Semi-automatic cars are ideal for learning how to shift gears, whether you are a novice or an experienced driver. Contrary to cars with manual gearbox, on semi-automatic ones there is no clutch, so they are easier to use. To drive, just pull the gear lever when it's time to change gear. You can understand this by listening to the noise produced by the engine. With a little practice, anyone can learn how to drive a semi-automatic car.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Turn on the Car
Step 1. Turn the key in the ignition to start the engine
Semi-automatic cars usually do not need special preparations before ignition. The parking brake should already be active, and you should press the brake pedal to make sure the car does not move forward as you shift into gear.
In almost all semi-automatic cars the parking brake is active when the gearbox is in the "P" position
Step 2. Find the shift lever next to you
Look down and look for the gearbox in the center of the car. You will see a lever with letters and symbols indicated: you will use it to change gear. The symbols will also light up on the dashboard, to remind you which mode is currently active on the car.
Some cars have a gearbox on the steering wheel to select gears. Look for the lever with the “+” on the right and the one with the “-” on the left of the steering wheel
Step 3. Move the gearbox back to engage reverse
The "R" next to the shift lever indicates reverse. Hold the brake and pull the lever towards R. Take your foot off the brake and the car will start to roll back.
Step 4. Put the car in "Drive" mode to engage the gears
Pull the lever to the letter "D", which indicates drive or drive. The car will start moving forward as soon as you release the brake. First gear will be engaged.
To change gear you will have to move the lever over the letter "N", which stands for Neutral or neutral. It is not a gear and is rarely used because it decouples the crankshaft from the throttle
Step 5. Shift the shifter to the manual transmission
Depending on the car model, you will also find the letter "M" or a point to move the gear lever between the + and - symbols; this mode allows you to control the gears manually. Move the lever down and to the side, but don't start shifting.
Step 6. Begin moving forward before shifting
Take your foot off the brake and you will notice that the car moves forward and accelerates. Listen to the engine and notice how the car moves as you drive it. At first the car will be in first gear, but you will have to shift gears as soon as you start to pick up speed.
Part 2 of 2: Shifting and Parking
Step 1. Push the lever up to shift to a higher gear
If you move the lever towards the + sign, you will shift to a higher gear. You should do this when the engine seems to be working too hard, making a high-pitched sound. The more you become familiar with the car, the easier it will become to recognize this noise.
- Some cars also have a + stick on the right side of the steering wheel that you can pull to shift to a higher gear.
- A general rule of thumb for changing gears is to do it every 20km / h. For example, put the second when your speed is between 20 and 40 km / h.
- If your car has a tachometer, change gears when it reaches 3000 rpm.
Step 2. Take your foot off the accelerator before shifting into a lower gear
When you slow down and have to downshift, stop accelerating. This way the car will reach the right speed and you will perform a safe and smooth gear change.
You don't have to take your foot off the accelerator when shifting into a higher gear
Step 3. Pull the shift lever back to engage a lower gear
Move the lever towards the - sign, which is always towards you. You have to do this gradually as you slow down and you should never brake hard if you can avoid it. You will feel the engine slow down and start jerking.
- Remember to watch the speedometer and tachometer. For example, go back to prime when you're running at 20km / h or 1000rpm.
- If your car has a gearshift on the steering wheel, look for the lever with the symbol - on the left. Pull it towards you to downshift.
Step 4. Stop the car before shifting to neutral
Press the brake to bring the car to a halt, shifting down to first gear. Once you are completely stationary you can engage neutral safely. To do this, move the shift lever to the letter "N".
If your car has a gearshift on the steering wheel, you can pull both levers at the same time to put the car in neutral
Step 5. Activate the parking brake before turning off the car
Grab the gear lever and move it to the letter P: this way you engage the brake. Turn off the engine by turning the key in the ignition. Now you can get out of the car safely.
