First off, I have an automatic, but this applies to any car.
I have a dismal understanding of transmissions and how they work, I know that the engine turns only 1 way, which in turn turns the transmission, which of course turns the wheels. Now the engine cannot reverse direction like an electric motor, so the transmission is essential when we need to go in reverse. If we only needed to go in one direction, forward, we could almost get rid of the tranny, although we'd be stuck in a 1:1 ratio where we can only go as fast as the car can rev high. Obviously that would result in a car with a low top speed.
Now since the engine can only turn in one direction, what would happen if (when) the tires are forced to go the opposite direction? i.e. going backwards in first gear, or forwards in reverse. If the engine were suddenly forced to do the same, it could prove catastrophic.
The question came to me when I was putting the car up on ramps. Being hesitant not to go too far and fall off the other end, I was being very light on the gas pedal. At least once I went about halfway up and chickened out, forcing the car to go backwards down the ramps, obviously still in gear. Afterwards I thought the situation over and formed the question I pose to you now.
I'm sure its a one word answer as to how the car adjusts for this occurance, my guess is the clutch. Considering my question is long-winded and excessive, feel free to make the answer the same, since I always enjoy a learning experience.
I have a dismal understanding of transmissions and how they work, I know that the engine turns only 1 way, which in turn turns the transmission, which of course turns the wheels. Now the engine cannot reverse direction like an electric motor, so the transmission is essential when we need to go in reverse. If we only needed to go in one direction, forward, we could almost get rid of the tranny, although we'd be stuck in a 1:1 ratio where we can only go as fast as the car can rev high. Obviously that would result in a car with a low top speed.
Now since the engine can only turn in one direction, what would happen if (when) the tires are forced to go the opposite direction? i.e. going backwards in first gear, or forwards in reverse. If the engine were suddenly forced to do the same, it could prove catastrophic.
The question came to me when I was putting the car up on ramps. Being hesitant not to go too far and fall off the other end, I was being very light on the gas pedal. At least once I went about halfway up and chickened out, forcing the car to go backwards down the ramps, obviously still in gear. Afterwards I thought the situation over and formed the question I pose to you now.
I'm sure its a one word answer as to how the car adjusts for this occurance, my guess is the clutch. Considering my question is long-winded and excessive, feel free to make the answer the same, since I always enjoy a learning experience.
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