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Some years ago, manual cars were the default choice for most people. Only those who were uncomfortable with the manual transmission system used automatic cars. However, there’s been a rise in the number of automatic transmission car drivers due to their reputation for being easy to drive. This article explains how to drive an automatic car and provides tips for efficient driving.
Getting behind the wheels of an automatic can be confusing if a manual car is all you’ve ever known. You’ll likely be perplexed by the absence of a clutch pedal and a few other differences between the two transmission systems. However, with some training, you can drive automatic cars like a pro.
Table Of Contents
Brief Overview Of An Automatic Gearbox
The major difference between the two vehicle types is the transmission (gearbox). A manual car has a clutch pedal, five or six forward gears and a reverse gear, which you have to frequently control while driving. This process can make manual cars challenging to master, with many people taking weeks to learn.
An automatic car has no clutch pedal but four automatic gearbox labels:
- Park (P): Use this gear when the car is parked (or stationary for a longer period).
- Reverse (R): Use this gear when reversing the car.
- Neutral (N): Use this gear when the car is stationary.
- Drive (D): Use this gear when driving the car forward.
The automatic gearbox changes gears automatically as you drive. It switches to high gear when driving at a high speed and lowers the gear as speed decreases.
Tip: You can drive an automatic car with a manual driving licence.
Types Of Automatic Gearboxes
There are four types of automatic gearboxes, which differ in how they operate.
- Continuously variable transmissions (CVT): A continuously variable transmission uses a belt instead of a clutch to change gear ratios.
- Conventional automatic gearboxes: Conventional automatic gearboxes use a torque converter to do the job of the clutch.
- Dual-clutch transmission: Dual-clutch automatics operate similarly to conventional automatic gearboxes but use two automatically operated clutches in place of a torque converter.
- Automated manual transmission: Automated manual gearboxes select gears automatically and operate the clutch using a computer rather than a pedal.
See more about how automatic cars work.
Driving An Automatic Car: Step By Step
Here’s what you need to know about driving an automatic car in different scenarios.
1. Familiarise Yourself With The Car
An automatic car has a different gearbox than a manual car, so you must become acquainted with the control system if this is your first time driving this type of vehicle. You’ll find a brake pedal and an accelerator pedal below the dashboard. You only need your right foot to control these pedals when driving.
Some automatic cars have first-gear and second-gear labels that allow you to override the gear that the car chooses.
2. Starting Your Car
Follow these steps to start an automatic car:
- Your car will likely be in Park (P) with the hand brake activated. To start it, press your right foot firmly against the brake pedal, turn the key or press the ‘start’ button. Also, put down the hand brake.
- With your foot still on the brake, move the gear shifter to Drive (D).
- Lift your foot off the brake and press the accelerator pedal to move the car.
- Control the car speed by pressing down on the accelerator pedal to go faster and releasing it or pressing down on the brake pedal to go slower.
Learn more about how to start an automatic car.
3. Starting Your Car With The Creep Method
In a manual car, you can employ the biting point method to move the car slowly forward. The creep technique does the same thing in an automatic car. If you slowly take your foot off the brake pedal and switch to Drive (D) or any other forward gear while disengaging the hand brake, the car will start to move forward slowly. This technique helps ease in and out of tight parking spaces without bumping into other cars.
Learn how to perform a hill start in an automatic vehicle.
4. Overtaking In An Automatic Car
An automatic car may fail to give you enough speed to overtake when driving on a dual carriageway or motorway. You can temporarily override your automatic gearbox so it stays in a lower gear for longer, giving you more acceleration.
To do this, press the accelerator pedal firmly until you attain your desired speed. Next, slowly take your foot off the accelerator pedal, and the car will revert to normal speed and select the best gear.
5. Reversing An Automatic Car
Reversing in automatic cars is straightforward. The first thing you have to do is press the brake pedal and shift the shifter to reverse gear. Take your foot off the brake, and the car will slowly move back. You can gently press the accelerator to move the car faster.
Use your left hand to steer the car in the right direction. The car will go in the opposite direction you turn the steering wheel to. For example, the car’s rear turns left as you steer right, and it turns right as you steer left.
The majority of electric cars are automatic, so you must know how to drive automatics to use electric cars. But what is an electric car?
6. Stopping Your Car
You can stop the automatic car by following these steps:
- Press the brake to reduce your speed and bring the car to a halt.
- While the car is stationary, keep your foot on the brake and shift to park gear.
- Apply the handbrake and turn off the ignition.
Learn how to jump-start an automatic car.
Difference In Driving Automatic Car Types
The various kinds of automatic gearboxes offer different driving experiences, so it’s important to consider this factor when selecting an automatic car type.
- CVT automatic cars: These cars offer smooth driving experiences with better fuel efficiency and improved performance. However, they have slower acceleration, and their engines get loud when accelerating.
- Conventional automatic cars: These cars offer smooth drives but can have high fuel consumption.
- Dual-clutch automatics: These cars with two clutches offer a smooth driving experience and acceleration, but the transmission system is very expensive.
- Automated manual transmission: Cars with automated manual gearboxes are convenient to drive and fuel-efficient. The downside is that they may become jerky when changing gears.
No matter your preference, SDVH has a suitable automatic car for you. You can hire a Range Rover auto for luxurious trips or a Mercedes C-Class for that special business meeting.
Common Mistakes & Tips For Automatic Car Users
We’ll go over some common mistakes new automatic car drivers make and tips that can help you become better.
Common Mistakes When Driving An Automatic Car
These are the common mistakes that people make when driving automatic cars.
Engaging Neutral Gear When Driving Down Slopes
Some people believe that you can save fuel by putting the gear stick in Neutral (N) when driving down a slope. While this is true, driving in neutral gear does more harm than good. The neutral position cuts off oil supply, preventing the automatic transmission from receiving lubrication, which damages it.
Changing Modes Before The Car Stops
You must fully halt the car before switching the gear stick to another mode. Some drivers shift to park or reverse gear before the car stops, which can damage the vehicle’s transmission band.
Switching To Neutral In Traffic
Many people switch to Neutral (N) to minimise fuel consumption when stuck in traffic. However, switching in and out of neutral mode frequently damages your driveline, which is costly to repair.
Automatic cars are typically more expensive to buy because they feature more complex transmission systems.
Tips For Safe & Efficient Driving
The following tips help ensure safe and efficient driving in automatic vehicles:
- Adjust seats and mirrors: Position your seat to ensure you have a clear view of the road, and adjust the rearview and side mirror to cover blind spots.
- Warm up the car: Start your car and allow the engines to warm up for a few minutes to allow oil to flow into the transmission for smoother performance.
- Don’t let your fuel tank get too low: Automatic cars depend on fuel pressure to run smoothly, as it lubricates the engine and other parts. These parts will wear out faster if your fuel tank is always low.
- Avoid resting your foot on the pedal: Take your foot completely off the accelerator or brake pedal when you’re not controlling either one so you don’t accidentally depress it.
- Beginners should avoid cruise control: It is easy for beginners to lose concentration when their vehicle is in cruise control because the car does most of the work.
Maintenance Tips For Automatic Cars
Proper maintenance is crucial for the performance of an automatic car. Here are some maintenance tips that can keep your vehicle working optimally:
- Change fluids regularly: The transmission fluid lubricates and cools the transmission system of the vehicle. Check and change the fluid regularly, and ensure that it is at the recommended level.
- Schedule regular car service: Schedule regular service for inspections, filter replacements and oil changes. This helps you identify problems with the vehicle, so you can keep it running optimally.
- Maintain a reliable cooling system: Overheating causes major damage to modern engines and transmissions. Ensure the cooling system is functioning correctly by checking the coolant level and inspecting the hose for leaks.
If manual transmission is more of your preference, check out our guide on starting manual cars.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Drive An Automatic Car For The First Time?
To drive an automatic car for the first time, one must first get accustomed to the gear system. Automatic cars have a different transmission system from manual cars, as they do not have a clutch pedal.
Press your foot against the brake pedal and turn the key to start the car. Move the gear stick to Drive (D), then take your foot off the brake pedal and press the accelerator. Continue to use the brake and accelerator to control the car’s speed and the steering wheel to change direction.
How Easy Is It To Drive An Automatic?
It is very easy to drive an automatic. Unlike manual transmissions, automatic cars don’t have a clutch pedal, and you don’t have to change gears. You only need to select the correct drive mode and apply the appropriate acceleration. Most automatic cars have four drive modes for controlling the vehicle, which include Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N) and Drive (D).
Is It Hard To Learn An Automatic?
No, it is not hard to learn an automatic. Automatic cars are easier to learn because you don’t have to worry about selecting the correct gear in these vehicles. Once you start the car and select the appropriate drive mode, focus on controlling the speed with the brake and accelerator pedals. The amount of time it takes to learn to drive an automatic car varies based on the individual.
What Should You Not Do In An Automatic Car?
There are several things that you should not do in an automatic car. Some mistakes people make when driving an automatic car include using the neutral gear while sliding down a slope or at a stop light. This act can wear out your vehicle’s transmission, which is usually very expensive to repair. Also, avoid changing transmissions when the car is moving so you don’t damage the transmission band.
How Do You Stop An Automatic At Traffic Lights?
You stop an automatic at traffic lights by stepping on the brakes. Do not switch to neutral at every stop light because switching gears regularly can cause your car’s transmission to wear out. Ensure that you leave the car in the drive gear, so you can easily continue your journey by taking your foot off the brakes. You can use the hand brake for long traffic stops.
Conclusion
You know how to drive an automatic car if you’ve followed this article to this point. Automatic cars are the preferred option for anyone looking to avoid the complexities of manual transmission cars. The intuitive design of automatic gearboxes makes them easy to master, allowing you to enjoy a smoother driving experience.
