How to use the Volkswagen Santana automatic transmission?
3 Answers
The usage method of the Volkswagen Santana automatic transmission is: 1. Start the vehicle in P or N gear, shift the gear lever out of P gear while stepping on the brake, turn on the power and shift to N gear while stepping on the brake, then start the engine and shift to D gear to move forward; 2. When switching between N, D, and L gears, there is no need to press the shift button. When shifting from L gear to lower restricted gears, press the shift button, but shifting from lower to higher gears does not require pressing the shift button; 3. Do not shift into N gear while driving to coast; 4. After driving, turn off the engine and shift into P gear before removing the key. Taking the 2021 Volkswagen Santana as an example, it belongs to the compact car category, with body dimensions of: length 4475mm, width 1706mm, height 1469mm, and a wheelbase of 2603mm.
When I first got my driver's license, I drove a Volkswagen Santana automatic transmission, and the whole process was super simple. Before starting, make sure to press the brake pedal with your foot so the gear lever won't move randomly. Then press the start button or turn the key. After the car starts, the gear lever is usually in the P position (Park), and you need to shift to D (Drive) to get moving. Release the brake and gently press the accelerator to speed up. When reversing, press the brake and shift to R (Reverse), then slowly release your foot—the rearview mirror or backup camera is a big help. The first time I drove out, I practiced for a long time in the parking lot, afraid of shifting into the wrong gear. When parking, you must shift back to P and engage the handbrake, otherwise, the car might roll. In city traffic jams, you don't need to shift gears constantly—just stay in D the whole time, which is worry-free and safe. The key is to practice more and get familiar with the feel, especially avoiding rushing to start on steep slopes. Once you get used to automatic transmission, it feels much easier and quicker to learn than manual.
I've been driving a Santana automatic transmission for seven or eight years, and my driving routine is now second nature. After starting the engine, press the brake and shift to D gear, then gently press the accelerator to start—avoid stomping on it to save fuel and protect the engine. When parking on a slope, prioritize using the handbrake before shifting to P gear for stability. The S gear is for sport mode, which can be occasionally used on highways for quicker acceleration, but the D gear is perfectly sufficient for city driving, offering stability and peace of mind. When reversing, shift to R gear and carefully check the rearview mirrors—the Santana’s reverse sensors are quite sensitive. For long-term automatic transmission use, it’s advisable to regularly check the transmission fluid and avoid shifting randomly while driving, such as switching to N gear to coast, as this can wear out components. Automatic transmissions are super comfortable for city commutes, reducing fatigue in traffic jams. Overall, Volkswagen cars are reliable in quality, and as long as you operate them correctly, there shouldn’t be any major issues.
