Which gear should be engaged for driving forward in an automatic transmission car?
2 Answers
For driving forward in an automatic transmission car, engage the D (Drive) gear. The other gears in an automatic transmission are: 1. P (Park) - Parking and starting gear; 2. R (Reverse) - Reverse gear; 3. N (Neutral) - Neutral gear; 4. L (Low) - Low gear; 5. S (Sport) - Sport mode; 6. OD (Overdrive) - Overdrive gear. Automatic transmissions eliminate the need for manual gear shifting by the driver, as the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. The correct procedure for starting an automatic transmission car is: 1. Move the gear selector to the intended driving position before pressing the accelerator pedal; 2. Avoid sudden acceleration - press the pedal gently and gradually increase speed.
When driving an automatic transmission car forward, I always use the D (Drive) gear. After driving for over a decade, this routine is second nature to me: first, firmly press the brake pedal, start the engine, then gently shift the gear lever from P (Park) to D, release the brake, press the accelerator, and the car moves. The D gear is the standard mode for forward movement, automatically adjusting speed for daily commuting. I often drive in the city, where using D gear is worry-free and safe, especially in traffic jams—just hold the brake while in D gear, and starting again is smooth. Some cars also have an S (Sport) mode for faster acceleration, but it consumes more fuel and isn’t necessary for everyday use. Beginners learning automatic transmissions might mistakenly shift into other gears, like R (Reverse), leading to awkward situations, so developing good habits is key. The advantage of automatic transmissions is clear here—it simplifies driving from complexity to ease.
