Which gear should an automatic car be in to move forward?

[McErin]

An automatic car moves forward when in D (Drive) gear. An automatic transmission typically refers to a car's automatic gear-shifting mechanism, where the transmission control system automatically selects the appropriate gear based on the engine's speed and load during driving, replacing the driver's subjective judgment of timing and gear-shifting operations. Generally, an automatic transmission has six gears: P (Park) for parking, R (Reverse) for reversing, N (Neutral) for neutral, D (Drive) for moving forward, S (Sport) for climbing hills, and L (Low) for low-speed driving. The method for reversing an automatic car is: 1. Press the brake to stop the car, hold the lock switch on the gear lever, and shift to R (Reverse) gear; 2. Check the side mirrors and rearview camera to confirm there are no obstacles behind the car, and honk the horn twice to alert nearby pedestrians and vehicles; 3. Slowly release the brake to allow the car to move at a low speed.

[MacLuke]

When I first started driving, I was also confused about how to move forward with an automatic transmission. It's actually very simple—just shift to the D gear, which stands for Drive, meaning driving in English. When starting, first make sure the key is turned to the ON position, press the brake pedal, shift from P to D gear, then release the brake and gently press the accelerator to get the car moving. Remember not to shift to P or N gear too frequently at red lights, as it can damage the transmission, especially in city traffic where D gear paired with auto start-stop is more convenient. After driving long distances multiple times, I learned that when starting on a steep slope, first use the foot brake to stabilize, shift to D gear, and then slowly release the brake to prevent rolling back—safety first. New drivers will get used to it after practicing a few times. The original intention of automatic transmission design is to simplify operations, making driving easier and worry-free.

[ArthurDella]

Years of experience driving automatic transmission cars have taught me that shifting directly to D (Drive) is the most worry-free way to operate. Starting procedure: Confirm the vehicle is in P (Park), press the brake pedal while shifting to D, then release the parking brake and gently press the accelerator. When encountering uphill or downhill roads, the D gear automatically adjusts speed to reduce slipping risks. Never coast in neutral - that's a manual transmission habit. Using N (Neutral) in automatics may damage the hydraulic system and doesn't actually save fuel. D gear provides better speed control during rain or snow for more stable driving. While gear lever positions vary by model, just look for the D marking. Regular maintenance should include timely transmission fluid changes to prolong component lifespan.

[NevaehMarie]

Shifting to D gear to move the car forward is a basic operation of an automatic transmission. In principle, the transmission sets D as the forward mode, automatically adjusting the gear ratio through the hydraulic system to match the vehicle speed. When starting, press the brake to shift from P to D, allowing direct and efficient forward movement. Other gears have their specific purposes: P for parking, R for reversing, and N for neutral, which is only for emergency towing. D gear is suitable for 99% of forward driving scenarios. At high speeds, S gear can enhance power but should be used appropriately to avoid excessive fuel consumption. For daily driving, D gear is sufficient—keep it simple.

[Ray]

For automatic transmission, simply shift to D (Drive) for forward motion. Before starting, ensure the car is in P (Park), press the brake, shift to D, then accelerate. Use R (Reverse) for backing up—don't mix them up. I must remind you not to randomly shift from D to N (Neutral) while driving, especially at high speeds, as it's dangerous and wears components. On slopes, staying in D prevents rollback for added safety. During maintenance, have technicians check the gear selector switch to prevent malfunctions. In rainy conditions, use D with gentle acceleration to control skidding for steadier driving. Regular practice with D gear and braking techniques ensures smoother, worry-free driving.