This article will tell you how to drive a car equipped with an automatic transmission. Many people approach these cars because they are easier to drive than those equipped with a manual gearbox; many also find them more comfortable for long journeys. Before driving any motor vehicle, make sure you have the permits to do so and are aware of the state transportation laws.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Drive
Step 1. Get in the car
Open the door with the key or remote control and sit in the driver's seat.
Step 2. Make the necessary adjustments
Adjust the seat so that you feel comfortable, you can easily reach all the controls and you can see out the windows. Adjust the interior rear view mirror and exterior mirrors to have an optimal view of the vehicle dimensions and be able to identify blind spots.
Step 3. Get familiar with the controls
Displays the position of the accelerator pedal, brake pedal, steering wheel, gear selector and switch for turning on the headlights, climate control and wipers.
- The brake and accelerator pedals are located at the bottom. The brake pedal is the one on the left, the accelerator on the right.
- The steering wheel is right in front of you, use it to turn the front wheels of the vehicle left or right.
- Normally you find the lever that operates the position indicators on the left of the steering column, it is easily accessible with the left hand without having to detach it from the steering wheel. Look for the switch to operate the low and high beams, usually located on the left side of the instrument panel or, alternatively, it can be incorporated into the lever that controls the direction indicators.
- The gear selector can normally be found in two positions: either on the right side of the steering column, or in the center console; looks down at the area that divides the driver's seat from the passenger seat. Normally you will find gears indicated with letters like: 'P', 'D', 'N', 'R' and with some numbers. If the gear lever is on the steering wheel, these indications should be placed in the instrument panel, under the speedometer.
Step 4. Buckle up
Make sure all passengers do the same and keep it on all the way.
Part 2 of 3: Driving the Car with the Selector in "Drive"
Step 1. Turn on the car
Put your right foot on the brake, insert the key and turn it clockwise to start the engine.
Step 2. Select the gear
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal and move the switch to "Drive". This gear is indicated by the letter "D" on the panel which lights up when you have entered it correctly.
- For selectors that are mounted on the steering column, pull the lever towards you before moving it down to select the gear.
- In the selectors mounted in the center tunnel, you usually have to push a button to unlock the lever, then move it into the correct gear.
Step 3. Remove the handbrake
It could be a lever between the two front seats, or a pedal on the left side. There may be a lever or button that you need to operate to release the parking brake.
Step 4. Check your surroundings
Check the entire perimeter of the car, including blind spots, for other people or cars moving around you. Make sure you keep your eyes in the direction you are moving.
Step 5. Start the car
Slowly take the pressure off the brake pedal, the car will begin to move. Take your right foot off the brake and move it to the accelerator, the car will move faster. There is no need to change gear based on speed.
Step 6. Turn the steering wheel to make the car turn
When in "drive" mode, turn the steering wheel left to turn left and right to make the car turn right.
Step 7. Put pressure on the brake pedal to slow or stop the car
Take your right foot off the accelerator and gradually press the brake to avoid stopping abruptly. When you want to leave, put your right foot back on the accelerator pedal.
Step 8. Park
When you reach your destination, stop the car completely by pressing the brake pedal, then move the gear selector to position "P". Turn off the engine by turning the key counterclockwise. Don't forget to turn off the headlights and apply the parking brake before exiting the car.
Part 3 of 3: Driving the Car in other Gears
Step 1. Driving in reverse
If you have to move backwards, first make sure the vehicle is completely stopped before shifting gears and selecting "retro". Move the dial into the slot marked with an "R" and check for obstacles behind and around you. Take your foot off the brake and move it to the accelerator.
When you move in reverse, the car turns in the opposite direction to where you turn the steering wheel
Step 2. Put in "Insane" (N)
The neutral, or neutral, position is used when you don't have to control the speed of the car e Not when you drive normally. For example, you can put the car in neutral when you pull over for a few minutes or when you have to push / tow the car.
Step 3. Use the lowest gears
They are marked with the numbers "1", "2", and "3". They are used as an engine brake when you need to preserve the actual brakes. When going down steep slopes you can use this technique. However, first gear (1) should only be used if you are moving very slowly. There is no need to stop the car when shifting from these gears to "Drive" mode.
Advice
- Do not use your right foot for the accelerator and your left foot for the brake. Use your right foot only, and keep your left foot in a resting position.
- Always drive carefully and observe what is happening around you to anticipate possible dangerous situations and act promptly.
- Check your mirrors often.
- Always apply gentle, gradual pressure to both the brake pedal and accelerator.
Warning
- Do not drive if you have been drinking alcohol.
- Keep your eyes on the road and don't text while driving.
- Always follow the directions and obey the laws of the state you are in. Drive only if you have a valid driving license.
- Lock the car when you leave it unattended.
