What are the techniques and methods for driving an automatic transmission?
4 Answers
What are the techniques and methods for driving an automatic transmission? Check for mud stains or malicious obstruction. Safely open the car door and get in, fasten the seat belt, adjust the seat, adjust the rearview mirror, and adjust the interior mirror.
When I first drove an automatic transmission car, I also thought it was much easier than a manual. But there are some techniques to pay attention to. When starting, press the foot brake all the way down before shifting gears. Many people forget this step and directly shift to D gear, which can cause jerking. At traffic lights, shifting to N gear and pulling the handbrake is the most stable. Keeping the brake pressed for a long time can cause the transmission to overheat. On uphill sections, don’t always rely on the brake; use L gear or manual mode to lock in a lower gear. The engine's braking force can be a big help. When overtaking, don’t just step on the accelerator—downshifting in advance to increase the RPM gives more burst power. The parking procedure is especially crucial: after the car stops, first shift to N gear and pull the handbrake, release the foot brake to let the car settle, and finally shift to P gear and turn off the engine. This protects the transmission lock pin. Always keep an eye on the dashboard warning lights; if the water temperature or oil pressure is abnormal, address it immediately.
The most comfortable part of driving an automatic transmission is not having to constantly press the clutch, but mastering the details takes practice. Before starting, always fasten your seatbelt and adjust the rearview mirrors. After ignition, wait for the RPM to stabilize before moving. If waiting at a red light for more than 30 seconds, be sure to shift to N (Neutral) gear. In heavy traffic, manually switch to lower gears to prevent frequent shifting. Pay special attention when reversing into a parking space: come to a complete stop before shifting to R (Reverse) gear, otherwise the transmission may make a clunking noise, which is heartbreaking. In summer, turn off the AC when starting the car and turn it back on after driving to save fuel. On highways, using cruise control can free your right foot, but never use it in rain or snow. The most important maintenance task is changing the transmission oil on schedule. I've seen many people drive over 100,000 kilometers without changing the oil, and repairing the transmission can cost a fortune.
The essence of automatic transmission driving boils down to three points: smooth starts, steady driving, and precise parking. When starting, gently press the accelerator instead of flooring it; gradual acceleration is most fuel-efficient. For normal driving, the D gear is sufficient for all situations, but switch to L gear when descending steep slopes to utilize engine braking. Before changing lanes, always check the rearview mirror first, then signal, and only steer after confirming safety. Reduce speed 50 meters before turning at intersections, and honk more in blind spots for awareness. In rain or snow, turning off the traction control system may offer better control, and remember to use fog lights for increased visibility. In emergencies, stomp on the brake pedal firmly; when ABS activates, the pedal may pulsate—don't ease up. When parking, engage the handbrake before shifting to P gear, especially on slopes for maximum safety.
