If you’re new to automatic driving or want to improve your skills, this article is for you. Get all the tips you need to know about driving an automatic car.
If it was once something that drivers almost instantly dismissed, nowadays automatic driving has already become popular with many. Most drivers even prefer an automatic car when buying a new vehicle.
Therefore, it is essential to know the difference between these two directions (manual and automatic), tips when starting, what precautions to take and how to make driving safe and smooth.
Automatic steering: everything you need to know
Automatic steering is the system responsible for controlling gear changes in a vehicle without the driver having to do them manually. These changes are made without the need to adjust them according to the vehicle’s speed: this work is passed on to the vehicle itself, which, through a transmission signal, automatically selects the most appropriate gear for the route.
Manual gearbox VS automatic gearbox
The big difference between these two directions is that automatic cars lack clutch pedals. In these cases, there are only the brake and accelerator pedals.
Manual gearboxes are still the most common on Glasgow roads and are equipped with a clutch pedal, which needs to be pressed to change gear. Usually, an H-shaped lever is moved, which contains 5 or 6 forward gears (some cars, a few, have up to 7 speeds) plus reverse gear.
Understand the PRND
Despite the difference between the two gearboxes, just like in manual cars, there are positions that we should pay attention to. The difference in automatic vehicles lies in the frequency with which we use these positions and their functions.
Automatic gearboxes vary in the number of gears they have, depending on the make and model. The normal number is between 6 and 9 gears. In addition, an automatic gearbox is usually categorized with four initials: “P,” “R,” “N,” and “D,” each with its own meaning.
P – Park: the position you should select when parking the vehicle.
R – Reverse: to go in reverse.
N – Neutral: in other words, the “neutral point”.
D – Drive: the option to move the vehicle forward.
Once position D is selected, the gear change is done automatically without driver intervention.
How to start walking
Although driving an automatic car is pretty straightforward and intuitive, starting the gear is slightly different from what we are used to with traditional vehicles. But it is all a matter of habit. Remember that you can only change from P to D or from D to R when the vehicle is stationary and that the P function does not invalidate the handbrake functions, especially if you are parking on a hill.
When it comes to starting the car, follow these eight steps to get your automatic car moving:
Make sure the handbrake is securely engaged.
Place the gear lever in position P or N.
Start the car.
Press the brake pedal down.
Change the gear lever and select position D (for forward gear) or R (for reverse gear) this time.
Slowly release the handbrake.
At the same time, calmly lift your foot off the brake.
The car will start moving, and you can control the speed using the accelerator pedal.
How to immobilize the car
The absence of a clutch can cause the most embarrassment, especially when stopping frequently—at a red traffic light or a crosswalk, for example.
There is no consensus on this topic: some people argue that putting the car in position N is the best option to stop the vehicle, thus saving more fuel since the engine is not constantly under stress. On the other hand, putting the gear lever in position P can also make the manoeuvre easier if you want to stop the car for a long time.
Advantages and disadvantages of automatic cars
Advantages
It becomes easier to drive for beginners with driving lessons Glasgow, fewer control to manage and fewer complex actions – such as the clutch point.
They make the journey more relaxed, especially in stop-and-go traffic situations.
They allow significantly lower consumption, especially on the highway, as they have more speeds and allow the engine to work less hard.
Allows for faster gear changes, reducing acceleration time.
It prevents you from taking your hands off the steering wheel to change gear, thus optimizing comfort levels.
Disadvantages
The cost of maintaining these gearboxes is far higher than that of maintaining a manual gearbox. While they are often less likely to need repairs, the price can rapidly exceed thousands of pounds when problems occur. The average price difference between a car with an automated transmission and a manual gearbox is about £2,000.
Older gearboxes or more recent models with a single clutch can be incredibly erratic and sluggish when shifting gears. This may irritate you, particularly if you want to pass quickly.
It consumes more oil than manual gearboxes. Therefore, to avoid costly problems, you should always check the lubricant levels.
Precautions when driving an automatic car
The automatic driving schools of Glasgow told you must keep your left foot still since, unlike a car with a manual gearbox, the clutch is not operated by your left foot. You must only use your right foot for braking and acceleration, leaving your left foot motionless.
(P) Ark is not a handbrake: As with manual cars, there is still a handbrake. The P position replaces the handbrake, but you should use the traditional lever (especially on hills) to avoid unnecessary transmission stress. For long stops, it is advisable to put it in N.
Do not change gears while moving: Do not change gear positions while the vehicle is moving. Doing so can damage the transmission and compromise your safety.
S and W positions: Some automatic cars have additional positions, such as S (sport) or W (winter). These positions change the transmission’s response. Use them as needed, depending on driving conditions.
Unlock button: The lever of an automatic gearbox has a button that unlocks it to select the driving mode. It is important to press this button when choosing the different transmission positions.
Paddle shifters: In certain automated cars, the driver may manually swap gears thanks to paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel. If your car features paddle shifters, become familiar with their operation.
Gearbox oil: The oil in your automatic gearbox is crucial for its proper functioning. Check the oil level and quality regularly and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for periodic changes.
If you are towed, be careful: If you have to be towed, leave the car in neutral, just like a manual transmission car. Otherwise, you could cause a costly breakdown
