How to Drive an Automatic Car in Traffic Correctly and Safely

The way to drive automotive vehicles certainly varies depending on the type of vehicle. For example, for four-wheeled vehicles, we recognize two types of car transmissions, namely manual and automatic. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to the road conditions, whether it is uphill, congested, or smooth. Unfortunately, many people underestimate driving an automatic car, so they do not pay attention to how to drive an automatic car in traffic.

Driving an automatic car is indeed easier than driving a manual car. This is because an automatic car does not require gear shifting every time you change position or reduce speed. However, easier does not mean that driving an automatic car in traffic can be done carelessly. There are several components of an automatic car that you need to pay attention to as follows.

Know the Parts of the Car Lever

The lever in an automatic car is distinguished by its letters. There are at least P, R, N, and D levers that you need to understand their functions. The P (Park) lever is set when the car is in a parked position or stopped. Drivers usually set the car to the P lever position when they are in a traffic jam, so the car must stop for more than 10 minutes.

The R (Reverse) lever is the automatic car lever used when the car will move backward. The N (Neutral) lever is used by drivers in traffic jams until they come to a complete stop to avoid fatigue. However, when the lever is in the N position, the car can still move on the road. Therefore, if you want the car to stop completely, use the handbrake.

The D (Drive) lever is used when the car will move forward. On the D lever, there are options for D1, D2, and D3, which work almost similarly to the gears in a manual transmission car. For beginners who are still learning to drive, they can set the lever to the D1 position.

Set the Transmission According to Traffic Conditions

Traffic jams on urban roads that cause cars to stop have many factors. For example, you may have to stop on the road because the traffic light is red for a few seconds, or you may have to stop briefly due to congestion caused by vehicles in front. The difference in stopping time on the road will determine the type of transmission you should set in the car.

For traffic conditions that are not too severe, where you have to stop for less than 10 seconds, it is sufficient to leave the lever in the D position. In brief stops, you can keep the lever in the D position to make you more alert when you need to move forward. Keeping the lever in the D position during brief stops has the benefit of making the hydraulic pump work lighter.

Meanwhile, if the traffic jam is long and requires you to stop for more than 10 seconds, it is advisable to shift the transmission to the neutral position. Move the lever to the N position and then activate the parking brake. The purpose of positioning the car in this state is to prevent the car from moving forward if the brake pedal is accidentally released. Another benefit is to prevent the engine from becoming heavy due to friction in the transmission and to make fuel consumption more economical.

If you are driving an automatic car on an uphill road and in a traffic jam, there are some differences in driving an automatic car in traffic on an incline compared to flat roads. This is because uphill road conditions carry the risk of the car rolling backward if positioned incorrectly, posing a threat to other vehicles behind the car.

Check the Incline and Its Tendencies

The incline and slope of roads vary. When you are stuck in traffic on an uphill road, you need to understand the incline of the road both behind and in front of you. Additionally, you need to understand the curves of the road, whether they are sharp or not. This is to prepare you better for the road conditions.

Set the Transmission Lever According to the Steepness of the Terrain

The correct transmission plays an important role in how smoothly you drive the car. For steep roads in mountainous terrain, set the transmission to D2 when the conditions are no longer congested and you can move. For steeper roads, you can shift the transmission lever to D1. The D1 position in an automatic car can be said to function almost similarly to the 1st gear in a manual car. The D1 position can also be used when you are stuck in traffic on an uphill road and need to move slowly.

How to Shift the Lever Safely

When you are on an incline and the road is not smooth due to a traffic jam, you should know how to shift the lever safely. You are prohibited from not using the brake at all or, conversely, pressing the brake too hard when you want to shift the lever from D to D1 or D2. To shift the lever safely, simply press the button on the car's gear shift or shifter.