How to Operate and Drive an Automatic Transmission Car?
3 Answers
To operate and drive an automatic transmission car, first start the engine by placing the gear lever in the P (Park) position, as the engine can only be started in this position. Press the brake pedal, then turn the ignition to start the engine. If the engine is cold, let it run for a while. Next, shift the gear lever to the D (Drive) position, release the handbrake, turn on the left turn signal, and honk twice if necessary. Then, release the brake pedal and gently press the accelerator to start moving. During normal driving, keep the gear in D. When encountering uphill or downhill slopes, you can switch to the L (Low) gear or manual mode (M) to manually downshift. If you encounter a red light lasting several seconds, it is recommended to shift to N (Neutral) while waiting. During normal driving, you can freely switch between D and manual mode without stopping. When parking, stop the car, shift to N, engage the handbrake, release the brake pedal, then shift to P (Park). Finally, check that all windows are closed, turn off the lights and all electrical devices, and then turn off the engine.
When I first started driving an automatic transmission car, I thought it would be quite complicated, but it turned out to be super easy to get the hang of. The first thing after getting in the car is to sit properly and fasten the seatbelt, then press the brake pedal to start the car. Once the engine runs smoothly, shift the gear lever to D (Drive) and slowly release the brake while gently pressing the accelerator to start moving forward. On the road, press the accelerator deeper to speed up, and press the brake directly to slow down or stop—the computer will automatically handle gear shifting to save you the hassle. When parking, slow down by pressing the brake until fully stopped, then shift to P (Park) and turn off the ignition to remove the key. Oh, and remember to check brake pad wear and tire pressure during regular maintenance for better safety and fuel efficiency; practice reverse parking more to get familiar with the viewing angles and avoid bumps in tight spaces. At red lights, there’s no need to shift to neutral—keeping it in D saves energy and hassle, but never look at your phone while driving.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I never take automatic transmission lightly and always prioritize safety. After getting in the car, I first fasten the seatbelt securely, sit upright, place my right foot on the brake pedal, and start the engine, letting it warm up for about half a minute to avoid cold start damage. Then, while keeping the brake pedal depressed, I slowly shift the gear selector from P (Park) to D (Drive), gently release the brake pedal, and smoothly press the accelerator to start, reducing mechanical impact and protecting the transmission system. When accelerating during driving, I prefer to press the accelerator evenly for gradual speed increase to avoid sudden surges that could lead to loss of control. For deceleration, I apply the brakes early and gently to come to a smooth stop. The same caution applies when reversing or parking—I always ensure there are no pedestrians or vehicles around before shifting gears. After each stop, I make it a habit to shift to P (Park) and engage the handbrake. In terms of maintenance, I check the oil level and battery condition weekly to ensure proper operation. Before driving in the rain, I clean the windows to maintain clear visibility. Good daily maintenance can extend the car's lifespan.
