What should be noted when driving an automatic transmission car?
4 Answers
When driving an automatic transmission car, the following points should be noted: 1. Do not place your left foot on the brake pedal to avoid mistaking the accelerator for the brake in emergencies; 2. Avoid coasting in neutral as it can easily damage the transmission; 3. When starting the car, do not release the brake too slowly as it may harm the engine; 4. Do not rev the engine when starting the car, as it can cause a sudden increase in speed and lead to safety hazards; 5. When parking, first shift into N (Neutral) gear before shifting into P (Park) gear. The correct method to start an automatic transmission car is: 1. After sitting in the driver's seat, press the start button directly; 2. Depress the brake pedal and press the start button to ignite and start the engine; 3. Release the foot brake and optionally warm up the car while stationary; 4. Depress the brake pedal again and shift into D (Drive) gear; 5. Release the handbrake and slowly lift the foot brake to start moving; 6. Gently press the accelerator according to road conditions for safe driving.
I drove an automatic transmission for five years and found that developing good habits is crucial. If the red light lasts more than a minute, shift to N gear and engage the handbrake to prevent the transmission fluid temperature from spiking. On steep slopes, avoid just stomping on the brakes—switch to L gear or manual mode to use engine braking for stability. When parking, always press the foot brake before shifting to P gear to prevent the parking pawl from jamming. On the highway, try using paddle shifters or S gear for overtaking—it’s smoother and more fuel-efficient. Remember, never coast in neutral—it doesn’t save fuel and damages the transmission. After a cold start in the morning, let the engine idle for 30 seconds before shifting gears, and in winter, warm up the car to allow fluids to circulate properly.
Automatic transmission cars are most vulnerable to owners who neglect maintenance. The transmission fluid must be changed every 60,000 kilometers, otherwise insufficient lubrication can easily damage the gear set. I once encountered a friend who improperly towed their car on the highway with the rear wheels dragging for over ten kilometers, completely ruining the transmission. The correct method is to use a flatbed tow truck or lift the drive wheels. When navigating spiral ramps in underground parking garages, remember to switch to manual mode and lock in a low gear to protect the brake pads and maintain a steady speed. Also, avoid using high-pressure water jets directly on the transmission area during car washes, as aged seals can let water in, leading to major issues.
The most important thing about driving an automatic transmission is safe operation. In case of emergency when the car won't start, find the small button near the gear shift to force unlock the gear. Don't rush through waterlogged areas in rainy days - if the water level exceeds half the wheel hub height, you must detour, otherwise the transmission will get flooded and require major repairs. During traffic jams, don't keep your foot on the accelerator pedal; it's best to activate the auto-hold function and let the system take over braking. When driving downhill continuously on mountain roads, you must switch to manual mode - engine braking is much safer than using foot brakes. If a tire blows out on the highway, never shift to P for emergency stop; instead, steady the steering wheel, slow down gradually, and then stop in the emergency lane.
