How to Drive an Automatic Transmission Car?

[SanKayden]

First, open the car door and sit in the driver's seat, then adjust the seat to a comfortable position. Press the brake pedal, start the vehicle with the car key, and after the vehicle starts, gently press the accelerator pedal a couple of times to allow the vehicle to cycle through its various systems. Release the handbrake, hold the steering wheel firmly, and slowly lift the brake pedal to start driving.

[ArthurFitz]

When I first learned automatic transmission, I also felt a bit nervous. Actually, it's much simpler than manual transmission. After getting in the car, first step on the brake to start the engine, then shift to D gear, release the handbrake, and slowly lift the brake to get the car moving. Remember to press the accelerator lightly, and the ride will be much smoother. When stopping at a red light, just keep your foot on the brake. For long red lights or when stopping on a steep slope, it's safer to shift to N gear and pull the handbrake. When reversing, switch to R gear and control the speed with the brake. The parking sequence is most important: after stopping with the brake, shift to P gear, pull the handbrake tightly, and then turn off the engine. At first, I often forgot to pull the handbrake, but now I've developed the habit. Try cruise control on the highway to give your foot a rest. Normally, make sure your right foot doesn't press both the brake and accelerator at the same time, and keep your left foot on the side without moving it randomly.

[ElleLynn]

My automatic transmission car has been running for over five years, and I highly recommend its convenience in traffic jams. When dropping off my kid at school in the morning and stuck in traffic, the automatic transmission eliminates the need to press the clutch or shift gears—just switch between the brake and accelerator with your right foot. When starting, lightly tap the accelerator, and when the car in front moves, gently press the accelerator to follow. When going down a steep garage ramp, switch to manual mode and engage 1st gear to use engine braking for added safety. When reversing into a parking spot, don’t rely solely on the rearview camera—use the side mirrors and steering in coordination. When parking, remember to straighten the steering wheel before shifting to P to avoid damaging the transmission. In summer, the air conditioning may reduce engine power slightly, so you can press the accelerator a bit harder. Regular transmission fluid checks are crucial—I change mine every 40,000 kilometers, and the car still runs smoothly.

[StMia]

Last week, I took my cousin to practice driving an automatic transmission car, and I noticed that beginners tend to make two common mistakes. First, they tend to accelerate too aggressively when starting, pressing the gas pedal hard right after releasing the brake, causing the car to lurch forward. Instead, they should let the car move at idle speed first and then gently apply the throttle. Second, they often shift into P (Park) before engaging the handbrake when parking, which forces the transmission to bear the full weight of the vehicle. The correct procedure is to come to a complete stop, hold the foot brake, shift into N (Neutral), engage the handbrake, release the foot brake and press it again to confirm the car doesn’t move, and finally shift into P (Park) and turn off the engine. On rainy or snowy days when the road is slippery, activating the snow mode helps reduce wheel spin. Remember, D (Drive) isn’t a one-size-fits-all gear—using manual mode with lower gears is safer during long descents. For automatic transmission maintenance, focus on the transmission fluid and filter.