How to Drive a Volvo Automatic Transmission?
3 Answers
There are 3 key points for operating a Volvo automatic transmission: 1. At red lights: Depending on driving habits, temporarily stop by pressing the brake while keeping the gear in D position. This is because the torque converter in the transmission is equipped with a reaction wheel with a one-way clutch, which amplifies torque from the engine crankshaft. It remains stationary at engine idle speed and only engages when engine RPM increases; 2. Starting off: The gear lever can only be moved from P or N position to driving gears after pressing the brake pedal. Releasing the brake allows gradual vehicle movement. The pre-braking procedure ensures driver and vehicle safety; 3. Engine starting: The engine can only be started when the gear lever is in P or N position. If positioned in driving gears like D or R, the engine won't start.
Starting a Volvo automatic transmission is quite intuitive. Sit in the driver's seat, press the brake pedal, and start the engine using the key or start button. The gear selector is usually located near the steering wheel or on the center console, and it's safest to start in P (Park) mode. To move forward, press the brake and shift to D (Drive); to reverse, shift to R (Reverse), at which point the rearview mirrors or rearview camera will automatically activate to help you see behind you. While driving, gently press the accelerator to speed up—avoid pressing too hard to prevent sudden jerks. To stop or slow down, press the brake. For everyday driving, D mode is sufficient, but if you're looking for a bit more excitement, some higher-end Volvo models feature a manual mode where you can shift gears by pushing the lever left or right, which is useful for high-speed cornering. Before parking, always come to a complete stop, shift back to P mode, and engage the handbrake or electronic parking brake to prevent rolling. Volvo's automatic transmission is smooth, and combined with the City Safety feature, even new drivers can gradually build confidence.
Driving a Volvo automatic transmission is straightforward: After stepping on the brake to start the engine, select D for drive or R for reverse. On long drives, I often keep it in D, lightly pressing the accelerator for steady speed; when reversing or turning, shift to R, and the radar will beep to alert you of nearby objects. If you frequently drive on mountain roads or want to save fuel, try manual mode—shift the gear lever to + or - to simulate gear changes and reduce engine load. Don't forget to shift to P and engage the handbrake when parking. Key maintenance for automatics is regular transmission fluid checks, typically replaced every 50,000 km to extend lifespan. Volvo's thoughtful design makes operation fuss-free, ensuring a safe and worry-free drive.
