How to Properly Park an Automatic Car
Driving an automatic car seems easy and very simple. Friends do not need to think about the clutch pedal for the car to move, reverse, stop, and park the vehicle.
In fact, the procedure for driving an automatic car is not that simple. There are still many misconceptions about this.
In fact, many of these mistakes can lead to disasters. On the other hand, such behavior can reduce the lifespan of car components.
One small mistake is the correct way to park the car. The correct way to park an automatic car is not to shift the gear to P first before the parking brake or handbrake. Instead, pull the parking brake first, then shift the transmission to P.
There are some vehicles whose automatic transmissions are quite sensitive. If you often shift to P before parking, then what gets locked is the gearbox.
Now, this gearbox will wear out quickly if that habit is often done. As a result, the components of the automatic car will break down quickly and need to be replaced at an inappropriate time. You wouldn't want to waste money because of this small mistake, right?
Tips for Handling the Automatic Car Lever
As a car owner, friends must understand the characteristics of automatic cars. In fact, they are not like cars with manual transmissions.
There are several mistakes that need to be avoided. Here is a complete review.
1. Parking Lever Position
The recommended transmission position for automatic cars when parking is the lever in position P. Some cars are equipped with sensors, so the car cannot be started if it is not in position P.
This can help prevent the car from jumping when started.
2. Press the brake pedal when starting the car
Make sure the pedal is in position P or N when parking (in a parallel condition). Then pressing the brake when starting the car can prevent the car from jumping when started.
3. When stopping for a long time
When stopping for a long time with the engine running, such as when waiting for the green light, position the transmission lever in N (neutral) and pull the parking brake as a safety measure.
Then do not position the lever in D and press the brake pedal when stopping for a long time. Especially at red lights. This can cause the brakes to heat up quickly and there is a possibility that the car will roll forward when the foot brake is released.
4. Parallel parking
In this condition, position the lever to N and make sure to release the lock by activating the Shift Lock to release the transmission lever lock.
5. Stopping on an incline
When stopping on an incline due to traffic, do not press the gas pedal to hold the car as it will cause the transmission to overheat. Just position the lever to N, then pull the handbrake.
6. Press the brake pedal when shifting gears
Always remember to press the brake pedal when shifting the transmission lever either forward or backward. This method can prevent the potential for the car to jump if the brake pedal is not pressed.
7. When going downhill
When facing a downhill road, especially if it is quite long and steep, try to shift the transmission to utilize engine braking. Shift the lever to gear 2, 3, or L.
8. Use low gear to increase power
Friends need to know that automatic cars can also use additional power to increase strength when overtaking vehicles. So when you need extra power while overtaking, shift the lever to gear 2, 3, or L.
9. Prevent transmission from easily breaking
Another special treatment for automatic cars is to handle the lever gently when shifting it. This method can prevent the transmission lever from easily breaking and becoming rough.
Thus, the review on how to park an automatic car and the proper treatment to avoid procedural mistakes. The methods above can also make automatic cars last longer.
One more thing, in automatic cars, the most important thing is the brakes. So it is wise to perform regular maintenance on the brakes for safety while driving.
Author: Dinno Baskoro
