How to Overtake with an Automatic Car Correctly, Let's Find Out!

The correct way to overtake with an automatic car is one of the important techniques that drivers of automatic cars must master. This is because overtaking with an automatic car is not as easy as it seems. If the driver does not master the operation of the automatic car, the car's engine will feel slow when it is about to be used for overtaking. Below will be explained in detail about the correct way to overtake with an automatic car as follows. 

The Correct Way to Overtake with an Automatic Car 

There are several ways you need to know when you want to overtake using an automatic car. The methods are as follows. 

1. Master the automatic car gear codes

To facilitate the overtaking process, automatic car drivers must understand the meaning of all the codes found on the gear shift. The complete codes of automatic car gear along with their meanings are as follows. 

• P (Parking): used to lock the transmission so that the car engine cannot move when used for stopping for a long time or parking. 
• R (Reverse): used to reverse the car.
• N (Neutral): used to stop the car momentarily similar to the parking code function, but the car can still move if pushed. 
• D (Drive): used to move the car or accelerate the car on flat roads.
• L (Low): used to increase torque when going down steep slopes. In some automatic cars, this code is written with the number 1 which means the car engine is limited to gear 1 only. 
• Number 2: used to go up and down slopes that are not too steep. 
• Number 3: used to limit the engine speed ratio to gear 3 only. 

2. Pay attention to your safety and other road users

You may feel annoyed if there are other vehicles in front of you driving slowly. This will make you want to overtake. Before overtaking, make sure you pay attention to your safety and other road users. Observe the traffic signs around you. Also, pay attention to your visibility before overtaking and ensure that no other vehicles are passing from the opposite direction.

3. Increase power

When you are about to overtake, you will need extra power. To increase power, you can use the kick down technique (fully pressing) on the gas pedal. This kickdown technique will automatically shift the transmission down to a lower gear, thus increasing the car's acceleration. Additionally, you can also use other techniques such as shifting the D (Drive) lever to position 3. After overtaking, return the lever to position D while considering a safe distance. 

4. Ensure the car is in prime condition

Before overtaking, make sure your car is in prime condition and not overloaded. 

5. Always check mirrors and blind spots

Next, pay attention to the front and side mirrors and ensure there are no other vehicles around you. If the conditions do not allow, avoid the urge to overtake. 

6. Turn on the turn signal when overtaking

When about to overtake, make sure to signal using the turn signal. 

7. Avoid following other vehicles that are overtaking

If vehicles around you are trying to overtake the vehicle in front of you, make sure you do not follow suit as it could potentially lead to a collision or loss of control. 

Thus, the correct way to overtake using an automatic car that you need to know. As explained above, the prime condition of the car is the key to success when overtaking. Therefore, service your car regularly and periodically at an official Daihatsu workshop to ensure the car is always in prime condition.