Steps for Starting and Parking an Automatic Transmission Car
2 Answers
The steps for starting are: Turn the ignition key to the second position, to the power position, allowing the car's computer system to begin self-checking for at least 6 seconds or more. Then, press the foot brake and shift the gear from P (Park) to N (Neutral) (if reversing, start the engine directly in P). Release the foot brake, turn the ignition key to the start position to ignite the engine (the warm-up time depends on different car models and environmental temperatures, but avoid sudden acceleration and braking in low-temperature conditions). The steps for parking are: Press the foot brake to stop the car, then shift the gear from D (Drive) to N (Neutral). Engage the handbrake firmly, turn off the engine, and release the foot brake, but do not turn off the power (the purpose is to ensure the car comes to a complete stop under the handbrake's effect). Press the foot brake again, shift the gear from N to P, release the foot brake, turn the key back, turn off the power, and remove the key.
When teaching someone to drive an automatic transmission car, I always start with the basics and emphasize safety. Before starting, make sure to sit in the driver's seat, fasten the seatbelt, ensure your foot is on the brake pedal, and then shift the gear to the P (Park) position. Turn the key to start the engine—many modern cars have a push-button start, which also requires pressing the brake pedal while pushing the button. After the engine starts, keep your foot on the brake and shift to D (Drive) to begin moving. When parking, I am even more cautious: first, bring the car to a complete stop, keep your foot on the brake, shift to P (Park), engage the parking brake, and finally turn off the engine and remove the key. Especially when parking on a slope, I always engage the parking brake before shifting to P (Park) to reduce stress on the transmission and prevent damage. These steps are simple but crucial to avoid accidents caused by the car rolling or unintentional movement. Practicing them a few times in daily driving will make them a habit—safety should always come first, and never rush through or skip any step.
