What is the operation method of an automatic transmission sedan?
3 Answers
The operation method of an automatic transmission sedan is: When starting the engine, you need to press the brake pedal. After starting the engine, you need to press the brake pedal to shift from P gear to R gear or D gear, so that the car can move forward or backward. Shifting from D gear or R gear to N gear does not require pressing the brake pedal, but shifting from N gear to R gear or D gear requires pressing the brake pedal. Automatic transmission usually refers to the car's automatic gear shifting mechanism. When driving, the control system of the automatic transmission automatically selects the appropriate gear according to the engine speed and load, thereby replacing the driver's subjective judgment of timing and gear shifting operation. Generally, automatic transmission cars have six gears, from top to bottom: P, R, N, D, S, L.
When I first started learning to drive, automatic transmission was actually super easy to handle. Step one, after getting seated and steady in the car, press the brake pedal, then turn the key to start the engine, or press the ignition button. Once the dashboard lights up, move the gear lever on the right side of the steering wheel: usually starting in P (Park), push it to D (Drive) to engage forward gear. Gently press the accelerator and the car moves; when slowing down, just switch to pressing the brake pedal—no need to shift manually. When you arrive and park, always come to a complete stop before shifting back to P and turning off the engine. Don’t forget, when reversing, shift to R (Reverse) for easy and controlled backing up. I think the most common oversight for beginners is not shifting to N (Neutral) at red lights or in traffic jams to let the engine rest, saving fuel and protecting the transmission. Overall, driving an automatic is like using a point-and-shoot camera—simple and quick to master, especially suitable for city driving.
Having driven for decades, operating an automatic transmission is second nature to me. Starting is straightforward: press the brake to ignite, don't rush to shift gears—let the car complete its self-check; shift to D (Drive), gently press the accelerator to start, and the speed will naturally increase—just control the accelerator and brake properly. While driving, stay in D (Drive) gear, and don't worry about uphill or downhill—the computer will automatically adjust the gears. When parking, don't be lazy—come to a complete stop before shifting to P (Park), otherwise, you might damage the transmission. Additionally, I make it a habit to check the rearview mirror more often when shifting to R (Reverse) to ensure safety. Here's a fuel-saving tip: drive at a steady speed, avoiding sudden acceleration or deceleration; let the engine warm up for a few seconds before moving off during a cold start. The convenience of an automatic transmission lies in focusing on road conditions without the distraction of shifting gears, making it perfect for daily commuting.
