How to Start and Drive an Automatic Transmission Car?
3 Answers
To start and drive an automatic transmission car, follow these steps: 1. Ignition - the car powers on for self-check; 2. Press the foot brake; 3. Shift to N (Neutral) gear; 4. Start the engine; 5. Shift to D (Drive) gear; 6. Begin driving. Note: When the gear is in P (Park), you need to press the gear lock to shift. The gear lock is the button on the gear lever, also known as the lock button. Automatic transmission generally refers to the car's automatic gear-shifting mechanism. While driving, the control system of the automatic transmission automatically selects the appropriate gear based on the engine's speed and load, replacing the driver's subjective judgment of timing and gear-shifting operations. A typical automatic transmission car has six gear positions, from top to bottom: P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), S (Sport), and L (Low).
I've been driving for over 30 years, and there's a proper way to start an automatic transmission car. After getting in, first insert the key into the ignition, firmly press the brake pedal with your right foot and keep it pressed, make sure the gear is in P position before turning the key to start. After the engine starts, don't rush to shift gears - listen to see if the sound is steady, especially in winter it's best to wait 8-10 seconds to let the oil circulate. Then when shifting to D gear, do it gently - press the brake fully first before moving the gear lever, and don't pause too long when passing through R gear. After releasing the brake, the car will start moving naturally - press the accelerator lightly at first since new cars need breaking-in. When parking, follow the correct sequence: engage the parking brake first before shifting back to P gear, this way the transmission gears won't bear unnecessary stress. Also pay attention to the battery condition - if dashboard lights appear dim when starting, it might be time to replace the battery.
As a driving instructor, I emphasize safety details when teaching automatic transmission ignition. The first thing students must do upon entering the car is fasten their seatbelt, then adjust the rearview mirrors to ensure clear visibility. Before starting the engine, they must confirm the foot brake is fully depressed and the gear must be in P position to ignite. After engine start, check the dashboard warning lights first - if any fault light remains on, immediately turn off the engine. Before shifting to D gear, always check the surroundings; the vehicle will creep slowly when releasing the brake, at which point gently tapping the accelerator with the toe is safest. Common mistakes beginners make include forgetting to press the brake when starting or rushing to shift gears causing gear lever jams. During every practice session, I stress not to stomp the accelerator during cold starts - wait until the coolant temperature gauge rises before accelerating. While the car can be turned off in N gear when parking, for teaching purposes we always require shifting to P gear and engaging the handbrake for maximum safety.
