What are the correct steps for starting and parking an automatic transmission car?
4 Answers
The correct steps for starting an automatic transmission car are: 1. Press the brake and shift to N gear, then start the car; 2. Shift from N gear to D gear; 3. Release the handbrake, then lift your foot off the brake pedal to start moving. The steps for parking are: 1. When parking, first press the brake, then firmly pull the handbrake; 2. Shift the gear to P; 3. Slowly release the brake pedal and then turn off the engine. Explanation of automatic transmission gears: P stands for Parking gear, also used when starting; R stands for Reverse gear; N stands for Neutral gear; D stands for Drive gear, also known as the driving gear; L stands for Low gear; S stands for Sport mode, when shifted into this gear, the gear can be freely switched; OD stands for Overdrive gear, used during high-speed driving.
When I first started driving an automatic transmission car, I learned the startup and parking procedures in great detail. For starting up: Sit properly and fasten the seatbelt, firmly press the brake pedal with your right foot, turn the key or press the start button to ignite the engine, wait a few seconds for the car to complete its self-check, then shift into D gear, gently release the brake and start moving slowly; Never forget to press the brake before shifting gears, otherwise the car might suddenly move and cause an accident. When parking, be even more careful: After stopping the car, keep the brake pedal pressed, first engage the handbrake or electronic parking brake to secure the wheels, then shift into P gear and turn off the engine, this protects the transmission from pressure damage. Especially for beginners, practicing these steps several times to form a habit makes driving more reassuring and avoids unnecessary repairs. If parked on a slope, it's even more crucial to strictly follow the procedure of engaging the handbrake first to prevent the car from rolling and causing damage. In daily driving, these basic steps ensure safety and peace of mind.
Years of driving automatic transmission cars have led me to summarize a simple and reliable method for starting and parking. Starting procedure: Get in the car, press the brake directly to ignite, and after the engine starts, lightly press the accelerator to shift into D gear and go—efficient and smooth. Parking process: After stopping, firmly press the brake, first engage the handbrake, then shift into P gear and turn off the engine; do not mix up the sequence. In case of an emergency stop, ensure the car is completely stationary before operating. This habit can reduce transmission wear and extend the lifespan of parts—like my daily city commute, the transmission has had no issues for ten years, all thanks to this method. With more experience, you can add a small trick: briefly warm up the car before starting to stabilize the oil temperature, and when parking on flat ground, slightly relax the steps without affecting safety. Overall, it's about being natural and efficient without delay.
The design of starting and parking procedures for automatic transmission vehicles is well-considered and easy to understand once explained. Starting rationale: Pressing the brake to ignite prevents vehicle movement that could cause danger, while shifting to D gear ensures smooth power transmission. Parking logic: First engage the handbrake to distribute weight, then shift to P gear to lock the transmission, avoiding excessive pressure that could lead to internal damage. The procedures themselves: To start - press brake, ignite, shift gear, and move off; To park - press brake, engage handbrake, shift to P, and turn off. This operation protects key components and extends vehicle lifespan. Making it a daily habit saves money and hassle, and the explanation is straightforward and easily accepted.
