Don't Get It Wrong, Here Are 7 Ways to Drive an Automatic Car for Beginners

For friends who are driving an automatic car for the first time, you may be confused about how this car should be operated. This confusion is often expressed by people who have never driven before. For those who are used to driving cars, of course, driving both automatic and manual cars will not feel so different. You may be wondering how to drive an automatic car for beginners. Driving this type of car is considered quite easy, and once you get used to it, driving an automatic car will be easier compared to driving a manual car.

This is because you do not need to manage the clutch or change gears, as all of this can be done automatically. Therefore, this car is considered more comfortable, especially for those living in big cities with high traffic congestion.

You only need to perform stop and go without having to shift gears or press the clutch first. However, for those who are driving this car for the first time, you must be careful. This is because you might accidentally press the brake pedal instead of the gas pedal since you are not used to it. Of course, if this happens, it can be dangerous.

There are many cases that show car accidents due to mistakenly pressing the brake and gas pedals. You certainly do not want to experience the same thing, right? Therefore, you need to learn various things about how to drive an automatic car correctly until you finally master driving it on the road. Here are some ways to drive an automatic car for those who are still beginners.

How to Drive an Automatic Car for Beginners

Here are some things to pay attention to when you are driving an automatic car for the first time or if you are still classified as a beginner.

1. Make Sure 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 Start the Engine Immediately

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 rotates and the indicators are active or lit. In 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 these indicators are active, then you can start your car's engine.

3. Press the Brake Pedal While Starting

For some specific automatic cars, the engine will not start if you do not press and hold the brake pedal. Therefore, it is advisable that when you start the car, you press the brake. However, in 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 lever in the transmission, it is better to do so while pressing the brake pedal. This is useful to 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 function of these transmissions 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 quite easy. You do not even need to shift gears or press the clutch. The way to operate this manual transmission is to shift the transmission lever to manual mode, which is symbolized by M. If you want to shift gears, you only 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.

Those are 7 ways to drive an automatic car for beginners that you need to know. Essentially, driving an automatic car is indeed easier compared to driving a conventional car. For those who are already used to driving conventional cars, it will not take long to get used to driving an automatic car. If you are a beginner, make sure to drive this car on quiet roads first, and only after mastering it should you drive it on busy roads for safety.