What are the steps to drive an automatic transmission car?

[OLucas]

Driving an automatic transmission car involves the following steps: Insert the key and turn it to the ON position, press the brake, shift to N (Neutral), start the ignition, then shift to D (Drive), release the parking brake, lift the foot brake, and begin driving. Automatic transmission generally refers to the car's automatic gear-shifting mechanism, where the control system of the automatic transmission selects the appropriate gear based on the engine's speed and load, replacing the driver's subjective judgment and manual gear-shifting operations. A typical automatic transmission car has six gear positions, arranged from top to bottom as: P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), S (Sport), and L (Low). The automatic transmission uses planetary gear mechanisms to shift gears, automatically adjusting based on the throttle pedal position and vehicle speed changes.

[McAurora]

Driving an automatic transmission car is actually quite simple. As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I usually start by settling into the driver's seat, adjusting the seat and rearview mirrors to ensure a comfortable view, and then fastening the seatbelt. Next, I press the brake pedal with my right foot, turn the key to start the engine, and wait for the humming sound to stabilize. Gently shift the gear lever to the Drive position, making sure to release the handbrake, then lightly press the accelerator to smoothly start the car. When encountering a red light or traffic congestion, I hold the brake until the light turns green. For reversing, shift to R (Reverse), and when parking, first press the brake, shift to P (Park), engage the handbrake, and then turn off the engine. The whole process is seamless—the beauty of an automatic transmission is its convenience, eliminating the hassle of manual gear shifting, especially in heavy traffic where you avoid pressing the clutch hundreds of times. Developing these habits in daily driving not only saves fuel but also extends the lifespan of the transmission.