You have purchased a car with an automatic transmission and do not know how to handle a new type of transmission. Our simple tips will help you understand how to drive a car with automatic transmission and avoid the most common mistakes of motorists.
What is the difference between automatic transmission and manual transmission
Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to properly use an automatic transmission on a car, mistakenly believing that the operation of such a machine is practically no different from using a manual transmission. But this approach leads to a decrease in the potential of the transmission and even its breakdown.
The manual transmission has its advantages, but most modern motorists choose the automatic transmission. It is easier to drive such cars, since they do not have a clutch pedal. There are only two pedals - brake and gas. Learning to drive a car with automatic transmission is easier, but those who have been driving a car with a mechanic for a long time cannot get used to the peculiarities of using an automatic transmission.
Its main advantage is the ability to automatically select the gear ratio in accordance with road conditions. This is a convenient feature as gear shifting does not require movements such as pressing the clutch pedal during gear changes, stops and starts.
However, it should be understood that using the automatic box requires certain knowledge and skills. And first you need to figure out what modes it has.
Automatic transmission modes
To understand how to use the automatic transmission correctly. you need to understand the intricacies of its regimes. The box contains letters with the corresponding meanings:
P - parking mode. This position helps to start the unit. It can be turned on only after the car has completely stopped and the driver has put the handbrake into active mode.
D - driving mode. It helps to activate the driving mode of the car, while the transmission is automatically transferred to the desired modes. It is in this mode that the transmission stays the longest.
R - reverse. It can only be activated when the vehicle is at a complete stop and the brakes are held.
N - neutral mode, transfers the engine to idle, torque is not transmitted to the wheels at this time. It is not recommended to turn it on while the car is moving. As a rule, it is used to warm up the engine during a cold period.
D3 - engine speed reduction position. In this mode, braking is more effective, it is applied on small inclines and descents.
D2 - used in extreme driving conditions, for example, when driving on mountain streamers or ice.
Switching the lever from mode D to position D2 and D3 can be carried out directly while the vehicle is moving.
Driving a car with an automatic transmission as a whole is not much different from driving a mechanic. However, it requires adherence to certain rules and knowledge of some points that will help you get the most out of the powertrain's capabilities.
How to properly operate the automatic gearbox
To start the engine, you must press the brake pedal, and without releasing it, move the gear lever from position P, N or R to position D. Many drivers during the training process may forget that the brake pedal must be pressed. ...
In order to increase the speed of the car, it is enough just to push harder on the gas pedal, and the engine will automatically pick up the required number of revolutions. Unlike operating a manual transmission, this does not require any effort on the part of the driver, thus the reaction to the road situation is greatly accelerated. In order to slow down, you just need to release the accelerator pedal, that is, the gas. The less force is applied to it, the slower the machine will move.
To stop completely or quickly reduce speed, simply use the brake pedal. To then start moving again, you just need to move your foot from the brake to the gas. In this case, the gear lever can constantly remain in the driving mode, that is, in position D. It makes sense to switch to another gear only during long stops with the engine completely muffled.
When driving in the city, the driver simply needs to switch the selector lever to the "drive" position, after which, while decreasing and increasing speeds, he will need to operate the gas and brake pedals. Everything is extremely simple here, which is why most city cars are equipped with automatic transmissions.
Using winter mode
Most new cars are equipped with an additional mode for driving in winter. It is designated by the symbols "*", "W", "SNOW", "HOLD", "WINTER". This mode is very convenient when driving on snowy or icy roads. Its purpose is to eliminate slippage and drifts. He completely disables first gear.
