Buzz
Transitioning from a manual to an automatic car can initially appear daunting. However, automatic vehicles offer simplicity, especially once you become accustomed to them. If you're new to driving an automatic car or have questions, this guide is here to help. Read on to learn how to start, move, and park an automatic car effectively. If you're a novice driver, consider having an experienced driver accompany you as you familiarize yourself with the basics.
Essential Information
- Before starting the car, press the brake pedal with your right foot.
- Shift the gear selector from P (park) to D (drive) for forward movement, or R (reverse) for backward movement.
- While driving forward, keep the gear selector in D (drive) as the automatic transmission selects the appropriate gear based on the car's speed.
- Prior to turning off the car, shift into P (park) and engage the parking brake.
Step-by-Step Process
How to Start an Automatic Car
Adjust your seat and mirrors, then fasten your seatbelt. Ensure your right foot can easily reach the pedals by adjusting your seat if necessary. Check your mirrors for visibility and secure your seatbelt. Familiarize yourself with the car's layout and locate essential features while the vehicle is stationary. Refer to the car's manual if needed.
Depress the brake pedal with your right foot. Prioritize safety by always pressing the brake pedal before starting the engine. This ensures the car remains stationary.
Start the car by turning the key or pushing the button. Keep your foot on the brake pedal while starting the engine. After starting the car, adjust settings such as headlights, climate controls, and phone connectivity for a comfortable driving experience.
Shift into D or R to exit the parking spot. Press the lock button on the shifter and move it to D (drive) for forward or R (reverse) for backward movement. Release the button once the shifter aligns with the desired gear. Avoid resting your hand on the shifter while driving, as automatic cars do not require manual gear changes.
Disengage the parking brake before commencing your drive. Typically located next to the gear shift, release the parking brake by pressing the button on its end until it retracts fully. Ensure you keep your foot on the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from moving. Once the parking brake is disengaged, the car will begin to roll forward or backward if the brake is released.
- In certain vehicles, particularly trucks and SUVs, the parking brake is a floor pedal. To release it, simply depress the pedal unless there's a separate release lever adjacent to it.
- It's advisable to shift your car into gear before releasing the parking brake. This reduces strain on the transmission, particularly if parked on an incline.
Guidelines for Operating an Automatic Vehicle
Maintain the car in Drive mode while in motion. One of the conveniences of driving an automatic car is the lack of gear shifting. Simply keep the gear selector in Drive regardless of your speed. The automatic transmission will seamlessly adjust to the appropriate gear based on your velocity.
- Driving an automatic vehicle involves steering in the same manner as a manual car. The driving experience is largely identical, except for the absence of manual gear changes.
- If you're a novice driver, steer cautiously and turn the wheel in the direction you intend to travel. With practice, you'll become more confident in your driving abilities.
Utilize your right foot for both acceleration and braking. Operating an automatic vehicle mirrors the method used in manual transmissions, except without the clutch pedal. Employ your right foot for both the accelerator and brake, with the left foot resting on the provided footrest (dead pedal).
- Although Formula 1 drivers use their left foot for braking, this technique is reserved for highly skilled drivers in specialized vehicles. Stick to using your right foot for acceleration and braking.
- Exercise caution when driving vehicles with a floor pedal for the parking brake. While it's typically positioned far to the left, remain aware of its presence.
- If you notice your left foot straying toward the pedals, simply tuck it behind your right foot to prevent accidental contact.
Engage Reverse gear when maneuvering backward. Come to a complete stop and maintain pressure on the brake pedal. Press the button on the gear selector and shift it to the R position. Upon releasing the brake, the vehicle will move in reverse.
- It's common for the car to begin moving slowly once the brake is released. When reversing, this gradual movement can be advantageous, often requiring only a light tap on the accelerator.
- Remember that when steering in reverse, the rear wheels will turn opposite to the direction of the steering wheel. Turn left to move the rear of the car to the right, and vice versa.
Opt for lower gears when you require less speed but more power. Your vehicle may feature an L option adjacent to the D on the gear selector, or it might offer a '1' and a '2' for first and second gear. Shifting from D to L keeps the car in a lower gear, a functionality seldom used but invaluable in specific situations. Make use of the lower gear setting under the following circumstances:
- Towing: Provides additional power for short distances when towing
- Adverse weather conditions: Enhances tire traction and prevents wheel spin in wintry conditions
- Steep inclines: Eases strain on the engine when ascending and reduces brake wear when descending
Avoid shifting into N unless your vehicle is being towed. Unlike manual transmissions, where neutral ('N') is frequently utilized when stationary, automatic cars rarely require it.
- Some individuals suggest shifting to neutral at traffic lights to conserve fuel. However, any potential fuel savings are minimal, and this practice only adds unnecessary stress to the transmission.
Procedures for Parking an Automatic Vehicle
Select reverse (R) to maneuver into a parking space. Unless prohibited by local regulations or parking lot rules, reversing into a parking spot is generally safer. To accomplish this in an automatic car, bring the vehicle to a complete stop with your foot on the brake, shift into R, release the brake, and gently press the accelerator to back into the desired space.
Engage the parking brake by pulling the lever. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal to prevent the car from rolling. Depress the button on the end of the lever, then pull it upward until it clicks into place. Ensure it is not pulled too far to avoid it becoming stuck. Release the button and remove your hand from the lever.
- If your parking brake is a floor pedal, depress it fully to engage.
- If uncertain whether the parking brake is engaged, slowly release the brake pedal. If the car begins to roll, the brake is not engaged.
- For optimal transmission health, engage the parking brake before shifting gears.
Engage P mode and release the brake. Press the lock button on the shifter's side and shift it fully to P. The car remains in park mode, eliminating the need for neutral gear as in manual transmission cars. Remember, P signifies 'park' to prevent errors.
Adjust the steering wheel when parking on an incline. This provides an additional safety measure in case of brake failure or unexpected car movement. Typically, turn the wheels toward the curb when parking downhill and away from the curb when parking uphill.
- On sloping driveways, position the wheels to prevent the car from rolling onto the road.
Turn off the ignition. Your task is complete! Turn the key or press the button to shut off the engine, marking the successful completion of your first drive in an automatic transmission car. Don't forget to take your keys and lock the doors.
Viewer Submissions
Pointers
-
If you hold a manual license, you're authorized to drive both manual and automatic vehicles. Conversely, if you possess an automatic license, you're restricted to driving automatic cars only.
