How to Start an Automatic Transmission Car Correctly?
4 Answers
Turn the ignition key to the second position, to the power-on position, allowing the car's computer system to begin self-checking for at least 6 seconds or more. Press the foot brake, shift the gear from P (Park) to N (Neutral), and tighten the handbrake or press the brake pedal. First, press the brake pedal, shift the gear, then release the handbrake, and smoothly lift the brake pedal. After the car starts moving slowly, gradually press the accelerator pedal to gently apply throttle and start the car.
I have my own little trick for starting an automatic transmission car, which I've been using since I learned to drive over twenty years ago. After getting in the car, adjust the seat and rearview mirrors to ensure clear visibility, then fasten the seatbelt—this is the foundation of safety. Press the brake pedal with your right foot before starting the engine: many new cars have a keyless start button, just press it, while older cars may require turning the key. After the engine starts, don’t rush to move; check the dashboard for any warning lights, such as low fuel or high engine temperature. With the gear in Park (P), I gently shift the gear lever to Drive (D), the position for moving forward. Release the brake, and the car will move slowly—this is called the automatic creep function, which is especially convenient in traffic jams. If you want to move faster at this point, lightly press the accelerator. Be extra careful when starting on a slope; I recommend practicing in a parking lot: press the brake to start, shift to D without releasing the foot brake, and simultaneously pull up the parking brake handle. Then, as you press the accelerator, slowly release the parking brake to prevent rolling back. Make it a habit to check the rearview mirror before starting to ensure the surroundings are safe. These steps are simple, but sticking to them reduces accidents and extends the vehicle’s lifespan.
I just got my driver's license and was quite nervous when starting an automatic car for the first time. My friend taught me step by step. Looking back on that experience, I first sat properly, adjusted the seat so my feet could reach the pedals, and fastened the seatbelt—beginners often forget this. You must have your right foot on the brake pedal to start the engine: some cars have a push-button start that requires pressing the brake. Once started, the engine hummed, and I slowly shifted the gear from Park (P) to Drive (D). Releasing the brake, the car moved forward on its own, and I immediately felt relieved, thinking how convenient automatics are. Then, a gentle press on the accelerator got me going. However, once on a slope, I forgot to press the brake when starting, and the car rolled slightly, giving me a scare—now I always check my foot is on the brake. For slope starts, I use the parking brake as an aid: after starting the engine and shifting gears, I pull the handbrake and release it slowly before accelerating. Don’t rush when starting; always observe pedestrians and other vehicles around you. Automatics are great for beginners, but practicing starts is the key—after a few tries, it becomes second nature.
Quick Steps to Start an Automatic Car: Sit properly in the car and fasten the seatbelt, press the brake pedal with your right foot to start the engine. After starting, shift from Park (P) to Drive (D), release the brake and move forward slowly before pressing the accelerator to speed up. These actions are done in one go and take only a few seconds. The key point is to always keep your foot on the brake when starting to avoid accidental rolling. When parking on a slope, use the parking brake first: after starting and shifting, press the accelerator while releasing the handbrake to prevent slipping. Avoid revving the engine in Neutral (N) or Park (P) to save fuel. To turn off the car, stop completely, shift to P, and turn off the engine. Simple, practical, and safe starting habits make city commuting much easier. Automatic transmissions are designed to prevent stalling and are beginner-friendly. Practice more for smooth acceleration and maintain a safe distance.
