How to Drive an Automatic Car Easily for Beginners

Friends, how long have you been able to drive a car? Have you ever driven an automatic car? If not, you can check out the easy way to drive an automatic car in this discussion.

Driving a car is a skill that requires good concentration and visual-motor coordination. Why is that? First, you need to concentrate on observing traffic, then concentrate on managing the clutch and gear settings according to road conditions, and concentrate on controlling the vehicle's speed.

This certainly applies when using a manual transmission. So what about drivers who struggle with manual transmission? Fortunately, many now use automatic transmission. You just need to find out how to drive an automatic car, so you won't have difficulty driving it.

Facts About Automatic Cars

In recent years, many cars have adopted automatic technology.

With advanced technology, it will be simpler to operate and provide a higher level of safety for its users.

Before learning how to drive an automatic car, it's best to know some facts about automatic cars below:

1. An automatic car will not start if the gear lever is not in P.
2. When in traffic and the engine is off, the car remains stationary. It does not jump like when using a manual transmission, when shifting the lever to neutral.
3. The car does not roll back when the engine is off on an incline, so passengers remain calm.
4. Concentration while driving is mainly on the monitor below the steering wheel, which shows the vehicle's speed, gear position, lights, fuel tank, and engine temperature.

Read Also: How to Properly Start an Automatic Car

How to Properly Drive an Automatic Car

After knowing the facts about automatic cars, you will surely understand better and be ready to drive an automatic car. Below is a complete guide on how to drive an automatic car for beginners:

1. Ensure the Lever is in Position P or Park

The way to drive an automatic car for beginners is to ensure the lever is in the correct position. Before starting the car, the lever must be in position P, or it can also be in position N.

Make sure the lever is not in the reverse position or R. This position means reverse. An automatic car can only be started if the lever is in position N or P.

2. Do Not Immediately Start the Engine

When you insert the key into the ignition, it is best not to start the engine immediately. However, make sure to wait until the needle spins and the indicators are active or lit.

On some types of automatic cars, usually, to indicate that the indicators are on and the electrical system is active, the car will make a sound.

If all those indicators are active, then you can start your car's engine.

Read Also: 4 Ways to Drive an Automatic Car on a Hill in Traffic

3. Press the Brake Pedal While Starting

For some specific automatic cars, the engine will not be in the on position if you do not press the brake pedal.

Therefore, it is advisable that when you start the car, you immediately press the brake. However, on some automatic cars, this step is not necessary. So make sure you know your vehicle type.

4. Press the Brake Pedal When Shifting the Lever

When the engine can start, the next step you need to take is to shift the lever from position P or N to position R or D.

However, when you shift the gear lever, it is better to do so while pressing the brake pedal. This helps prevent the risk of damage to the automatic car's engine.

5. Understand the Function of the Transmission Lever

The transmission lever, also known as the gear shift, is a very important component in a car. Generally, automatic cars have several transmission settings such as P, D, R, N, M.

Make sure you fully understand each of these transmission functions so that driving an automatic car will be much safer and to avoid making mistakes when shifting gears in this transmission.

6. Use Driving Modes

Now various automatic cars are even equipped with riding modes. You can choose a mode that suits you, one of which is the economical mode.

This mode is perfect for those who want to drive more leisurely using an automatic car.

If you want to drive at a higher speed, you can use the sport mode. This mode will maximize the car's engine performance.

7. Using Manual Transmission

Generally, automatic cars are also equipped with a manual mode. The operation is very easy. You don't even need to shift gears or press the clutch.

The way to operate this manual transmission is by shifting the transmission lever to manual mode, which is symbolized by M.

If you want to shift gears, you just need to move the lever (+) which means to increase gears, or move the lever (-) which is used to decrease gears. To use this mode, you need to press the brake pedal.

Understanding the Levers on Automatic Cars

After knowing some facts and how to drive an automatic car above, you will better understand how to learn to drive an automatic car well if you also understand its levers.

There are some differences between manual transmission cars and automatic transmission cars. The most fundamental difference between manual and automatic transmission cars is the number of pedals.

A manual transmission has 3 pedals, while an automatic has two pedals. Additionally, the levers on automatic cars will be explained in more detail below:

1. P (park) = the P lever is for parking or can be used on congested roads until stopped for a long time, for example, 10 minutes. Make sure the gear lever is in position P when the car is stopped.
2. R(return) = the R lever is used for reversing.
3. N (neutral) = the N lever is used if the road is congested until stopped so that the driver does not get tired. When in N, it should be assisted with the handbrake to ensure the vehicle is completely stopped. In this position, release your foot from the brake and gas pedals.
4. D(drive) = the D lever is for moving forward. Drive consists of D1, D2, and D3. D2 and D1 are used when the vehicle's speed is low.

Make sure the lever is in position P, press the brake pedal, and start the engine. Let it sit for a while to allow the car's engine to warm up. Then shift the lever to D1 if you want to move forward, or to R if you want to reverse, while pressing the brake pedal.

Slowly, lift the brake pedal a little at a time to get the vehicle moving. Only then should you press the gas to increase speed.

Shift the lever to D1, D2, or D3 according to the desired speed. When on an incline, shift the lever to position L. Get used to pressing the brake pedal when shifting the lever. One of the advantages of modern cars is that the door lock automatically engages when the lever is shifted to D.

Similarly, the position of the side mirrors can be adjusted using the buttons located around the driver's door.

Another sophistication of these automatic cars is that there are now several buttons installed on the steering wheel, for example, to set the radio/TV/audio complete with volume buttons.

So, are you interested in owning an automatic car? It doesn't seem difficult to drive, right? After learning how to drive an automatic car