Which gear should an automatic transmission car be in for normal driving?

[LaWalker]

For normal driving, an automatic transmission car should be in the D (Drive) gear. The starting steps are: 1. Press the start button or turn the key to start the vehicle; 2. Press the brake pedal with your right foot and release the handbrake; 3. Shift the gear from P (Park) to D (Drive); 4. After shifting to D gear, slowly release the brake pedal with your right foot. Automatic transmission means the driver does not need to manually shift gears, as the vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. The gears of an automatic transmission are divided into: 1. P for Park; 2. R for Reverse; 3. N for Neutral; 4. D for Drive; 5. S for Sport mode (high-speed engine braking); 6. L for Low gear (low-speed engine braking).

[GavinRose]

The other day, I was chatting with friends about driving, and novice drivers often get confused about how to shift gears in an automatic transmission. Normally, you just shift to D (Drive) gear—it's the forward gear. Step on the gas, and you're good to go, whether in traffic or climbing hills. The computer handles gear shifts automatically, making it super convenient. If you want to overtake or drive more aggressively on mountain roads, switching to S (Sport) or L (Low) gear works—higher RPMs mean more power. At red lights, shift to N (Neutral) and pull the handbrake; no need to bother with P (Park) for short stops. Never unbuckle your seatbelt and step out while still in D gear—the sudden auto-shift to P can seriously damage the transmission. For everyday driving, just smoothly push to D gear and rest your right hand on the wheel—way easier than a manual transmission.

[DeKayden]

After a long drive last time, I figured out that the D gear is sufficient for 90% of the time in an automatic transmission car. However, for long downhill slopes, switching to M or L gear is safer as it allows the engine to hold the speed, preventing the brake pads from overheating. Don't panic if you suddenly see a snowflake symbol pop up on the dashboard—it's a reminder to use the snow mode, which helps prevent tire slippage when starting. When waiting at a red light for more than 30 seconds, it's best to shift to N gear and engage the electronic handbrake, as it saves fuel and is quieter than keeping the car in D gear with the brake pressed. Remember, never coast in N gear with an automatic transmission, as the transmission will lack lubrication and can be ruined. Also, always press the brake firmly before shifting to P gear for a temporary stop, otherwise, you'll hear a loud clunk from the gears, which is heartbreaking to hear.

[Bridget]

My cousin who just got his driver's license asked me what the leftmost button on the automatic transmission is for. Actually, that's the shift lock - you need to press it while holding the brake to change gears. Many cars nowadays have replaced the gear lever with a rotary knob, which is quite convenient once you get used to it. Remember to switch to the snowflake mode in rainy or snowy weather; starting in 2nd gear is particularly effective for preventing skidding. When overtaking, don't just stomp on the gas - push the gear to the right for Sport mode, and the RPM will immediately increase for a strong acceleration feeling. Shifting to Neutral at red lights can reduce vibration, but don't keep it there for more than a minute to avoid draining the battery. Veteran drivers will tell you not to floor the accelerator immediately after a cold start, as the engine oil hasn't fully circulated yet.

[BrodyDella]

My old car has been running for ten years, and there are just three key points for the automatic transmission: usually only use D gear, switch to L gear for long slopes, and shift to P gear when parking. Now with more gear options in new cars, the M gear manual mode is basically unnecessary, and staying in D gear is sufficient. If the red light lasts more than 20 seconds, I shift to N gear with auto hold to release my right foot without worrying about rolling. Remember never to shift to R or P gear while driving at high speed—there was news before where someone accidentally damaged the transmission by misoperation. If you encounter a steep parking lot, it’s best to switch to L gear when entering or exiting for a slow and steady approach, which feels more reassuring.

[OAliyah]

The other day, I test-drove a car with paddle shifters and realized that you can downshift with the paddles anytime in D mode for overtaking, which is even quicker than switching to S mode. Modern cars come with electronic gear selectors—just a light push after shifting to D, and the dashboard display changes instantly. For rainy days, it's advisable to manually lock in 2nd gear when starting to prevent wheel spin from excessive torque. Remember to keep your foot on the brake when in N at a red light, just in case the auto-hold fails—it's an emergency backup. Always engage P mode plus the handbrake when parking on a slope, or you risk damaging the transmission's locking mechanism. Truth is, many cars now feature Autohold, automatically applying the brakes even in D when stopped—technology really does make driving more worry-free.