What is the correct way to shift gears in an automatic transmission car?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission cars typically have gear positions such as P (Park), N (Neutral), D (Drive), R (Reverse), S (Sport), and L (Low). Except for freely switching between D and S gears, shifting between other gear positions requires pressing the brake pedal first before changing gears. Starting the car: To start the car, first press the brake, shift to D gear, release the handbrake, and gently press the accelerator. Once the car gains sufficient power, release the brake. Descending a slope: Shift to 3rd or 2nd gear to control the speed using engine braking, reducing the need to frequently press the brake pedal. Usage of L gear: This gear is useful when driving on slippery roads or in heavy traffic. When driving slowly in D gear, frequent gear shifts may occur, increasing fuel consumption and wear. Shifting to L gear can effectively prevent these issues.
As an ordinary person who has driven automatic transmission cars for several years, I believe the most crucial step in gear shifting is remembering to 'press the brake.' Before starting the car each time, I firmly press the brake pedal to ensure the car doesn't move before starting the engine—usually, I just turn the key directly from P (Park) mode. Then, to drive, I shift to D (Drive) mode, but before shifting, I make sure the brake is fully pressed and don't rush to release it. If I need to reverse, I shift to R (Reverse) mode, also controlling it with the brake. At traffic lights, if the wait is long, I shift to N (Neutral) to save some fuel, and I never forget to engage the handbrake. After parking, I first firmly pull the handbrake before shifting to P (Park) mode to avoid putting pressure on the transmission. These small habits not only protect the car but also save on repair costs—my car has over 30,000 kilometers on it without any major transmission repairs. In short, developing good habits makes driving much smoother.
