How To Drive An Automatic Car Like A Pro?
Cars with AMT have become very popular as these are simpler to operate than a manual transmission. A car with automatic transmission can be very comfortable for long trips. Here in this guide, we have mentioned some tips that help you learn how to drive an automatic car.
Identify the Controls
You should unlock the car with your keys and get into the car. You should adjust the seat as per your needs. You should set the right direction and position so that you can easily reach the steering. You need to move mirrors to make everything visible clearly.
You should identify every control to avoid any further driving inconvenience. It is very important for beginners to learn about the brake pedals, accelerator, gear selector lever, steering wheel, defroster, light controls, windshield wipers, and much more.
You can find an accelerator and brake pedal at the bottom front of your car. The accelerator is on the right, and the brake pedal is on the left side. The steering wheel is a center larger wheel that is located in the center of the console. You have to turn the steering wheel right and left to turn the car’s wheels.
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Just behind the steering wheel (on its right), there is a small lever with symbols of light printed on it. It is the control to switch on or off the lights and turn indicators. It can be moved vertically in three positions viz. center, upwards and downwards. By default, it is at center. When shifted upwards, it switches on the left turn indicator, and when shifted downwards it switches on the right turn indicator. In addition to it, this lever has a rotating knob attached to it. If that knob is rotated clockwise from its default position, it will switch on the headlights of the car.
Similarly, there is another lever on the left of steering that also when shifted vertically downwards, starts the movement of vipers. Vipers are fitted at the front view glass and help in removing water from the glass during rains, thus helping in increasing visibility.
The gear shift lever in automatic cars is quite simple to use. It is either located in between the driver’s and passenger’s seat (in the form of the lever) or to the right of steering (in the form of rotating knob). It has four options or modes to switch. These are “D,” “N,” “R” and “P.” Here, “N” stands for Neutral, “D” stands for Drive, “R” stands for Reverse and “P” stands for Parking. We will talk about them in detail as we move further with the tips on driving an automatic car.
Behind the gear shift lever, there is handbrake lever. It is applied by pulling it upwards and released by pushing it downwards. It is used when we park the car, especially on an incline.
Now after identifying all the controls, you need to fasten your seatbelt.
Driving Your Automatic Transmission Car
Once you are well versed about the controls of your car, here is a step by step guide on how to drive your automatic car.
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1. Get inside your car
You need to unlock your car using the smart keys or normal door lock keys.
2. Adjust all the controls as per your needs
Once you are in your car, you need to adjust all the settings as per your requirement. Adjust steering wheel for rack and reach. Adjust the height and distance as per your height. Now, it is time to adjust rear view mirrors and ensure that you can view left, right and back of your car very easily and clearly. Last but not least, do not forget to fasten your seatbelt.
3. Start engine
Now, you need to switch on the engine of your car using the car keys or push button. Make sure you have pressed the brake lever, and your car is in the Neutral mode before you start your car.
4. Get going
You should ensure that brake pedal is still pressed. You have to operate brake and accelerator both with right foot only. The left foot should not be utilized at all. Now release the handbrake (situated between driver’s and passenger’s seat) by pushing it downwards. Now with the brake pedal pressed to shift the mode to Drive, by moving gear lever to “D.”
Now slowly release the brake pedal. Your car will start moving at a slow speed. Start pressing accelerator gradually to attain desired speed. Make sure that you always drive within the allowed speed limits.
Make sure that there is no moving object nearby your car when you start moving. Make use of left or right turn indicators to get into the appropriate lane and continue driving in that lane. As it is an automatic car, you need not shift gears while driving. All you have to do is to use steering to get into the desired direction and use accelerator and brake to move and stop the car respectively.
5. Move backward (reverse)
While taking the reverse, you must ensure that no moving object is approaching you from behind. Take a proper look all around your car and then shift the gear lever to “R.” Ensure that you have applied the brakes while shifting to “R.” Now release the brakes gradually, and your car will move. If you have reverse parking sensors or reverse camera in your car, make the best use of them to increase safety while moving backward.
6. Things to be taken care when you need to stop the car
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In many cases, when a car is made to stop suddenly on a moderately busy road, there are chances that it may get hit by a vehicle that is moving just behind the car. So, it is always advisable to stop your car gradually unless it is an emergency situation. When you slowly lower the speed of your car and then stop it, the person behind your car gets enough time to slow down his/her vehicle as well. This avoids collision between two vehicles.
Also, whenever your car is at a halt (such as at traffic signals or a long traffic jam), ensure that it is in Neutral mode. So, in case, if you press the accelerator by mistake or release the brake, your car will not move.
Burnout in an Automatic Car
Most motor adventure enthusiasts might look for a tip to perform a burnout in an automatic car, so here you go. All you need to do is to press the brake pedal as hard as you can. Now shift the gear lever to “D” and press hard on the throttle (make sure that the brake pedal is still pressed hard). This is how you can perform a burnout in an automatic car.
Hope these tips may be useful for you if you are learning to drive an automatic car. Have a happy and safe driving.
