What are the precautions for driving an automatic transmission car for the first time?
2 Answers
When driving an automatic transmission car for the first time, you need to pay attention to the speed of releasing the brake, the force of pressing the accelerator, and gear shifting, among other things. Here are the precautions for driving an automatic transmission car for the first time: 1. Slowly release the brake when starting: Many people think that it doesn't matter if the brake of an automatic transmission car is released too quickly, as it won't cause the engine to stall. However, releasing it too quickly can cause significant damage to the clutch and result in a jerky feeling. 2. Gently press the accelerator: When driving an automatic transmission car for the first time, avoid pressing the accelerator too hard, especially when starting. Unlike a manual transmission, pressing the accelerator too hard in an automatic car can cause the vehicle to suddenly lurch forward, which may lead to traffic accidents. 3. Do not coast in neutral (N gear): The N gear in an automatic transmission is neutral, but you should not coast in neutral while driving as you might with a manual transmission, as this can damage the vehicle's transmission.
For your first time driving an automatic car, I recommend practicing in an open area. After getting in, first adjust the seat and mirrors, and fasten your seatbelt. Before starting, you must press the brake pedal all the way down, turn the key to ACC to let the car self-check, and wait for the lights to go off before igniting. Shift from P to R slowly, and when reversing, check the rearview mirror and camera frequently—don’t rely on feeling. For normal driving, shift to D, press the accelerator gently, avoid sudden bursts, and maintain a steady speed in traffic. When stopping at a red light, don’t shift to N for coasting—it’s bad for the transmission—just stay in P or D while holding the brake. If starting on a slope, ensure the handbrake is firmly engaged before shifting to prevent rolling. Familiarize yourself with the button placements, like cruise control or automatic parking—don’t press them randomly. Lastly, don’t speed; beginners can get overly excited and lose control. Bring an experienced friend to supervise, reflect on your actions after getting home, and practice consistently 3-5 times to get the hang of it.