Cars with automatic transmissions are very popular with both new and experienced drivers, as they are generally easier to drive than manual transmissions, as well as more comfortable for long trips. The following simple steps will guide you to drive a car with automatic transmission, but remember: before operating a motor vehicle, make sure you have a valid driver's license and understand all local traffic regulations.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparation for Driving
Step 1. Get in the car
Open the vehicle door with a clicker or key and sit on the driver's side.
Step 2. Customize the car according to your needs
Adjust the seat to any direction you need so you can comfortably reach all the buttons and controls and have a good view through the window. Adjust the mirrors so you can see the back and sides of the vehicle clearly. Identify your car's blind spots before you start driving, so you can see them before making a turn or changing lanes.
Step 3. Identify all controls in the car
The very first thing is to identify the gas pedal, brakes, steering wheel, gear selector lever, light control, dewdrop button and windshield wiper before you start driving.
- The brake and accelerator pedals are located at the front of the lower area, where you place your feet. The brake pedal is on the left, the gas pedal is on the right.
- The steering wheel is a large wheel in the center of the driver's console. Turn left and right to turn the vehicle wheels.
- Located on the steering console (usually on the left side) is a small lever that has a rest position in the middle and two locking positions up and down. This is a turn signal. Often on the left side of the steering wheel mounted on the console or a button on one of the small levers on the steering console is the control for turning the lights on and off.
- The transmission selector lever is usually located in one of two places: either mounted on the right side of the steering console or in-between the driver and passenger seats. These levers have pointers indicating gear indicators, usually marked with the letters "P", "D", "N", and "R" and some numbers. The transmission selector lever indication display is mounted on the steering console, usually located on the instrument panel, below the speedometer.
Step 4. Put on your seat belt
Ensure that you and every passenger in the vehicle wear seat belts at all times.
Part 2 of 3: Operating the Car in the "Drive" position
Step 1. Start the car
Place your right foot on the brake pedal and press down, then insert the key and turn it clockwise to start the vehicle.
Step 2. Select the gear
Place your foot on the brake pedal and then shift the shift lever to the "Drive" position. This gear is marked with a "D" in the hint bar, and will be highlighted to appear on the display screen when you have selected it.
- For the gear shift lever mounted on the steering console, pull the lever toward you before moving it up and down to select a gear.
- For floor-mounted gear shift levers, there is usually a button on the side to open the lever. It can then be moved along its path to a specific position.
Step 3. Release the center brake
This is a lever between the two seats at the front or a pedal to the far left of the foot area. There may be a release lever above the lower parking brake or a button to press on the topside of the model before you can release it.
Step 4. Pay attention to your surroundings
Look around the car, including blind spots, to see if there are moving objects or creatures in the vicinity. Focus your attention in the direction you are going.
Step 5. Move your car
Slowly release the pressure on the brake pedal and the car will start moving slowly. Remove your foot from the brake, use the same foot to gently press the gas pedal, and the car will start moving faster. There is no need to change gears to adjust the speed if you are driving on normal roads.
Step 6. Turn the steering wheel to turn the car
In the "drive" position, turn left to turn the car left and turn right to turn the car to the right.
Step 7. Press brake to slow down or stop the car
Move your right foot from the gas pedal to the brake, depressing the pedal gradually so you don't flinch when you stop suddenly. If you want to start over, switch your foot back to the gas pedal.
Step 8. Park the car
When you have reached your destination, bring the vehicle to a complete stop by gradually depressing the brake pedal, then shifting the gear shift lever back to the "P" position. Stop the engine by turning the key counterclockwise. Don't forget to turn off the lights and apply the handbrake before getting out of the car.
Part 3 of 3: Operating Other Gear
Step 1. Go backwards If you need to go backwards, make sure the vehicle comes to a complete stop before changing gears to the "reverse" position
"Slide the gear shift lever marked with the letter "R" and check your rear/around for any obstructions. Slowly take your foot off the brake and place it on the gas pedal.
When selecting "Reverse", the car will move in the opposite direction from the direction of the car's wheels
Step 2. Select the "neutral" gear
"The "neutral" gear is only used when you don't need to control the speed of the car, no when driving it. Examples include when pausing for a moment or when being pushed/pulled.
Step 3. Use low gear
Gears marked "1", "2", and "3" are lower gears. This gear works as a brake system in the engine when you don't have to apply the actual brakes. Descending a steep hill is an example of the proper use of this technique. Gear 1 is only used when you need to move very slowly. There is no need to stop when shifting between the gears and shifting to the "Drive" position.
Tips
- Check the mirror often.
- Drive carefully and pay attention to your surroundings when you drive a motor vehicle.
- Prohibited use one foot for the brake pedal and the other for the accelerator pedal. Use your right foot for both pedals and leave your left foot on the floor.
- Press the brake and accelerator pedal gently and gradually.
Warning
- Never operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
- Focus your attention on the road; don't type while driving.
- Follow all local traffic regulations and always drive with a valid license.
- Lock the car when leaving it unattended.
