How to Shift Gears and Drive an Automatic Transmission Car?
3 Answers
Here is an introduction to gear shifting and operation methods for automatic transmission cars: 1. When starting, you need to press the brake pedal all the way down. For automatic transmission models, the gear must and can only be in P (Park) or N (Neutral) when starting the vehicle. 2. Some models, for safety reasons, can only start the vehicle in P gear, because starting in N gear does not require pressing the brake. 3. If the gear is in R (Reverse) or D (Drive) when starting the vehicle and the driver forgets to press the brake, the vehicle will move immediately, which can easily lead to an accident. 4. Many manufacturers design a protection program for automatic transmission cars: if the gear is not in P or N, the vehicle will not start.
As someone who drives frequently, I've noticed many beginners aren't very familiar with automatic transmission operation. Driving an automatic is actually quite simple: After getting in the car, first firmly press the brake pedal to ensure the vehicle won't move unexpectedly. Then, turn the key to start the engine - you'll hear the engine sound. Next, hold the gear lever with your hand and slowly shift it from the P (Park) position to D (Drive) position, which prepares the car to move forward. After releasing the brake, gently press the accelerator pedal and the car will move smoothly. While driving, keep your eyes on the road ahead and monitor your speed to avoid exceeding limits. If you need to reverse, come to a complete stop first, then shift the lever to R (Reverse) position and check mirrors before backing up safely. When parking, fully stop the car with the brake before shifting back to P position, then turn off the engine and lock the doors. Regular practice in open areas to get familiar with acceleration and braking will help you master it quickly.
In my years of driving experience, operating an automatic transmission car is actually quite straightforward without any fancy steps. First, sit in the car and press the brake pedal—this is crucial as shifting gears without doing so can be risky. After starting the engine, move the gear lever from P (Park) to D (Drive), but don’t release the brake immediately. Gradually release the brake to start moving, then gently press the accelerator to let the car pick up speed smoothly. Maintain a steady speed while driving, avoiding sudden acceleration or braking to prevent loss of control. When reversing, come to a complete stop first, shift to R (Reverse), and slowly back up while checking your surroundings. Parking is simple: stop the car, shift back to P (Park), turn off the engine, engage the handbrake, and lock the doors. I also recommend using P (Park) along with the handbrake on slopes to prevent rolling. Don’t forget to regularly check the braking system to ensure everything is in proper working order.
