How to Properly Start and Stop an Automatic Transmission Car?
3 Answers
Automatic transmission car proper start and stop method is: 1. Start the engine, press the foot brake and shift to D gear; 2. Release the handbrake and foot brake, press the accelerator to start; 3. Press the brake to stop the car; 4. Shift from D gear to N gear, tighten the handbrake; 5. Press the foot brake and shift from N gear to P gear; 6. Release the foot brake, turn off the power and pull out the key. Automatic transmission driving tips are: 1. Start slowly by pressing the accelerator, shift to P or N gear when starting, do not coast in neutral; 2. Shift back to N gear when waiting at traffic lights or temporarily parking, shift to P gear when parking; 3. Do not push into P gear while driving; 4. When reversing, make sure the vehicle is completely stopped before shifting to R gear to reverse.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over a decade, and I'm particularly meticulous about safety details regarding starting and stopping. When starting, I always sit properly and fasten the seatbelt first, then turn the key to the ACC position and wait a few seconds for the self-check lights to illuminate. This helps avoid dashboard warnings and ensures a smoother engine start. Then, press the brake and shift to P before ignition. When moving off, gently push the gear lever to D or R and take it easy on the road without sudden acceleration. Parking is even more critical—come to a complete stop, press the brake firmly, don't shift directly to P. First shift to N, engage the handbrake tightly, release the footbrake to let the car stabilize and prevent rolling, then shift to P, and finally turn off the engine and power. I once experienced the consequences of not using the handbrake on a hill—the car rolled, damaging the transmission, and the repair was extremely costly. Developing this habit can extend the transmission's lifespan, saving money and hassle. New drivers often make this mistake and should correct it.
I drive an automatic transmission car for my daily commute to work. In city traffic with frequent stops and starts, I've simplified my routine to save time and be efficient, but never at the expense of safety. When starting, first fasten the seat belt, turn the key to ACC, wait for the self-check (about three seconds), don't rush—then press the brake, shift to P, start the engine, and smoothly shift from P to D to start moving. For parking, I usually brake to a complete stop, pull the handbrake first, then shift to N to let it buffer for a few seconds, release the brake if everything's fine, and finally shift to P and turn off the engine. This prevents rolling or damaging the car and is hassle-free. Once, I was in a hurry and shifted directly to P to park without properly engaging the handbrake—on a slope, I almost bumped into the car behind me. It was really scary, so I added a gear warning habit afterward. At night, I turn off the headlights before starting the car to save battery. These little tricks make driving smooth and effortless without wasting time.
