Steps for Starting and Parking an Automatic Transmission Car
4 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.
From a safety perspective when driving an automatic transmission car, I always fasten my seatbelt immediately upon entering the vehicle as the top priority. Before starting the engine, I firmly press the brake pedal and ensure the gear is in P (Park) position before ignition, which prevents unexpected vehicle movement since power is delivered the moment the engine starts. After starting, I double-check my surroundings for safety before shifting to D (Drive) to begin moving. My parking procedure is even more meticulous: once the car comes to a complete stop, I keep my foot on the brake, shift to P (Park) to lock the transmission, engage the parking brake to secure the wheels, and then turn off the engine. When parking on slopes, I additionally tighten the parking brake before shifting to P (Park) to share the load and protect mechanical components. This routine ensures the vehicle remains completely stationary to prevent rolling and reduces accident risks. Beginners might easily forget steps, so I recommend practicing in an open area repeatedly to develop muscle memory - driving safety affects not just yourself but others too.
When driving an automatic transmission car, I'm used to getting straight into action. To start, I press the brake, shift to P mode to ignite the engine, and use the one-button start if equipped. To move, I shift to D mode and drive. Parking is simple: press the brake to stop, shift to P mode, engage the electronic parking brake, and turn off the engine. Daily driving becomes quick to master this way, making city commutes no problem. In cold weather, letting the engine warm up for a while before driving makes it smoother. The whole process takes just a few minutes, avoiding complicated operations.
