What Should You Pay Attention to When Driving an Automatic Transmission Car?
3 Answers
When driving an automatic transmission car, you need to pay attention to restricted starting, not relying solely on the P gear for parking, and avoiding switching between forward and reverse gears when the vehicle is not completely stopped. Restricted starting: If the gear is not in P or N, the vehicle cannot be started. This is a safety feature set by the manufacturer to prevent potential hazards caused by incorrect operations. Do not rely solely on the P gear for parking: Although the P gear can assist the handbrake, it cannot replace it. The P gear uses engine braking, which only provides some assistance in parking but cannot independently complete the parking action. The correct procedure is to shift into N gear after the vehicle is stopped, then engage the handbrake and release the foot brake, and finally shift into P gear to assist the handbrake in completing the parking. Avoid switching between forward and reverse gears when the vehicle is not completely stopped: Shifting from D to R before the vehicle has fully stopped creates an instant "reverse rotation pressure" on the reverse gear clutch plates, which can not only cause transmission failure but also lead to excessive wear of the clutch plates over time.
When driving an automatic transmission car, pay attention to these points: When parking, don’t rush to shift into P; first step on the brake, engage the handbrake, then shift gears and turn off the engine. If waiting at a red light for more than 30 seconds, I shift to N and engage the handbrake to give the transmission a breather. When reversing, make sure the car comes to a complete stop before shifting to R, or else that clunking sound is heartbreaking. Parking on a slope requires even more care—first firmly engage the handbrake before shifting to P, or the entire vehicle’s weight will rest on the transmission. If encountering snow or climbing hills, using L or S mode is crucial, as engine braking can be a big help. During long traffic jams, I turn off auto start-stop to prevent the transmission from wearing out due to frequent operation. Remember to change the transmission fluid every 50,000 kilometers—this expense is absolutely not to be skipped.
Although automatic transmission cars are convenient, they should not be taken lightly. My experience is that before starting, you must check that the gear is in P, and after starting, step on the brake and shift to D. Never coast in neutral while driving, as it not only doesn’t save fuel but can also cause the transmission to overheat. On highways, using S gear for long descents is safer and more stable than relying on the brakes. No matter how good the rearview camera is, always look back to check blind spots—I once almost hit an electric bike that suddenly appeared. Be extra careful when driving through water in heavy rain; if the water level exceeds half the wheel height, it’s better to take a detour. Lastly, brake discs and pads should be checked regularly, as a light braking sensation is often a warning sign of failure.
