What is the correct procedure for starting an automatic transmission car?

[MargaretDella]

The correct procedure for starting an automatic transmission car is: 1. After sitting in the driver's seat, the driver does not need to press the brake pedal. Simply press the start button once to activate the ACC light, then press it again for the vehicle to perform a self-check; 2. Press the brake pedal and press the start button once more to ignite and start the engine; 3. Release the foot brake. You may choose to warm up the car in place, with the duration depending on environmental conditions; 4. Press the foot brake again, shift to D gear, and release the handbrake (for electronic handbrakes, simply press the button briefly); 5. Before moving, check the road conditions clearly through the rearview mirror to ensure it is safe to start, and also sound the horn and turn on the turn signal to alert other vehicles and pedestrians.

[HazelMarie]

When I first started driving, I was always worried that incorrect starting steps might damage the car. First, fasten the seatbelt to ensure safety, and keep your foot on the brake—that's step one. After ignition, check the dashboard for any warning lights, then shift the gear lever from P to D. When releasing the handbrake, listen for the sound—nowadays, cars with electronic parking brakes will automatically disengage when you lightly press the accelerator. On slopes, activate the hill-start assist function in advance to prevent rolling back. Gradually release the brake to let the car creep naturally, then lightly tap the accelerator for a smooth start. Remember to use the turn signal and check the mirrors—many cars now have blind-spot monitoring, so look for any flashing yellow lights in the mirrors before starting for extra safety.

[ORyder]

It's more prudent to warm up the car before starting, especially in winter, wait until the tachometer drops below 1000 RPM. Fully depress the brake before shifting gears, don't rush—the transmission might slightly vibrate when moving from P to D through R. Before releasing the handbrake, check the dashboard to ensure the handbrake light is off, especially in older cars with manual handbrakes that might not be fully released. Feel the car slightly tilt forward when releasing the brake before accelerating, avoid stomping the throttle like driving instructors often urge. With newer cars' auto-hold function enabled, remember to gently press the throttle to release the brake lock, which is especially handy in traffic jams. Develop the habit of checking the central display's surround-view camera to clearly see children or small animals in front of the car.

[StGeorge]

Don't rush to start the engine immediately after getting in and closing the door. First adjust the seat and mirror positions. Always depress the brake pedal fully before starting the engine, otherwise the gear lever might get stuck in P position. Pausing briefly at N gear for half a second during gear shifts reduces impact on the transmission. Experienced drivers prefer the two-foot technique for automatics: right foot on brake while shifting to D, then transition to accelerator while gradually releasing the brake. If tires slip during rainy starts, remember to turn off the ESP stability control button. For cars with modified exhausts that have high cold-start RPM, wait until the exhaust note deepens before driving to better protect the engine.

[SilasRose]

Insert the key to the power-on position and let the onboard computer self-check first. Wait for the airbag light to go off before starting for a smoother operation. For cars with auto start-stop, remember to turn off this function; otherwise, the engine suddenly firing when releasing the brake can cause the car to jerk. For electric vehicles like Tesla, make sure the charging cable is unplugged before shifting to D gear, or the car won't move. For new cars with paddle shifters, be cautious as accidentally engaging manual mode (M gear) can limit gear shifts and cause high RPMs at startup. For vehicles with adaptive cruise control, don't rush to activate it after starting; wait until the speed exceeds 30 km/h in urban areas for better responsiveness. Always check the tire pressure monitoring values, as significant differences between the four tires can affect starting stability.

[DeMelanie]

Sports car owners should know the cold tire starting technique: after ignition, keep the RPM below 2000, and wait until the coolant temperature reaches one-quarter mark before driving normally. When shifting gears, avoid quickly passing through the R gear like in movies, as it damages the transmission valve body. After installing forged wheels, start more gently and lightly press the throttle until the wheels complete dynamic balancing. Before hitting the track, turn off traction control to allow the rear wheels to slip appropriately for tire warming. For automatic transmission launch control, first turn off ESP, press the brake with the left foot, rev the throttle with the right foot to 2500 RPM, then suddenly release the brake. Never do this during daily driving—overheating the transmission fluid to redline could cost 50,000 to 60,000 for a total replacement.