How to Drive an Automatic Car?

How Do Automatic Cars Work?

Automatic cars have a simple transformation, unlike manual cars. You need not put major effort into changing the gears as it will be done by the automatic transformation. The manual gearbox will have a clutch, accelerator and brake. The automatic gearbox will not have a clutch and it will allow you to select between park, reverse, drive and neutral. The functions of automatic cars are very simple.

 

The automatic car will only have a gear stick and two pedals— the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal.

 

Neutral

The neutral has the same function as the manual cars. The neutral gear helps the car to stop moving forward, like when stopping at a signal or traffic. It prevents the car from moving and to move the car forward you have to change the gear or use the drive pedal.

 

Drive

By opting for “Drive” you will be able to move the car. The “Drive” will let you automatically choose the gear. You need not change the gears manually. According to the speed, the gears will be adjusted.

 

Park

“Park” is used while parking the car and stepping out. This will lock the transmission and prevent it from rolling. However, even if you choose the “Park” option you should apply the handbrake.

 

Reverse

The “Reverse” helps you to reverse the car. This can be opted for while taking your car in reverse. The only function that will be the same in the manual and automatic cars is the “Reverse” option.

 

Different Types of Automatic Transmission Cars

Automatic cars change the gears on their own without the driver changing them with the help of the clutch pedal. However, there are different types of automatic transmission or gearbox for the cars. Some of the commonly used ones are listed below.

 

Conventional automatic transmission

These types of transmission use a torque converter instead of a clutch, making them smoother than the other automatic transmission. These transmission cars have a higher fuel consumption than the manual cars.

 

Continuous Variable Transmission

Continuous Variable Transmission is commonly used in hybrid cars as they use a belt instead of gears. These belts function as a single gear ratio and they tend to be more reliable and efficient. Additionally, it also provides a smooth driving experience as the driver need not shift between the gears.

 

However, the transmission is said to have a slower acceleration when compared to other gearboxes. And in some cases, the engine can be loud if speeding up occurs suddenly.

 

Dual Clutch Automatics

From the name dual-clutch automatic gearbox, it runs on two clutches but will be operated automatically. The dual-clutch automatics replace the torque converter. The gears are aligned in such a way that it allows rapid gear changes.

 

Automated Manual Gearbox

Automated Manual Transmission uses a computer and an actuator to shift gears based on the engine speed. The automated manual gearbox has a stick, which helps to select the drive mode. Once, the drive mode is set, the gearbox will shift between the gears and you need not do it manually.

 

In most cases, they are very smooth, however, in some cases, you might experience a slight jerk while shifting gears automatically. The automated manual gearbox is considered as the cost-effective option and is used in most cars.

 

How to Start an Automatic Car: Step-by-step Guide?

• The step-by-step guide will help you on how to start an automatic car and move it forward.

• The steps to start an automatic car are the same as that of a manual car. However, certain steps may differ.

• First, like the manual car, insert the key and then push the brake pedal. Now, press the start button.

• Do not remove your leg from the brake pedal and move the shifter to the “D” meaning drive. Now, release the handbrake and your vehicle will move forward. 

• Now, slowly remove your leg from the brake pedal and gently push the accelerator pedal with your right foot. 

• After, moving forward, the automatic gearbox will shift the gear according to the speed of the car. 

 

How To Stop an Automatic Car: Step-by-Step Guide?

• Stopping an automatic car is as easy as starting an automatic car. Once you reduce the speed of the speed of the vehicle, the gearbox will shift to a lower gear.

• Now, push on the brake pedal, where the car stops. And shift the gear stick to “P” meaning parking. 

• After parking, apply the handbrake and then turn off the ignition.

The next step after knowing how to start and stop a car is to drive the car efficiently. Driving habits can make a major difference in effectively driving your car. Simple steps to drive an automatic car efficiently are listed below.

 

Plan your route to avoid congestion: When starting new, try to avoid routes that are usually packed with traffic. Instead, plan a route that has less traffic. In case, if you have to commute daily by that route, make sure to start early to avoid congestion.

 

Efficient driving practice: Improve your driving skills by maintaining a persistent speed and only driving in safe speed limits. Applying brakes also makes a major difference and improves the driving experience.

 

Use of neutral gear: Practice applying neutral gear while stopping in signals. If the transmission is on the drive and the engine is idle, it can cause fuel consumption. Also, when in neutral apply the handbrake for safety.

 

Cruise control feature: If the automatic transmission car, has the feature of cruise control, use it for better efficiency. Cruise control is an option in automatic cars, that allows you to maintain at a set speed. This will help you achieve better mileage and fuel efficiency.

 

Tyre pressure in check: Driving your car with proper tyre pressure can help you increase fuel efficiency.

 

How To Drive an Automatic Car in Traffic?

Driving an automatic car in traffic is easy when compared to driving a manual car. However, automatic cars reduce the load of the gear change, still, it requires skill to drive in jam-packed roads.

 

Do not try to over speed suddenly in traffic. When driving on a jam-packed road, try to move along the idle speed of the automatic car. When you need to stop, just apply the brake. In case, if you press the accelerator, due to speed differences, it can lead to unnecessary jerks.

 

Do not try to overtake from the left side, instead try to overtake from the right side. Stick to the correct lane and while changing lanes, use a turn indicator.

 

How To Drive an Automatic Car in Hilly Areas?

Driving a car in city traffic will require a certain skill and driving a vehicle in a hilly area will require a different set of skills.

 

While climbing the hills and wanting to apply brakes, have the practice of applying handbrakes. This will help you avoid stress on the brakes. This is because while applying brakes in a flat road, it is easy to apply brakes but while climbing uphill, handbrakes can have better control.

 

When climbing down, make sure you leave a better way for heavy vehicles like buses and trucks. Additionally, do not try to overtake in hilly regions as they can have blind spots. Engage brakes harder while climbing down the hilly region than on a flat road.

 

When stopping or parking the car, in a hilly region make sure to shift the gear stick to “P” parking and engage the handbrake.

 

Can You Drive an Automatic Car Like a Manual Car?

Yes, you can drive an automatic car like a manual car, but the automatic transmission will do the gear shift for you and you can concentrate fully on your driving. Additionally, the automatic transmission also has a manual mode, that allows you to control your gears manually.

 

Driving an automatic car can be easy to move around, especially in traffic. Shriram Car Insurance provides insurance for both automatic and manual cars. Additionally, there is a wide range of add-on options like Zero Depreciation, Road Side Assistance, Engine Protector and Motor Protection Cover.

 

FAQs 

1. Is driving an automatic car easy?

Yes, driving an automatic car is more easy when compared to driving a manual car. In a manual car, you have to shift gears whereas, in an automatic car the transmission system will change gears according to the driver. Automatic cars can be easy to drive while stuck in traffic, as gear change will be taken care of by the transmission system.

 

2. What does “N” in automatic gear mean?

The “N” stands for neutral in the automatic transmission box. The neutral in the automatic car has the same function as that of the manual car. When the car is in neutral, the vehicle will not move forward and will be helpful, while towing the vehicle.

 

3. What are the disadvantages of driving an automatic car?

In most cases, automatic cars are easy to drive and have a lot of advantages also. However, there are certain disadvantages like the cost of automatic cars can be higher when compared to manual cars and the cost of servicing also can be slightly higher.