Automatic cars are taking over roads with sales in the UK reaching new heights. In fact over 60% of new cars sold in recent years were automatic. It’s a huge leap from just a decade ago. So why the shift? With their fuel efficiency, ease of driving & lower maintenance costs automatic cars are becoming preferred choice for many drivers.
But if you’ve spent years driving manual car stepping into an automatic car can feel a little overwhelming. Don’t worry! It’s easier than you think! GClass drivers will walk you through everything you need to know from getting started to driving confidently. Whether you’re making the switch or just curious about the differences we’ve got all the tips and info you need to drive an automatic with ease.
How to Drive Automatic Car?
Here are the steps to drive an automatic car safely and efficiently.
Starting the Car
- Adjust & Fasten: Adjust seat and mirrors, then fasten your seatbelt
- Press Brake: Hold the brake with your right foot
- Start Engine: Turn the key or push the start button
- Shift Gear: Move the gear to D (Drive) or R (Reverse)
- Release Parking Brake: Lower parking brake lever or press release pedal
Driving the Car
- Keep it in D: Drive without shifting gears; the car adjusts automatically
- Use Right Foot: Operate both accelerator and brake with your right foot
- Reverse (R): Stop completely, shift to R, and reverse
- Use Lower Gears (L/1/2): For towing, steep hills, or slippery conditions
- Avoid Neutral (N): Only use N if the car is being towed
Parking the Car
- Back In: Shift to R to reverse into a parking spot
- Engage Parking Brake: Pull the lever or press the parking brake pedal
- Shift to Park (P): Move the gear to P and release the brake
- Turn Wheels (Hills): Turn wheels toward the curb when parking downhill, away when uphill
- Switch Off: Turn off the car and lock it
Differences Between Manual and Automatic Cars
First of all you need to know the main differences between Manual & Automatic Cars
No Traditional Gears in Automatics
Automatics use a “D” for Drive instead of manual gears (1-5) and include options like “P” (Park) and “R” (Reverse). Some also offer a manual mode for added control.
Two Pedals vs Three
Automatics have just the accelerator and brake, while manuals include a clutch pedal, making automatics simpler for beginners.
No Stalling in Automatics
Automatics eliminate the risk of stalling since there’s no clutch or manual gear changes involved.
Smoother Driving
Modern automatics are smooth and ideal for stop-and-go traffic, with no jerky gear changes.
Easier for Learners
Automatic driving feels more intuitive, like operating a go-kart with simple “stop-and-go” pedals.
How Do Automatic Cars Work?
Automatic cars have gearboxes that handle gear changes for you. Instead of manually shifting gears, the car does it automatically based on speed and driving conditions.
Basic Driving Modes
- P – Park: Locks the transmission to prevent rolling, use with the handbrake.
- R – Reverse: Used to drive backward, just like in a manual.
- N – Neutral: Stops power to the wheels; use with brakes at traffic lights or brief stops.
- D – Drive: Moves forward, automatically shifting gears as speed increases.
Effortless control, just select the mode, and you’re good to go!
Types of Automatic Gearboxes
4 main types of Automatic Gearboxes are:
Conventional Automatic Gearboxes
Use a torque converter instead of a clutch, with 3-10 gear ratios. Common and smooth but less fuel-efficient than manuals.
Continuously Variable Transmissions
Found in hybrids, CVTs use a belt for smooth, gear-free acceleration. Smooth and efficient but slower to accelerate.
Dual-Clutch Automatics
Feature two clutches for quick gear changes, ideal for sports cars needing fast performance.
Automated Manual Gearboxes
Use an onboard computer to shift gears automatically, but jerky performance has made them less popular.
Benefits of Driving an Automatic Car
Some of the main benefits of automatic driving are given below:
- Easy to Drive: Focus more on the road, less on shifting gears.
- Ideal for Learners: Perfect for nervous drivers who struggle with multitasking.
- Smooth Experience: Just steer, accelerate, or brake. There are no clutch or gear worries.
- Safer Driving: Keep both hands on the wheel and stay focused on the road.
- Fuel Efficient: Modern automatics select the best gear for optimal fuel use.
- Traffic-Friendly: No constant gear changes in stop-and-go traffic.
- Simpler Parking: No clutch or gear hassle. Just control speed with pedals.
Tips for Automatic Driving
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Understand Gearstick Settings
- 1, 2, L: These settings keep the car in lower gears, which is helpful for climbing hills.
- S (Sport): This mode provides faster acceleration for a sportier driving experience.
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No Clutch Pedal
- Automatic cars only have a brake and an accelerator pedal.
- Avoid pressing both pedals at the same time, as it can damage the car.
- If you’re used to manual cars, tuck your left foot behind your right foot to prevent accidentally using it.
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Watch Out for Creeping
- Automatic cars move forward or backward slowly when in Drive or Reverse.
- Keep your right foot on or near the brake pedal, especially when parking or in slow traffic.
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Use Neutral and Handbrake
- To prevent the car from moving unintentionally, select Neutral and apply the handbrake when stationary.
With these tips, driving an automatic car becomes simpler and safer!
G-Class Drivers At Your Service
Driving an automatic car is simpler, smoother and safer making it a great choice for learners and experienced drivers alike. From easy gear shifts to better fuel efficiency, automatic cars are transforming the driving experience.
Ready to master the art of automatic driving? GClass Drivers are here to help! Whether you’re looking for Automatic Driving Lessons, searching for an automatic driving school near me, or want to enroll in Automatic Driving Classes, we’ve got you covered. Our experts will teach you everything you need to know about Automatic Transmission driving and get you confidently on the road in no time!
FAQs
How do I start an automatic car?
Adjust your seat and mirrors, fasten your seatbelt, press the brake, start the engine, shift to “D” (Drive) or “R” (Reverse), and release the parking brake.
What does “creeping” mean in automatic cars?
Creeping refers to the car moving slowly forward or backward when in “D” (Drive) or “R” (Reverse) without pressing the accelerator.
Do automatic cars have a clutch pedal?
No, automatic cars only have two pedals: the accelerator and the brake.
When should I use “Neutral” in an automatic car?
Use “N” only for brief stops, such as at traffic lights, and always apply the brake or handbrake to prevent rolling.
What is the purpose of “1,” “2,” or “L” on the gearstick?
These modes keep the car in lower gears, ideal for towing, climbing steep hills, or driving in slippery conditions.
Are automatic cars better for beginners?
Yes, automatics are easier to drive, with no gear shifting or clutch handling, making them perfect for learners.
Where can I take automatic driving lessons?
Enroll with GClass Drivers, your trusted partner for Automatic Driving Lessons, Automatic Driving Classes, or simply search for an automatic driving school near me to get started!
