What Are the Bad Habits of Driving an Automatic Transmission Car?

[Remington]

Bad habits of driving an automatic transmission car include: 1. Using the left foot for braking and the right foot for the accelerator; left foot braking. 2. Having no awareness of shifting gears up or down while driving. 3. Keeping the car in D gear with the brake pressed during long stops. 4. Shifting to P gear while waiting at a red light. 5. Coasting in N gear. 6. Always driving in D gear. 7. Shifting directly to P gear when parking on a slope. 8. Shifting directly to P gear or R gear before the car comes to a complete stop. Although automatic transmission cars do not require manual shifting, traditional AT transmissions and DSG dual-clutch transmissions have gears. While the transmission can shift up automatically, if the driving habit is not very linear when pressing the accelerator pedal, the transmission's upshift will be delayed, resulting in a more sporty driving style. Therefore, during normal economical driving, it is essential to release the accelerator pedal after the engine speed rises to a certain level, then lightly press the accelerator again. At this point, the engine speed will decrease, indicating that the transmission has completed the upshift. If this habit is cultivated in daily driving, the overall fuel consumption will decrease significantly.

[Olivia]

Some habits when driving an automatic car can actually damage the vehicle. The most common issue we experienced drivers see is keeping the foot on the brake and the gear in D while waiting at a red light. This causes the transmission fluid temperature to rise quickly, and over time, it can easily burn out the clutch plates. Some people also like to park on a slope without using the handbrake, relying solely on the P gear. The entire weight of the car is then placed on that small parking pawl, and after a few times, the transmission is bound to have problems. Coasting in neutral at high speeds to save fuel? Don’t be silly—the automatic transmission oil pump won’t supply enough oil, leaving the gears to grind dry. The most dangerous habit is using the left foot to brake unnecessarily, leading to accidentally pressing both the accelerator and brake simultaneously, which can confuse the brain in emergencies. Rushing to shift into P gear without ensuring the car has fully stopped? The grinding sound of the transmission gears is heartbreaking to hear.

[ThomasFitz]

When repairing cars, it's often found that many automatic transmission issues are self-inflicted. Some people think the N gear is useless and shift directly from D to P, causing a gear engagement shock that can deform the transmission. In traffic jams, dancing between the gas and brake pedals makes the transmission oil temperature skyrocket, guaranteeing a major overhaul within two years. Even worse, shifting into reverse before the car fully stops results in a loud clunk that shakes the entire drivetrain. Some drivers coast down long slopes in D gear while riding the brakes until the pads smoke—when they should use L gear or manual mode for engine braking. The most dangerous habit is using one foot for both brake and throttle—misapplying the pedals could have dire consequences. A simple transmission fluid check during routine maintenance can reveal these problems.

[VonLila]

The most annoying habits I encounter when driving an automatic transmission: holding down the D gear while playing with the phone at a red light, ignoring the transmission oil temperature warning light; insisting on shifting to N gear and releasing the foot brake before parking, causing the car to jolt before shifting to P gear, forcing the transmission gears to clash twice; being too timid to press the accelerator hard when overtaking on the highway, slowly hogging the overtaking lane and forcing cars behind to constantly change lanes; the most frustrating is using the auto-hold function on snowy or rainy days, leaving no buffer time to react when the road is slippery; and beginners always forgetting to switch to low gear, causing the engine to roar without power when climbing a steep slope. I recommend trying manual mode more often—it’s especially useful when going downhill on mountain roads.

[StDylan]

Easily Overlooked Details with Automatic Transmissions: Thick floor mats can jam the accelerator pedal, preventing it from being pressed in emergencies; constantly resting your right hand on the gear lever may accidentally shift gears when the road is bumpy; high-pressure water jets directly hitting the gear shift area during car washes can cause water ingress and short circuits in electronic shift buttons; spilled drinks on the shift area in hot weather can seep into circuit boards; improperly installed audio system wiring can lead to gear sensor malfunctions. These seemingly minor issues can all cause the shifting system to fail. Additionally, forgetting to regularly change the transmission fluid is the most common oversight—deteriorated fluid makes gear shifts noticeably jerky, and continuing to drive can necessitate replacing the entire valve body.