New features in automated manual transmissions give drivers maximum control

For experienced drivers, the prospect of switching from the manual transmission to a new automated manual transmission can raise questions and concerns. In particular, drivers wonder if they’ll have the same level control while driving.

The good news is yes — not only the same level of control, but transmission features that help drivers feel more confident behind the wheel, whether they have years of experience or are newer on the road.

Here’s a look at several transmission features that don’t require inputs from the driver because the automated manual transmission does the work under the driver’s control. Drivers can just get in and go.

'Hill Start Aid' Controls Rollback or Roll Forward

Driving routes that require uphill and downhill starts have been a key challenge for drivers — until now. Automated manual transmissions have a feature called Hill Start Aid that prevents unintended roll back or roll forward by monitoring the grade and automatically adjusting. When the grade exceeds the programmed threshold, the foundation brakes will hold the truck in place for a few seconds to allow for a controlled launch.  Hill Start Aid works when the truck is pointing uphill in drive or when it’s facing downhill in reverse, giving the driver more control in either direction.

‘Urge to Move’ Allows Inching Forward

In job-site situation that calls for moving forward very slowly, engaging a manual transition requires deft manipulation of the clutch, the brake and the accelerator. In urban stop-and-go traffic this process is repeated and can get quite taxing on the driver. Automated manual transmissions offer a feature called Urge to Move that works much like a passenger vehicle. The driver selects Drive on the shift lever, releases the brake pedal and the truck inches forward automatically. That lets the driver focus on driving conditions and traffic instead of shifting.

‘Creep Mode’ Gives Ultimate Control at Slow Speeds

Every driver has situations where they need to creep forward very slowly, but steadily. The Creep Mode feature in automated manual transmissions allows the truck to creep ahead with a locked clutch at engine idle. Even better, drivers can manually select different gears to fine tune the truck’s speed, giving them ultimate control.

‘Enhanced Engine Braking’ Provides Controlled Downhills

With manual transmissions, downhill grades require steady concentration and down shifting to control speed, especially on long, steep descents. When cruise control is activated, the Enhanced Engine Braking feature on automated manual transmissions is a game changer on downhill grades because it works in combination with the engine brake to automatically down shift the transmission to help slow the truck throughout the descent. In addition, this feature increases the life of brake pads because the transmission is helping to slow the truck. Drivers can go for miles down a long descent without ever touching the brakes.

‘Smart Gear Selection’ Picks the Right Gear, Start to Stop

After years of experience driving a manual transmission truck, drivers who make the switch love the Smart Gear Selection found in an automated manual transmission. With this feature, the transmission chooses the appropriate starting gear — then makes shift decisions based on grade, the vehicle’s weight, engine torque and throttle position. As needed, Smart Gear Selection will also skip gears to make the most efficient changes based on those conditions. This feature lets drivers focus on conditions and the road ahead, with confidence the transmission is managing the necessary gear changes automatically.

Automated Transmission Features Put the Driver in Control

Drivers who make the switch to an automated manual transmission find these new transmission features give them as much, if not more, control than they had with a manual transmission— and give them more confidence heading out on every pull.

Learning how to drive a truck with an automated transmission is intuitive and easy. For trucks with an Endurant HD, Endurant XD or Endurant XD Pro, Eaton Cummins offers a complete series of Get2Know Driver training videos.

Ready to try out an automated manual transmission for yourself? Contact your local dealership to test drive a truck equipped with an Endurant HD/XD/XD Pro transmission and experience these features for yourself.