What is the correct way to start an automatic transmission car?
2 Answers
The correct way to start an automatic transmission car is: First, fasten your seat belt after getting in the car, start the engine while pressing the brake, release the handbrake, shift into D gear while pressing the brake, and then release the brake to start moving. Starting an automatic transmission car is very simple, and pressing the brake is for safety considerations. An automatic transmission eliminates the need for the driver to manually shift gears, as the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. There are six gear positions on an automatic transmission car, from top to bottom: P, R, N, D, S, L. Driving an automatic transmission car using only the parking gear P, reverse gear R, neutral gear N, and drive gear D can fully meet the needs of general driving. If you encounter some special driving conditions, you will need to use other functional gears.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over a decade and am very proficient with starting procedures, beginning from the basics. First, ensure you're properly seated with the seatbelt fastened, then keep your right foot firmly on the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Next, start the engine and listen for stable running sounds. Shift the gear from P (Park) to D (Drive) for forward movement. If there's a handbrake, release it manually, or the electronic parking brake will disengage automatically. Gradually release the brake pedal, and the car will start moving slowly—at this point, lightly press the accelerator to increase speed. For city driving, I prefer smooth starts to avoid sudden acceleration, saving fuel and ensuring safety. On slopes, remember to use hill-start assist to prevent rolling back. Develop good habits, such as shifting back to P (Park) after stopping to protect the transmission. Safe driving is key—familiarize yourself with your car's characteristics and practice a few times to build confidence. Although automatic transmissions are simple, starting errors like shifting into the wrong gear can lead to accidents, so being careful is essential.
