Driving an automatic car can be easier than driving a manual transmission car, but there are still some things you need to know to operate it safely and efficiently.

In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips for driving an automatic car, including how to start the car, shift gears, and park. We’ll also discuss some of the common mistakes that new automatic drivers make and how to avoid them.

Whether you’re a new driver or you’re just looking for a refresher, these tips will help you get the most out of your automatic car.

Driving an Automatic: Tips

Follow these tips for a safe and efficient driving experience.

• Use both feet.
• Shift into park.
• Be aware of your surroundings.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that you are driving your automatic car safely and efficiently.

Use both feet.

One of the most important things to remember when driving an automatic car is to use both feet.

• Brake with your right foot.

  This is the most natural and effective way to brake. Your right foot is stronger than your left foot, and it’s easier to control the amount of pressure you apply to the brake pedal with your right foot.

• Accelerate with your left foot.

  This may feel awkward at first, but it’s important to get used to it. Accelerating with your left foot will help you to avoid accidentally hitting the brake pedal when you meant to hit the gas pedal.

• Don’t rest your left foot on the brake pedal.

  This can cause the brakes to overheat and wear out prematurely. It can also lead to accidents if you accidentally hit the brake pedal when you didn’t mean to.

• Only use your left foot to brake in an emergency.

  If you need to brake suddenly, you can use your left foot to help you brake more quickly. However, you should only do this in an emergency situation.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you are using both feet correctly when driving an automatic car.

Shift into park.

When you are finished driving, it is important to shift your car into park.

• Put your car in park before you turn off the engine.

  This will help to prevent your car from rolling away.

• Make sure that the parking brake is engaged.

  This will help to keep your car from moving if the transmission is accidentally shifted out of park.

• Turn off the engine.

  This will help to save gas and prevent wear and tear on your car’s engine.

• Remove the key from the ignition.

  This will help to prevent someone from stealing your car.

By following these steps, you can help to ensure that your car is properly parked and secured.

Be aware of your surroundings.

One of the most important things you can do when driving is to be aware of your surroundings.

• Pay attention to other drivers.

  Be aware of the cars around you and their movements. Signal your intentions clearly and be prepared to react to other drivers’ actions.

• Watch for pedestrians and cyclists.

  Be especially careful when driving in areas with a lot of pedestrian or bicycle traffic. Yield to pedestrians and cyclists and give them plenty of room.

• Be aware of the road conditions.

  Pay attention to the road surface, traffic signs, and signals. Be prepared to slow down or stop for hazards such as potholes, construction zones, or traffic jams.

• Avoid distractions.

  Don’t talk on your phone, text, or eat while you are driving. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.

By being aware of your surroundings, you can help to avoid accidents and keep yourself and others safe.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about driving an automatic car:

Question 1: What is the difference between an automatic and a manual transmission?
Answer 1: An automatic transmission shifts gears automatically, while a manual transmission requires the driver to shift gears manually.

Question 2: Is it easier to drive an automatic or a manual transmission?
Answer 2: Automatic transmissions are generally easier to drive than manual transmissions, especially for new drivers.

Question 3: What are some tips for driving an automatic car?
Answer 3: Some tips for driving an automatic car include using both feet to brake and accelerate, shifting into park when you are finished driving, and being aware of your surroundings.

Question 4: What should I do if my automatic car won’t shift gears?
Answer 4: If your automatic car won’t shift gears, you should first check the transmission fluid level. If the fluid level is low, you should add more fluid. If the fluid level is full, you may need to take your car to a mechanic.

Question 5: What are some common mistakes that new automatic drivers make?
Answer 5: Some common mistakes that new automatic drivers make include resting their left foot on the brake pedal, accidentally hitting the gas pedal instead of the brake pedal, and not shifting into park when they are finished driving.

Question 6: How can I avoid accidents when driving an automatic car?
Answer 6: To avoid accidents when driving an automatic car, you should be aware of your surroundings, pay attention to other drivers, and obey the traffic laws.

Question 7: What is the most important thing to remember when driving an automatic car?
Answer 7: The most important thing to remember when driving an automatic car is to be aware of your surroundings and to drive defensively.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ:

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you are driving your automatic car safely and efficiently.

In addition to the tips provided in the FAQ, here are a few more tips for driving an automatic car:

Tips

Here are some additional tips for driving an automatic car:

Tip 1: Use both feet to brake and accelerate.

This is the most efficient way to drive an automatic car. Use your right foot to brake and your left foot to accelerate. This will help you to avoid accidentally hitting the gas pedal instead of the brake pedal.

Tip 2: Shift into park when you are finished driving.

This will help to prevent your car from rolling away. Make sure that the parking brake is also engaged.

Tip 3: Be aware of your surroundings.

Pay attention to other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Be prepared to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions.

Tip 4: Obey the speed limit and traffic laws.

This is important for all drivers, but it is especially important for new drivers. Speeding and reckless driving are major causes of accidents.

Tip 5: Get regular maintenance on your car.

This will help to keep your car running smoothly and safely. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.

Closing Paragraph for Tips:

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you are driving your automatic car safely and efficiently.

In conclusion, driving an automatic car can be a safe and enjoyable experience. By following the tips provided in this article, you can help to ensure that you are driving your car safely and efficiently.

Conclusion

Driving an automatic car can be a safe and enjoyable experience. By following the tips provided in this article, you can help to ensure that you are driving your car safely and efficiently.

Some of the main points that we have covered in this article include:

• How to use both feet to brake and accelerate.
• The importance of shifting into park when you are finished driving.
• The need to be aware of your surroundings when you are driving.
• The importance of obeying the speed limit and traffic laws.
• The need to get regular maintenance on your car.

By following these tips, you can help to avoid accidents and keep yourself and others safe on the road.

Closing Message:

Remember, driving is a privilege, not a right. Always be responsible and courteous when you are behind the wheel.