How to Drive a Buick GL8 Automatic Transmission?
3 Answers
Buick GL8's D gear is the forward driving gear, which is commonly used for normal driving conditions. The neutral gear of the Buick GL8 should be engaged when the car needs to be in neutral. The P gear is the parking gear of the Buick GL8, used when parking the vehicle. The R gear is the reverse gear for automatic transmission cars, which is not much different from the R gear in manual transmission cars. The Buick GL8 does not have a conventional handbrake; the parking brake is located to the left of the brake pedal and is operated by foot.
Driving the Buick GL8 automatic transmission, I find it quite friendly for beginners. First, I sit firmly in the driver's seat, press the brake pedal, and ensure the car is in the P position. Then, I start the engine by turning the key, and I know it's ready when I hear the engine sound. To start moving, I press the brake, shift to D gear, release the brake, and gently press the accelerator—the car moves smoothly. During driving, there's no need to shift gears, so I can focus on the road conditions: use the turn signal to change lanes and press the brake to stop at red lights. The Buick GL8 has spacious interiors and a light steering wheel, making city driving effortless. When parking, I press the brake, shift to P gear, engage the electronic handbrake, and then turn off the engine. Remember to adjust the rearview mirror and fasten the seatbelt before every trip. The automatic transmission saves the hassle of dealing with the clutch, but don’t forget to ease off the accelerator smoothly—safety first, and you'll get used to it with practice.
As someone who frequently drives the GL8 for city commuting, I really appreciate the convenience of an automatic transmission. Before starting, I press the brake, shift to P (Park), and then ignite the engine. To move off, I shift to D (Drive), release the brake, and gently press the accelerator—the car starts smoothly. At traffic lights, I either shift to N (Neutral) or keep it in D while stopped to avoid holding the brake for too long. During driving, the Buick GL8's steering wheel is responsive, and I prefer using D mode throughout the trip, as the car reacts quickly in traffic without stalling. Before parking, I press the brake, shift to P, and then turn off the engine. The GL8's spacious interior makes city driving convenient, and when reversing, I use R (Reverse) with a light press on the accelerator—just not too aggressively. Always check the dashboard for any warnings and maintain regular automatic transmission servicing for smoother performance. Simply put, an automatic transmission lets you focus on the road with less effort.