How to Start and Stop an Automatic Transmission Car?
3 Answers
Starting and stopping methods for automatic transmission cars: 1. Correct starting procedure: Press the brake - Ignition - Shift to D gear (or R gear) - Release the handbrake - Release the foot brake - Press the accelerator - Start moving. 2. Correct stopping procedure: Press the brake - Engage the handbrake - Shift to P gear - Turn off the engine. 3. When stopping, you must wait until the vehicle comes to a complete stop before shifting to P gear, otherwise it may damage the transmission. Correct practices for starting and stopping on slopes: 1. On a slope, shifting directly to P gear can impact the transmission. The correct method is: Shift to N gear, engage the handbrake, press the brake, then shift to P gear. 2. For starting on a slope to prevent rolling back: Shift to D gear to start, then release the handbrake.
My habitual operation after driving automatic transmission cars for over 20 years is: first get in the car, confirm safety and sit down, then firmly press the brake pedal with my right foot to prevent the car from moving unexpectedly. Adjust the gear knob or shift lever to the P position, then turn the key or press the start button to ignite the engine, during which the car will vibrate slightly. When starting off, gently release the brake, and the automatic transmission's torque converter will sense the speed and gradually move the car forward. Parking is particularly important: first use the foot brake to completely stop the car—never shift gears while moving; then engage the P gear to lock the gears inside the transmission with the parking mechanism; pull the handbrake as a precaution, especially on slopes, otherwise rolling could damage the car; finally, turn off the engine and ensure all electrical devices are switched off. The whole process may seem simple, but neglecting any step could lead to a jerky start or parking hazards, so I always double-check carefully.
As a safety supervisor who frequently drives, I emphasize that the key to starting an automatic transmission vehicle lies in risk control. Before starting the engine, the brake pedal must be firmly pressed, and the gear should be set to P (Park) or N (Neutral) to prevent the risk of accidental gear engagement and movement. After the engine starts, keep the gear in P until the signal to proceed is clear, then release the brake to move. The parking procedure is equally rigorous: once the vehicle is stopped, immediately shift to P to avoid transmission damage based on its design; then engage the handbrake for added security, especially as an extra precaution on rainy days or slopes; finally, check if everything is properly set before turning off the engine. These actions ensure the safety of pedestrians and vehicles. I follow this routine every time I drive with my family, cultivating good habits to achieve zero errors.
