What gear should be used when driving an automatic transmission car uphill?
2 Answers
When driving an automatic transmission car uphill, you should use the S or M gear. The gears of an automatic transmission are: 1. P gear is the parking gear and starting gear; 2. R gear is the reverse gear; 3. N gear is the neutral gear; 4. D gear is the forward gear, also known as the drive gear; 5. L gear is the low-speed gear; 6. S gear is the sports mode. Automatic transmission means that the driver does not need to shift gears manually, and the vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear according to the driving speed and traffic conditions. The method to start an automatic transmission car is: 1. Observe the surroundings before getting in the car to ensure safety, and fasten the seat belt after getting in the car; 2. Press the brake with your right foot and press the one-button start key; 3. Shift to D gear and release the handbrake.
As a novice who just got my driver's license, I used to feel very nervous when driving an automatic car uphill. My instructor taught me that when going uphill, you should stay in D gear, which is the normal driving gear. The D gear will automatically adjust according to the slope, allowing the car to climb smoothly. However, if you're stopped on a steep slope and want to start, it's best to use the handbrake to prevent rolling back. After driving for over a year now, experience tells me that D gear is sufficient for most slopes. But for very steep inclines, you might consider switching to L gear or other low gear modes to gain more power and reduce strain on the transmission. Once when driving on a mountain road, I noticed the car was struggling a bit, and switching to S gear made it feel much smoother. In short, as a beginner, remember to primarily use D gear, but also familiarize yourself with your car's other gear functions when necessary.