How to Operate an Automatic Transmission Car?
4 Answers
Correct operation steps for an automatic transmission car: 1. Turn the ignition key to the second position (power mode) to initiate the car's computer system self-check, lasting at least 6 seconds. 2. Depress the foot brake and shift the gear from P (Park) to N (Neutral). If reversing, start the engine directly in P (Park). 3. Release the foot brake and turn the ignition key to the start position to ignite the engine. Disadvantages of automatic transmission cars: 1. Higher fuel consumption. 2. Complex maintenance with higher costs. 3. Occasional lack of responsiveness during overtaking acceleration, as it follows its own shifting program with noticeable lag. 4. Slower initial acceleration response, resulting in varying degrees of lag during startup. 5. Cannot be push-started when the battery is dead.
When I first learned to drive an automatic transmission car, I found it quite easy to get started. First, sit firmly in the car and press the brake pedal to start the engine. Put the gear in P to ignite, and after starting, keep pressing the brake to shift to D for starting. Release the brake and gently press the accelerator to drive normally. When encountering a red light, press the brake to stop, keep the gear in D without moving, and release the brake and press the accelerator to move forward when the light turns green. When parking, press the brake to stop the car, first shift to N and wait a moment before shifting to P to turn off the engine, so the transmission won't be impacted. On a slope, in addition to shifting to P, also pull the handbrake to prevent the car from rolling. Beginners should practice starting and parking in an open area more and not rush to drive on the road. Remember to press the brake when shifting gears, otherwise, it may cause gear grinding and damage the car. Once you get the hang of it, it's super simple, saving the trouble of manual shifting, especially suitable for friends who just got their driver's license.
I drive an automatic transmission car daily for commuting, which is hassle-free and efficient. To start, press the brake and turn the key with the gear in P, then shift to D after ignition to move forward. During driving, simply keep it in D gear—the system automatically adjusts speed without manual input. At red lights, stop by braking without shifting gears. When parking, shift to N briefly before switching to P and turning off the engine to protect the transmission. For highway driving, smooth acceleration and minimal hard braking save fuel and prolong the car's life. Automatic transmissions make commuting much easier, especially in traffic jams by eliminating frequent gear shifts, reducing fatigue on long drives. Cultivate good habits like ensuring safety before starting and using low L gear on snowy roads to prevent skidding.
As a parent, I always emphasize safety first when teaching my child to drive an automatic transmission car. Before driving, sit properly and fasten the seat belt, then press the brake to start the engine (gear in P). After starting, press the brake, shift to D gear to begin moving, and gradually release the brake while gently pressing the accelerator to drive. Use D gear when the road conditions are good, and press the brake to stop in traffic without moving. The key steps for parking are crucial: first, press the brake to come to a complete stop, shift to N gear, wait a few seconds, then shift to P gear and turn off the engine—this protects the transmission lubrication. Use the handbrake as an auxiliary when going up or down steep slopes to prevent rolling. Beginners often make the mistake of shifting gears without pressing the brake, causing the car to jerk, so repeated practice for smooth operation is essential. Although automatic transmission is simple, staying focused is key—avoid distractions or speeding to prevent danger. Remind family members often to maintain a safe distance while driving and brake early to reduce accidents.
