Cars with automatic transmissions are very popular with newer and older drivers, as they are generally easier to operate than manual transmissions and could be much more comfortable on long trips. The simple steps below will guide you in your learning to operate an automatic transmission car, but remember: before operating a motor vehicle, please make sure you have a valid driver's license and understand all local traffic laws.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare to Drive
Step 1. Get in the car
Unlock the car with the buttons on the ignition key (the fob) or unlock the door with the key and enter the car from the driver's side.
Step 2. Adjust the car to your needs
Adjust the seat in whatever direction you need to so you can comfortably reach the controls and can see out the windows. Move the mirrors so you can see behind and to the sides of the vehicle clearly. Identify the car's blind spots before you start driving, so you can check them before making any turns or lane changes.
Step 3. Identify the controls
Before you begin, it is essential that you find the accelerator and brake pedals, steering wheel, gear stick, light controls, defroster, and windshield wipers.
- The accelerator and brake pedals are located on the floor, where your feet are. The brake is a large pedal on the left side and the accelerator is smaller on the right.
- The steering wheel is a large circle located in front of the driver's seat. Turn it to the right or left to move the front tires.
- Behind the wheel is the steering column. Usually on the left side of the column is the turn signal lever (it is used to signal that you are going to turn), which has two safety positions: up and down. On the sides of the console, look for a button that you can turn to turn on the lights; It is usually on the left side of the steering wheel or on one of the steering column levers.
- The gear lever is located in one of two places: on the steering column on the right side or on a console between the driver and front passenger. At its base it will have the following letters: “P”, “R”, “N”, “D” and some numbers that indicate the gearbox changes. If the car has the gear stick on the steering column, you will see the letters on the console in front of you, below the speedometer.
Step 4. Fasten the seat belt
Make sure you and the passengers in the vehicle are wearing a seatbelt at all times.
Part 2 of 3: Operating the Vehicle in "Drive"
Step 1. Start the car
Place your right foot on the brake pedal and press down, then insert the key and turn it clockwise to start the vehicle.
Step 2. Select the change
Keep your foot on the brake pedal and move the lever to “Drive,” which means to drive in English. This change will be marked with a “D” on the panel and will illuminate when you have successfully selected it.
- If the shifter is mounted on the steering column, pull the lever toward you and shift it to the gear you need.
- If the lever is mounted on the console between the seats, it will usually have a button to allow it to be unlocked and moved smoothly to the position you want.
Step 3. Release the parking brake
This will be a lever between the two front seats or a pedal on the left side of the footwell. There could be a release lever above the parking brake or a button on top that you need to press to release it.
Step 4. Check your surroundings
Look around the entire car, including blind spots, to see if there are any moving objects or people nearby. Make sure you are looking primarily in the direction that you are moving.
Step 5. Make the car move
Gently begin to take pressure off the brake pedal and the car will begin to move. Take your foot off the brake, use the same foot to gently press the accelerator and the car will start moving faster. There is no need to move the gear stick while driving normally on the road.
Step 6. Turn the steering wheel to spin the car
In "Drive," turn the steering wheel to the left to make the car turn left; right to turn right.
Step 7. Hit the brake to slow down or stop the car
Take your right foot off the gas and put it on the brake, gradually apply pressure so that the car does not jerk when braking. When you want to start over, step your right foot back on the gas.
Step 8. Park the car
When you have reached your destination, bring the vehicle to a complete stop, to do so you must gradually apply pressure to the brake pedal, then move the gear lever to the “P” position, which means “Park”, or park. Turn off the engine by turning the key counterclockwise. Don't forget to turn off the headlights and apply the parking brake before getting out of the car.
Part 3 of 3: Operate other changes
Step 1. Drive in reverse
If you need to drive in reverse, make sure the vehicle is completely stopped before shifting to the “R” of “Reverse” or from this shift to another. Move the lever to "R" and check behind and around you for any possible obstructions. Gently take your foot off the brake and place it on the accelerator.
When you shift into reverse, your car will go in the opposite direction from the direction you turn the wheel. You will go backwards, so the back of the car will swing in that direction instead of the front
Step 2. Use the “Neutral” shift
This gear should only be used when you have no need to control the speed of your car, no when you are driving normally. For example, when you are stopped for a short period of time or when the car is being pushed or towed.
Step 3. Use the changes at the bottom
The gears marked “1”, “2” and “3” are known as the low gears, or low gears, which function as an engine braking system when you need to save on the foot brakes. When you go up a slope you can use this technique. However, this first gear should only be used when you go very slowly. There will be no need to brake when you go between these gears and “Drive”.
Advice
- Drive defensively and pay attention to your surroundings when operating a vehicle.
- Check your mirrors periodically.
- No use one foot for the brake and one foot for the accelerator. Use your right foot for both pedals and leave your left foot on the floor.
- Apply pressure on both the brake and accelerator pedals smoothly and gradually.
- The "low shifts" (3, 2, and 1) do not automatically shift to D.
In Venezuela, these low changes are called L3, L2 and L1
- Always pay attention to traffic signs.
- It is advisable to avoid pressing the accelerator continuously if you want to optimize fuel consumption. This will keep the torque pressure low.
Warnings
- Never operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
- Keep your eyes on the road; never text and drive at the same time.
- Comply with all local traffic laws and always drive with a valid license.
- Secure your car when you leave it unattended.
- When shifting from “R” to “D” or vice versa, the car must be completely completed before selecting any of these positions, or it could cause serious transmission damage.
- Always come to a complete stop when shifting into the “P” position or the transmission could be seriously damaged.
- Stepping on the D-throttle too hard could cause the vehicle to jerk and cause the drive wheels to spin.
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