What is the correct operation method for stopping and starting an automatic transmission car?
3 Answers
Automatic transmission parking correct steps are: 1. Step on the foot brake to stop the car; 2. Shift the gear from D to N; 3. Pull up the handbrake and turn off the engine; 4. Step on the foot brake and shift the gear from N to P; 5. Release the foot brake; 6. Turn back the key, turn off the power, and pull out the key. The correct starting method for automatic transmission is: 1. Step on the brake and release the handbrake; 2. Shift to D gear and step on the accelerator. The gears of an automatic transmission car are: 1. P gear is for parking; 2. R gear is for reverse; 3. N gear is neutral; 4. D gear is for driving forward; 5. S gear is sport mode; 6. L gear is low speed; 7. M gear is the manual gear for manual-automatic integrated models.
When parking, I first firmly press the brake to ensure the vehicle comes to a complete stop, then shift into Neutral (N) and engage the handbrake. This prevents the transmission gears from being under stress. Finally, I shift into Park (P) and turn off the engine. The benefit of this procedure is avoiding the 'click' impact sound from the transmission when shifting gears during the next startup, which helps prolong the transmission's lifespan. The starting procedure is the reverse: after pressing the brake and igniting the engine, remember to release the handbrake before shifting from Park (P) to Drive (D). The handbrake indicator on the dashboard should turn off to confirm it's disengaged. I've followed this routine for ten years of driving, which both protects the vehicle and ensures safety, especially when parking on slopes.
Before starting, I always check if the gear is in P position and confirm the handbrake is fully engaged before daring to ignite the engine, as mistakenly pressing the accelerator in an automatic transmission car can cause sudden jerks. After ignition, I firmly press the brake pedal with my right foot, slowly shift the gear from P to D while releasing the handbrake with my left hand—the brake must never be released during this process, otherwise the car might roll back on a slope. Parking requires even more attention: shifting to N and engaging the handbrake at traffic lights saves the most fuel, but for long-term parking, P gear is a must to avoid damaging the transmission lock mechanism. Once, I forgot to engage the handbrake in a mall garage, and the car rolled into a pillar—now I always double-check the dashboard every time I park.
