How to Drive an Automatic Transmission Car for Better Fuel Efficiency?

[MacEmmett]

Gentle starting, smooth driving, regular maintenance, and avoiding 'D' gear at red lights while using 'P' gear for short stops can all help save fuel. Below are some fuel-saving techniques: 1. Gentle Starting: Press the foot brake, shift from 'P' to 'N' gear (start directly in 'P' if reversing), then ignite. Press the foot brake, release the handbrake, and shift from 'N' to 'D' gear. 2. Smooth Driving: Develop good habits like avoiding sudden acceleration, minimizing hard braking, and maintaining a steady speed. 3. Regular Maintenance is Crucial: Remember to perform routine maintenance, including minor and major services on schedule. 4. Avoid 'D' Gear at Red Lights: Keeping the car in 'D' gear increases clutch friction. The correct approach is to shift to 'N' gear when waiting at red lights. 5. Use 'P' Gear for Short Stops: When parking for over 1-2 minutes, shift to 'N' gear to reduce fuel consumption and prevent transmission fluid from overheating, which protects the transmission in the long run. For longer stops exceeding 3-4 minutes, it's best to use 'P' gear for safety, fuel efficiency, and environmental benefits.

[Steph]

As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, my fuel-saving tips for automatic transmission cars are all about cultivating smooth driving habits. When starting, gently press the accelerator instead of flooring it, allowing the speed to build up gradually. While driving, maintain a steady speed as much as possible, utilize cruise control frequently, and avoid frequent acceleration or deceleration. Anticipate road conditions before braking to minimize sudden stops. Regular maintenance is also crucial—I check tire pressure monthly to ensure it's within the recommended range, reducing rolling resistance and saving fuel. Routine servicing, including oil and air filter changes, keeps the engine running efficiently. Use the air conditioning sparingly; if the weather permits, crack the windows for ventilation. Additionally, choose less congested routes and avoid peak traffic hours, as idling in traffic drastically increases fuel consumption. Overall, fuel efficiency comes down to patient driving—it saves money, enhances safety, and over time, significantly cuts fuel costs.

[JuniperDella]

I always pay attention to environmental protection and try to save fuel and reduce carbon emissions when driving an automatic car. Gently pressing the accelerator is key—avoid stomping on it during starts and acceleration, allowing the car to speed up smoothly. Avoid sudden braking by observing the traffic ahead and leaving enough braking distance. Maintain a steady speed, as driving between 60 to 80 km/h is the most fuel-efficient. Trip planning also helps—avoid rush hours when commuting and opt for biking or walking for short distances. Keep the car light by removing unnecessary heavy items from the trunk. Set the air conditioner to a moderate temperature instead of running it at full blast. These practices not only save fuel and money but also contribute to a cleaner environment. Every time you refuel less, you reduce exhaust emissions, which feels quite rewarding.

[SanMaddox]

Driving my kids to and from school, I've found that saving fuel means saving household expenses. When driving an automatic transmission car, I never accelerate or brake abruptly, maintaining a steady pace; keeping a constant speed, around 70 km/h on highways is the most economical. I regularly check tire pressure, using a home air pump to top it up to the recommended value every month. I only use the air conditioning in summer, setting it to 25°C with medium fan speed, turning it off when it's no longer needed. I also recommend choosing smooth routes to avoid traffic during peak hours, saving both time and fuel. After adopting these small habits, my fuel consumption has dropped significantly, reducing my monthly fuel expenses by 10-20%, which is great for spending more on groceries.