How to Shift Gears in an Automatic Transmission Car?
2 Answers
In an automatic transmission car, the driver does not need to manually shift gears. The vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. The gear classifications for automatic transmissions are: 1. Parking gear (P): When parking the car, the gear lever must be shifted to the P position. 2. Reverse gear (R). 3. Neutral gear (N): Can be used when starting the car, when the driver remains in the vehicle, when parking, or when towing. 4. Drive gear (D): During normal driving, place the gear lever in the D position, and the car will automatically shift between forward gears. When starting an automatic transmission vehicle, the gear must and can only be in the P or N position. If the gear is not in P or N, the vehicle will not start.
I just started learning to drive, and shifting an automatic transmission is quite simple and easy to learn. Remember one thing: you must press the brake pedal firmly before shifting to ensure the car is completely stopped, otherwise the gear lever won't move or may get stuck. When operating, turn the gear lever or button: use P (Park) when parking and turning off the engine, R (Reverse) when backing up, D (Drive) for normal driving, and N (Neutral) for temporary stops like at red lights or gas stations. After starting the car, press the brake and shift to D to drive off directly. Be extra careful with braking force when operating on slopes, or the car may roll—once it scared me badly. I recommend beginners practice in an open area first, familiarize themselves with the gear display on the dashboard indicators, and confirm everything is correct before moving. Don’t rush the shifts too quickly; take it slow and you’ll naturally get the hang of it after a few tries. Make it a habit to confirm the surroundings are safe before each shift to avoid collisions when switching to R. Automatic transmissions are designed to simplify driving, and after a few tries, you’ll enjoy a relaxed journey.