous even at the high-speed.

Well, this isn’t the case with zigzag gears as there is no locking system. So linear gear shift design assures that you stay safe in every situation and zigzag design lets you know that your car is in the right gear.

That’s how the automatic transmissions provide a better driving experience.

SEE MORE:

• The Best Methods to Drive a Car in Reverse Gear
• The Reason Why Manual Transmissions Gear Shifts Aren’t In A Straight Line

2. The Cost Factor

As we already know, the liner shifters have a button like a device embedded on the gear lever to lockout reverse. So the cost automatically increases for such valuable equipment.

Generally, there are two types of buyers- those who want better performance at the low cost and others who can compromise with the cost but not with the features.

So the linear gear shifts signify that the cost will be a bit higher than the zigzag gear cars. This way the buyer gets an idea about which type of car will be suitable for long terms.

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3. Which One Is Better?

If you are looking for a car, which allows you a smooth gear shift, linear shifts are the best fit. Otherwise, zigzag gears shifts are ideal for better control over the vehicle. 

Overall, choosing an automatic transmission car with a particular type of gear design is the matter of choice and requirements.

FAQs

1. Why do some cars have straight shift patterns while others have zig-zag patterns?

The choice between straight and zig-zag patterns often depends on the manufacturer’s design philosophy and the intended driving experience. 

Straight patterns are typically simpler and more intuitive, while zig-zag patterns can offer a more controlled and engaging gear selection process.

2. Does the shift pattern affect the transmission’s performance?

The shift pattern itself does not directly affect the transmission’s mechanical performance. 

However, it can influence the driver’s interaction with the transmission and the ease with which they can select the desired gear.

3. Are zig-zag shift patterns safer or more efficient than straight patterns?

Neither pattern is inherently safer or more efficient than the other. Safety and efficiency depend more on the transmission’s design and the driver’s familiarity and comfort with the shift pattern.

4. Can you convert a straight shift pattern to a zig-zag pattern, or vice versa?

Converting between shift patterns is generally not feasible as it involves significant modifications to the transmission’s control mechanism and the vehicle’s interior layout.

5. Which type of shift pattern is more common in modern cars?

Straight shift patterns are more common in modern vehicles, especially in everyday passenger cars, due to their simplicity and ease of use.

6. Is there a difference in maintenance between the two types of shift patterns?

Maintenance requirements are more dependent on the transmission type rather than the shift pattern. Both patterns require similar levels of care in terms of transmission maintenance.

7. Do manual transmissions use zig-zag shift patterns?

Manual transmissions typically have a gated, zig-zag pattern, but it is different from automatic zig-zag patterns. 

Manual patterns are designed for fully manual gear selection, whereas automatic patterns are for selecting drive modes or manual shift overrides.

Check out this video from Lesics to learn more about automatic transmission!

Wrapping Up

The suitable gear shifter and some useful driving tips are enough to make every journey a happy journey. So get the most out of automatic transmissions by choosing the desired gear shifter right now!