Driving an automatic car involves a few simple steps, primarily focusing on using the brake pedal and the gear shifter. Unlike manual cars, automatic vehicles manage gear selection for you while driving.
Getting Started
To begin, ensure you are in the driver's seat and the car is in the P (park) position.
- Depress the brake with your right foot before you start the car. Keeping the brake pedal pressed is a crucial safety step before selecting a gear.
Selecting Your Direction
Once the car is started and your foot is on the brake, you need to choose whether to move forward or backward.
- Move the shifter from P (park) to D (drive) if you want to go forward.
- Move the shifter to R (reverse) if you want to go backward.
Here's a quick look at the common shifter positions mentioned:
| Position | Function |
|---|---|
| P | Park (Vehicle locked) |
| R | Reverse (Backward) |
| D | Drive (Forward) |
Driving Forward
When you are ready to move forward, ensure the shifter is in the D (drive) position.
- Leave the car in D (drive) while moving forward.
- The automatic transmission handles the gear changes internally. It automatically selects the gear that best matches the speed of the car, allowing you to focus on steering and braking.
By following these steps, you can effectively control an automatic car based on its basic operational principles.
