What to Pay Attention to When Driving an Automatic Transmission Car
4 Answers
When driving an automatic transmission car, the following issues need to be noted: 1. Gear shifting during driving: Automatic transmission cars have protection and interlock mechanisms for dangerous actions, such as shifting from D to R or P gears. Accidentally switching to these gears can be hazardous. However, switching between D and N gears can be done freely, even while driving. 2. Rolling back on slopes: If an automatic transmission car is parked on a steep slope where gravity exceeds the idle power "margin," the car may still roll backward. Therefore, it's often safer to use the handbrake when starting on a slope. 3. Prohibition of coasting in neutral: Many drivers believe coasting in neutral saves fuel, but this is incorrect. Coasting in neutral in an automatic transmission car does not save fuel and can lead to insufficient oil pressure in the hydraulic lines of the transmission, increasing friction, reducing lubrication, and damaging the internal friction plates. 4. Pay attention to parking gear: When parking, the procedure for automatic transmission cars is entirely different from manual transmission cars. For automatic transmission cars, you should first press the brake, shift to N, engage the handbrake, and release the brake pedal. Once the car is stationary, shift to P. 5. Towing: It's best to lift the entire car when towing an automatic transmission vehicle. If lifting isn't possible, set the vehicle in N gear, minimize the towing distance, and maintain a low speed.
Having driven automatic transmission cars for decades, I have several key points I always remind myself. Always press the brake when starting, then shift to D or R gear to avoid sudden vehicle movement—safety first. When parking, always shift to P gear and engage the handbrake, especially on slopes, otherwise the car may roll and cause injury. Never randomly shift gears while driving—for example, shifting into reverse at high speed can instantly damage the transmission, leading to costly repairs. When encountering downhill sections, don’t rely solely on braking to slow down; instead, shift to L gear or manual mode for more effective speed control. When towing, note that not all automatic transmission cars can be towed with all four wheels—check the manual to see if neutral gear is allowed, otherwise the drivetrain may be damaged. Develop the habit of regularly checking transmission fluid, as aging can cause rough shifting and shorten component lifespan.
As a beginner driving an automatic transmission car, I find it very convenient, but there are some easily overlooked details to be careful about. Before starting, make sure your foot is on the brake pedal, and gently shift the gear lever to drive or reverse, avoiding rough movements to prevent damage to components. At red lights, don't always shift to neutral; although it may save fuel, it reduces reaction time, which could be problematic in case of sudden accidents. Control your speed using the accelerator and brake, and avoid frequent gear changes while driving to prevent confusion in operation. Don't forget to check the dashboard; if any warning lights are on, it might indicate transmission issues requiring immediate inspection. During maintenance, learn to check the coolant and tires, as these affect overall performance—prevention is key. Practice low-speed turns in parking lots to get a feel for the car's response, and you'll become more skilled with practice.
I love driving cars, and automatic transmission vehicles require some daily maintenance. When operating, shift gears gently and avoid forcefully pushing the gear lever, as this reduces gear wear. During prolonged traffic jams or slow driving, the transmission is prone to overheating—try switching to manual low gear to reduce the load. Regularly changing the transmission fluid is crucial, typically every 40,000 kilometers, as deteriorated old fluid can cause gear shifting to become sluggish. Be cautious to avoid towing mistakes: first, shift to neutral to confirm free rotation before towing, otherwise, the differential may be damaged. Use neutral only in specific situations, such as manually pushing the car or cleaning the wheels; it offers no benefits during normal driving. Develop the habit of checking the brake system, as it works in conjunction with the transmission to ensure safety.
