
There are two types of rhymes for automatic transmission cars: one for starting and another for parking. The starting rhyme technique for automatic transmission: First turn, second press, third shift gear; fourth honk, fifth release, sixth observe; seventh lift, eighth step, ninth return light. The parking rhyme technique for automatic transmission: First turn, second look, third decelerate; brake pressed don't release; pull handbrake, return gear, lift brake; turn off lights, shut engine, remove key. Important Notes: When driving an automatic transmission car, it's essential to pay attention to the initial adjustment of the gears, especially when the car is newly purchased. Avoid accelerating to full speed immediately. Instead, drive at each speed level once to ensure proper running-in of your automatic transmission car, which will result in smoother driving in the future.

This is something I always emphasize when teaching my apprentices: After coming to a complete stop, engage the parking brake before shifting to P to avoid transmission lock-up. The correct startup sequence is: press brake pedal to ignite - shift from P to D - release parking brake. When waiting at a red light for more than 20 seconds, shift to N and engage the parking brake - keeping your foot on the brake wears out the wheel cylinders. When reversing, make sure the car is completely stopped before shifting to R, otherwise you'll hear that awful gear grinding noise. Let me say this three times because it's crucial: NEVER touch P or R while the vehicle is moving - transmission repairs cost way more than fuel. For parking on slopes: first shift to N, firmly engage parking brake, then release foot brake - only shift to P after confirming the vehicle doesn't roll - that's the secure method.

Driving an automatic transmission smoothly boils down to eight words: press the brake before shifting gears. When my seventy-year-old dad was learning to drive, I made up a rhyme for him: P for Park, R for Reverse, N for Neutral, D for Drive. Need to take a break while parked? Engage N and pull the handbrake. Don't panic when steering hard while reversing—just ease off the throttle gently. Facing a steep slope? Hold the brake before starting. The worst is revving in D gear—the transmission will scream for you to let go. Waiting at a red light in D with your foot on the brake? Change that habit fast! Repairing a damaged brake caliper will hurt your wallet.

When I first picked up the car, the salesperson taught me: Don't rush when shifting gears—keep your foot on the brake and go step by step from P→R→D to extend the transmission's lifespan by three years. Don't use S mode in city traffic; it makes the throttle jerky and wastes fuel. Feeling itchy to shift into P at a red light? A rear-end collision could total your transmission! The correct move for temporary stops is: brake, shift to N, and engage the handbrake. After work, do you shift to P before releasing the foot brake in the garage? Wrong! First, engage the handbrake to stabilize the car, then shift to P to protect the locking gears. On rainy or snowy days, start in L mode—torque control keeps you steady with no fishtailing.


