How to Shift an AT Transmission?

[LaLucy]

AT transmission shifts through planetary gear mechanisms, automatically adjusting speed based on throttle pedal position and vehicle speed changes. The driver controls the vehicle's speed by operating the accelerator pedal. Transmission types include hydraulic automatic transmissions, hydrostatic automatic transmissions, electric automatic transmissions, stepped mechanical automatic transmissions, and continuously variable mechanical automatic transmissions. Also known as gearboxes, transmissions consist of gear transmission mechanisms and control mechanisms. They are automotive components used to alter the engine's rotational speed and torque, capable of fixing or changing the output/input shaft transmission ratio in distinct gear steps.

[StHailey]

I've been driving automatic transmission cars for almost ten years, and shifting gears is actually quite intuitive. Before getting in the car, check the PRND on the gear lever. To start the engine, you must press the brake and have the gear in P; reverse by shifting to R, and switch to D when moving forward. Once on the move, you don’t need to worry at all—the transmission shifts gears automatically based on speed. When parking, firmly press the brake, shift to N first, engage the handbrake, and then switch to P, especially on slopes, to avoid excessive stress on the transmission that could damage its internals. While driving, apart from shifting to D, never randomly move the gear lever—like switching to P or R at high speeds, which can cause serious malfunctions. Some cars have an S gear for sport mode or manual shifting, which I occasionally use on mountain roads. But for daily driving, 99% of the time, I just use D—it’s worry-free and safe. Oh, and don’t forget to regularly maintain the transmission fluid.

[VonJoanna]

Shifting an automatic transmission is quite straightforward, and I always focus on a few key points when driving. Before starting the engine, ensure the gear lever is in the P (Park) position and press the brake pedal. To reverse, shift to R (Reverse), and for normal driving, shift to D (Drive)—the car will manage gear shifts automatically without manual intervention. While driving, leave the gear lever untouched; accidentally shifting to N (Neutral) or P (Park) can cause immediate issues, especially at high speeds, potentially leading to loss of control. Always press the brake pedal when shifting gears to ensure the vehicle is stationary—this is a fundamental safety rule. The transmission operates via a hydraulic system, and careless operation can increase wear. Once, I nearly damaged the drivetrain by shifting gears while the car was moving. For daily use, stick to D (Drive), and for long descents, use the low L (Low) gear to assist with deceleration.

[AlessandraLee]

Shifting gears with an automatic transmission car is very simple: When starting, make sure the car is stationary and shift to P, then press the brake and ignite; for reversing, shift to R, and for driving forward, shift to D. Once moving, there's no need to touch the gear lever. When parking, press the foot brake, shift to P, and engage the handbrake. Avoid randomly changing gears while driving, as it can easily lead to accidents.

[McKeira]

When shifting gears, I strictly adhere to safety rules: the gear must be in P before starting the engine, and shift to R or D while pressing the brake. Do not touch the gear lever while driving, otherwise the internal clutch of the transmission may be severely damaged. Always come to a complete stop before shifting gears, especially on slopes—shift to N, engage the handbrake, then shift to P. For daily driving, use D for automatic shifting, which is convenient, effortless, and helps protect the vehicle's lifespan. Common shifting mistakes include shifting to P while driving—I've seen costly repairs due to this.