How to Shift Gears in an Automatic Transmission While Driving?
2 Answers
Methods for shifting gears in an automatic transmission while driving: 1. Shifting to D (Drive) gear: When preparing to start driving, after pressing the brake, push the gear lever forward to the D position, then fully release the handbrake, slowly press the accelerator, and after the car moves forward a certain distance, release the brake and continue pressing the accelerator to drive; 2. Shifting to D3 or 2 (Limited) gear: Shift to D3 or 2 gear when the speed drops below 40 km/h; 3. Shifting to L (Low) gear: Generally shift when the speed is below 30 km/h; 4. Method for shifting to P (Park) gear: Shift to P gear after the vehicle is turned off; 5. Shifting to R (Reverse) gear: Press the safety button device on the gear lever; 6. Shifting to Neutral gear: Shift to neutral for temporary parking, and tighten the handbrake at the same time.
I remember when I was first learning to drive, shifting gears in an automatic transmission was quite simple. The key was to firmly press the brake first, and only after the car came to a complete stop could you move the gear lever. Common gear positions include P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), and some models also have S (Sport mode) or L (Low gear). When operating, start by igniting the engine, then switch to D before moving off; shift to R when reversing—the dashboard will display the current gear for easy confirmation. At first, I often forgot to press the brake, resulting in the lever getting stuck or the car jerking suddenly, which was quite dangerous. Later, I reminded myself to develop the habit of pressing the brake every time I shifted gears. Beginners should practice more in open spaces to familiarize themselves with the gear sequence, such as smoothly transitioning from P to D for steady forward movement. Automatic transmissions are much easier than manual ones, as they automatically adjust speed when shifting, making them ideal for beginners starting out on the road.
