What should be noted when driving an automatic transmission car?
4 Answers
Things to pay attention to when driving an automatic transmission car: 1. Gear shifting while driving; 2. Use the handbrake when starting on a slope; 3. Do not coast in neutral, as prolonged coasting in neutral can lead to insufficient oil pressure in the hydraulic lines of the automatic transmission, increasing friction, reducing lubrication effectiveness, and damaging the friction plates inside the transmission; 4. Pay attention when parking and shifting gears—first press the brake and shift into N (Neutral), then engage the handbrake, release the brake pedal, and shift into P (Park) once the vehicle is completely stopped; 5. Be cautious when towing—it's best to lift the entire vehicle when towing an automatic transmission car. If lifting the entire vehicle is not possible, shift into N (Neutral), minimize the towing distance, and maintain a low speed.
When driving an automatic transmission car, I pay special attention to safety habits. Before starting, I make sure the gear is in P, fasten the seatbelt, and lightly press the brake before shifting to D to start. Don't press too hard when starting, as it can easily lead to loss of control, especially in rainy conditions where rear-wheel slippage requires slower driving. At red lights, simply press the brake—never coast in neutral, as it can damage the transmission. On steep slopes, some cars have an L gear for climbing assistance; familiarizing yourself with these modes in advance can prevent rolling back. Before long-distance driving, check the car's condition to ensure the brake lights are functioning properly. In case of emergencies, keep the steering wheel steady and avoid sudden turns. In short, developing these habits can reduce accidents, and I also recommend installing a dashcam to prevent fraudulent claims.
The first thing I do with my automatic transmission car is regular maintenance, especially the transmission fluid, which should be checked or replaced every 20,000 kilometers. Deteriorated fluid can cause sluggish shifting or even problems. Keep it simple in daily operation—avoid frequently using Sport mode to save fuel and protect the car. I usually maintain a steady speed after starting, reducing sudden acceleration and braking, which extends the car's lifespan and saves fuel. Don’t turn off the engine immediately after parking; let it idle for half a minute to cool down the components. One more tip: when washing the car, avoid letting water flow into the transmission cooling vents to prevent rust. With a little extra care, the car will have fewer issues and run smoothly.
When I first drove an automatic car, the hardest part to adapt to was the foot position. With a manual transmission, my left foot was always on the clutch, but now I had to get used to controlling the brake and accelerator with just my right foot—and make sure not to mistake the accelerator for the brake. After starting, don’t worry about gear shifts; let the car handle it automatically while you focus on the road. At first, I often accelerated too abruptly, but later learned to be smoother. In traffic jams, just stay in Drive (D) and lightly tap the brake. A handy tip is to regularly clean the floor mats to prevent them from interfering with the pedals. Take your time to get comfortable—safety comes first.
