What is the sequence for driving an automatic transmission car?
3 Answers
When starting an automatic transmission car, the sequence is as follows: press the brake, power on, shift from P to N, ignite, shift from N to D or R, release the handbrake, and drive. The detailed steps are explained below: 1. After getting into the car, first power on the ignition. Ensure that the onboard computer self-check shows no abnormalities, then press the brake pedal and shift the gear to neutral, followed by the ignition operation. Wait for a while with the engine running, and as the water temperature gradually rises, check the condition of the body and tires. When the water temperature has sufficiently risen, fasten the seatbelt, press the brake to engage the gear, release the parking brake, and press the accelerator to start driving. 2. An automatic transmission does not require the driver to manually shift gears; the vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear based on the driving speed and traffic conditions. Generally, an automatic transmission car has six gear positions, from top to bottom: P, R, N, D, S, L. Driving an automatic car using only the parking gear (P), reverse gear (R), neutral (N), and drive gear (D) can fully meet the needs of general driving. However, in some special driving environments, other functional gears may be required.
When I first started learning to drive, the sequence for automatic transmission gave me much peace of mind: First, after sitting down, keep pressing the brake pedal without releasing it to prevent the car from moving unexpectedly, then press the start button to ignite the engine. Only after the engine starts and the sound stabilizes should you proceed. Second, gently shift the gear lever from Park (P) to Drive (D). This action should be done slowly, making sure not to hastily push it into Reverse (R). Third, release the electronic parking brake or pull down the mechanical handbrake handle. A clicking sound indicates that the force locking the wheels is released. Finally, slightly release the brake to feel the car about to move, then gently press the accelerator to start. I often practiced this sequence in parking lots, which helped me avoid common beginner mistakes like rolling back on a slope or failing to start. After getting familiar with it, I felt more confident and drove more smoothly.
When driving an automatic transmission car, I prioritize safety above all: first, I make sure my foot is firmly on the brake pedal to prevent any accidental rolling. After starting the engine with the key or button, I wait for the idle speed to stabilize before shifting the gear lever from P to D. Before releasing the handbrake, I check the dashboard to ensure no warning lights are on. If parked on a slope, I lightly press the brake while quickly shifting gears and releasing the handbrake to prevent rolling. In daily driving, I’ve developed the habit of shifting to N at busy intersections to rest my foot and avoid fatigue. The core of the entire process is safety first—no rushing to accelerate after starting, especially on rainy days when extra caution is needed for slippery roads. Ensuring each step is done in order significantly reduces the risk of accidents.
