Things to Consider When Driving an Automatic Car
Things to Consider When Driving an Automatic Car
Automatic cars are more commonly preferred compared to manual cars in recent years. Automatic transmissions are especially favored by beginner drivers. However, for those who have been driving manual cars for many years, the transition may be challenging. To get the best performance from an automatic transmission, there are a few things to pay attention to. Here’s a guide to what you need to be aware of when driving an automatic car:
Use One Foot Only
When driving an automatic car, using both feet may cause you to press both the brake and accelerator pedals simultaneously in sudden situations. This increases the likelihood of an accident and may shorten the lifespan of important components like transmission fluid, torque converter, and brake fluid. Therefore, use only your right foot to control both the brake and accelerator pedals.
Don’t Keep the Car in Drive (D) Mode While Idle
It’s not recommended to leave the car in Drive mode when it’s stationary for a long time. This can cause the transmission to overheat and result in significant malfunctions. It is healthier to keep the car in Park mode or turn off the engine when waiting.
Don’t Rest Your Hands on the Gear Shift
One of the distinguishing features of automatic cars is that the gear shift is not always in use. Drivers transitioning from manual cars may have the habit of resting their hands on the gear shift. This can cause friction in the transmission gears and lead to early-stage damage.
Don’t Put the Gear in Neutral at Traffic Lights or in Traffic
In manual cars, it is common to shift the car into neutral during traffic or at red lights. However, this is not recommended for automatic vehicles. If the car is in Neutral (N) mode, the driver loses full control of the vehicle, and the car may not move. Always keep the car in Drive mode while in traffic or at red lights.
Don’t Shift to Neutral on Inclines
When driving uphill or downhill, some drivers may shift to Neutral to save fuel. However, this does not reduce fuel consumption and can prevent the brakes from engaging effectively. Always keep the car in Drive mode to ensure proper braking and control.
Regularly Change Transmission Fluid
When driving an automatic car, the transmission fluid should be changed regularly during routine maintenance. This is important to keep the transmission functioning properly and to prevent premature wear.
Choose the Right Transmission Oil and Filter
Selecting the correct transmission fluid is critical for the health of the transmission. Additionally, when changing the fluid, the transmission filter should also be replaced.
Paying attention to these points will help you drive your automatic car more comfortably and efficiently.
