What should be noted when starting an automatic transmission car?
3 Answers
When starting an automatic transmission car, the following points should be noted: 1. Move the gear to the correct position after the engine starts, such as shifting to D gear when moving forward and R gear when reversing; 2. While releasing the handbrake during startup, the brake pedal should still be pressed to prevent a sudden increase in the engine speed, which could cause the car to start abruptly. For automatic transmission models, the gear must and can only be in P gear or N gear when starting the vehicle. However, some models can only start the vehicle in P gear for safety reasons, as starting in N gear does not require pressing the brake, allowing direct shifting into D gear or R gear, which poses a safety hazard. Therefore, it is not recommended to start the vehicle in N gear.
Having driven an automatic transmission car for so many miles, the most crucial things to pay attention to during startup are the gear position and brake pedal. You must place the gear lever in the P (Park) position and firmly press the brake pedal; only then can the engine start smoothly. Otherwise, it might cause unintended movement or damage the transmission. I recommend checking the dashboard indicators before starting, such as whether the brake lights are functioning, to avoid safety hazards when driving. After starting, don’t immediately shift to D (Drive) and go—wait about ten seconds to let the engine oil circulate, especially during cold winter starts. Some people have the habit of starting directly in D gear, which is absolutely unacceptable because the car might lurch forward suddenly or harm the transmission. Doing this long-term can also increase fuel consumption. In short, develop good habits: shift to P, press the brake, start the engine, and wait a moment before driving off.
When I first started learning to drive an automatic transmission car, I was always nervous about starting it, fearing operational mistakes. The key point is to firmly press the brake pedal and ensure the gear is in P (Park) or N (Neutral) before pressing the start button; otherwise, the car won't start at all. My friend once forgot to press the brake and directly started the car, resulting in it rolling downhill. After starting, don't rush; check the rearview mirror to ensure safety. Also, avoid idling the engine for too long. I once turned off the engine at a red light and found restarting it quite convenient. With more practice, it becomes much easier, but safety always comes first. I recommend that beginners familiarize themselves with the operation manual before driving and develop good driving habits.
