How to Drive an Automatic Car: Step-by-step Guide

Nowadays, automatic cars are happening to become a vogue for obvious reasons. Driving an automatic car is relatively easier than driving a manual car. All you have to do is shift the automatic car gear in D (drive mode) and the car will get moving. Compared to a manual car, an automatic car has only two pedals as there is no clutch pedal right next to the brake. However, for those who are not familiar with how to drive an automatic car, shifting from manual to automatic transmission can prove to be quite perplexing. It takes patience in learning to drive a car with an automatic transmission.

Different Modes for Driving an Automatic Car

There are usually four main functions in an automatic transmission gear shifter. Simply hold the brake down to switch between driving modes, much like you would a clutch in a manual transmission. The following are the fundamental driving modes available in most automatic vehicles:

• P (Parking): Whenever you have to park your car, put the transmission in the P mode.
• R (Reverse): This mode functions like the reverse gear in a manual transmission and should be engaged when need to drive backwards.
• N (Neutral): The major difference between the neutral and parking modes is that in the parking mode the drive wheels get locked while they are free to move in the neutral mode. If you want to tow your car, you need to put the transmission in the N or neutral mode.
• D (Drive): If you want to drive the car, put it in the D mode and control the speed of your car with the help of the accelerator and the brake. In some cars, the D mode has some extra positions. These are 3, 2 and L which can vary from vehicle to vehicle. L mode is akin to the first gear and 3 and 2 modes of the drive mode are usually used in hilly areas.

In high end cars, you can also see an S mode which is the sport mode and it improves the handling of the car. Another mode is the B mode which increases the engine drag and braking. The M mode is the manual mode which allows you to change gears.

Avoid pressing down on the brake pedal in an automatic car in the same manner you would on the clutch pedal in a manual car! This will result in an unplanned emergency stop.

How to Drive an Automatic Car in 5 Easy Steps

It’s time to find out how to drive an automatic car now that you’ve become more familiar with the automatic car gear. While automatic cars are simple to operate, starting and stopping the vehicle can be a challenge.

1. When you step into an automatic car, you should find the auto gear shift in the Parking position.
2. Press the left-hand pedal (the brake) with you right foot and start the car using the key or push start button. Do not let go off the brake as you shift to Drive or Reverse, based on which direction you want to go.
3. When you take your foot off the brake, most automatic vehicles will ‘creep’ forward, which is useful for parking and driving through low-speed traffic.
4. To accelerate, press the accelerator with your right foot to the extent that sets the right speed. Once the vehicle is on move, the automatic gear system will select the appropriate gear for the speed required.
5. Once you’ve completed your journey and the automatic car has come to a complete halt, maintain your foot on the brake and shift the lever to ‘P,’ then turn off the ignition and exit the vehicle.

See the video below:

4 Types of Automatic Gear System

Before getting on with automatic car driving training, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the four different types of automatic gearboxes that drive a car.

1. Conventional Automatic Gearboxes

Conventional automatic gearboxes, the most widespread and developed automatic car gear, function a torque converter in place of the clutch, working anywhere from three to ten ratios, however consuming more fuel than manuals.

2. Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT)

CVTs are used in hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius, replacing the functioning of gears with a belt that operates as a single gear ratio.

The lack of gears provides a seamless driving experience as the car no longer has to shift in between gears. However, acceleration has been found to be slightly slower than conventional automated gear system.

3. Dual-Clutch Automatics

Dual-clutch automatics use two automatically controlled clutches, similar to standard automatic gearboxes but without the torque converter. The gear you’re in is controlled by one clutch, while the second clutch prepares the gear you want to change to.

Dual-clutch automatics are widely employed in VW Group vehicles, ranging from the DSG in the Volkswagen Golf to the PDK in Porsches.

4. Automated Manual Gearboxes

Automated manual gearboxes, like regular manual car gear, shift gears automatically and operate the clutch with an internal computer rather than a pedal.

In the world of automatic gear system, such gearboxes formerly ruled supreme. However, the unusual differential in their gear shifting have caused automated manual gearboxes to fall out of favour in recent years.

9 Useful Tips to Drive an Automatic Car

The following lists some do’s and don’ts of driving an automatic car:

1. If your car is not in parking or neutral mode, a car with an automatic transmission will not start as the transmission presumes that it is in a gear.
2. So if your car is not picking up the ignition, this means that you do not have the transmission in neutral or parking mode.
3. Moreover, when you are putting the transmission in neutral or parking mode, do not press on the accelerator as this puts undue pressure on the transmission which can break component parts.
4. If due to some malfunction, the gear lever is not moving, you can use the car’s keys or a sharp object like a screwdriver to press on the shift lock.
5. This will help in unlocking the gear shifter. Put the car in neutral mode and you can tow the car to the nearest workshop. 
6. The major parts of an automatic transmission consist of a torque converter, oil pump, gear set, clutch pads, and output shaft.
7. Make sure that when you are shifting between the D and R modes, the car is in a stationary position.
8. Do not put the car in neutral mode when traveling down the mountain as it frees the car and you lose most of the control of your car.
9. Moreover, do not put the car in the parking mode unless you are at a complete halt. 

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