How to Drive an Automatic Transmission After Learning Manual?
3 Answers
Generally, the engine can only be started when the gear shift lever is in the P or N position. If the gear shift lever is in a driving gear, the engine cannot be started. When starting to move the car, you must press the brake pedal to move the gear shift lever out of P or N gear and into a driving gear. Release the brake pedal and drive slowly.
It's indeed quite relaxing to drive an automatic after learning manual transmission. The automatic eliminates the clutch pedal, rendering the left foot completely unnecessary—only the right foot is needed to control the accelerator and brake. When starting off, simply shift to D (Drive) and press the accelerator to go, without the hassle of coordinating clutch and throttle like in a manual. However, be mindful of the automatic's idle creep feature, where the car moves slowly even without pressing the accelerator, requiring extra caution when reversing. On highways, overtaking is as easy as pressing the accelerator deeper, as the transmission will automatically downshift for a speed boost. When stopping at a red light, it's advisable to shift to N (Neutral) and engage the handbrake to protect the transmission. Overall, a manual transmission foundation helps you better understand vehicle dynamics, while an automatic greatly simplifies operation, allowing you to drive smoothly within a few days of adaptation.
I think the biggest change from manual to automatic transmission is the liberation of the left foot. Previously, you had to focus on pressing the clutch and shifting gears, but now you only need to pay attention to the steering wheel, accelerator, and brake. The automatic transmission gear lever usually has labels like P for Park, R for Reverse, N for Neutral, and D for Drive. To start, simply shift to D, and when the light turns green, press the accelerator to go. One thing to note is not to stay in D gear for long downhill stretches; you can switch to manual mode or a lower gear to utilize engine braking. In rainy or snowy conditions, avoid stomping on the accelerator when starting to prevent skidding. Additionally, when parking an automatic car, always shift to P and engage the handbrake, otherwise, the transmission could be damaged. For beginners, it's advisable to practice hill starts and reverse parking in an open area a few times to get the rhythm of automatic driving—you'll get used to it quickly.
