What is the correct way to shift gears in an automatic transmission car?
2 Answers
N gear can be used when the vehicle is just started or being towed, and can also be used when waiting for signals, in traffic jams, or during brief stops. When shifting into N gear, the handbrake should be firmly engaged. When starting, to shift from the parking gear to D gear, the brake pedal must be pressed, and a switch on the gear lever must be pressed to pull out the P gear. When the vehicle needs to be parked for a long time, especially on a slope, it is necessary to shift into P gear, at which point the wheels are in a mechanically locked state. When shifting into reverse gear, some vehicles require pressing a safety button device on the gear lever to move the gear lever to the R gear.
When driving, I've always felt that shifting gears with an automatic transmission is actually quite simple, and beginners don't need to rush. The basic steps are: Before starting the engine, press the brake pedal and make sure the gear is in the P (Park) position; after ignition, when you need to move forward, keep your foot on the brake pedal, gently shift to D (Drive), and the car will start moving on its own; for reversing, shift to R (Reverse), but you must ensure the car is completely stopped and the surroundings are safe before operating. Be extra careful when parking on a slope—first engage the handbrake, then shift to P to prevent the car from rolling. During daily driving, avoid randomly switching gears while the car is moving, such as shifting to R at high speeds, as this can cause severe damage to the transmission. Developing good habits can extend the car's lifespan and reduce accidents. This is how I teach my friends to drive—it feels safe and worry-free. After driving for many years this way, I've never had major issues with the transmission.
