This is a guide on how to drive an automatic car. The steps to start the car include switching it on, pressing the brake pedal (if required), and turning the key to the second click to start the engine.
The gear selector has letters and sometimes numbers, with 'P' for park, 'R' for reverse, 'N' for neutral, 'D' for drive, and 'S' for sport. To move the gear selector, press the brake pedal, press the button on the gear selector, and move it to the desired gear.
To drive the car, take the handbrake off, press the brake pedal, move the gear selector to 'D', and release the brake pedal. The car will start moving slowly. To speed up, add gas, and to slow down, use the brake.
The guide also covers the use of steering wheel paddles to change gears, the use of the handbrake, and how to stop the car. Additionally, it discusses the different types of automatic transmissions, including torque converters, dual-clutch systems, single-clutch systems, and CVTs.
The guide also provides tips on how to avoid damaging the transmission, such as avoiding moving the gear selector between 'P', 'R', and 'D' while moving, and not using the brake and gas at the same time.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Most automatic cars will only start when they are in park or neutral.
2. Some automatics require pressing the brake pedal to start the car.
3. The gear selector in an automatic car typically has the following options: P (park), R (reverse), N (neutral), D (drive), and S (sport).
4. The P (park) option locks the transmission, and the car should not move.
5. The R (reverse) option allows the car to move in reverse.
6. The N (neutral) option disconnects the engine from the wheels, allowing the car to be pushed or towed.
7. The D (drive) option is the normal driving mode, where the car changes gear automatically.
8. The S (sport) option keeps the gears lower to provide a sportier ride.
9. To move the gear selector, you must first press the brake pedal and then press the button on the selector.
10. Some cars have a manual gear-changing option using paddles on the steering wheel.
11. To change gears manually, you can use the plus and minus buttons on the gear selector or the paddles on the steering wheel.
12. When driving an automatic car, you only need to use the brake and gas pedals to control the car's speed.
13. When stopped, you should keep your foot on the brake pedal and engage the parking brake to secure the car.
14. There are four types of automatic transmission: torque converter, dual clutch, single clutch, and CVT (constant velocity transmission).
15. Torque converters are old, reliable, and smooth but not very fuel-efficient.
16. Dual clutch systems are more efficient and popular but can be jerky at low speeds.
17. Single clutch systems are jerky and awkward to drive, typically used in cheap or high-performance cars.
18. CVT transmissions are efficient, smooth, and can make low-powered engines feel quicker but can drone when accelerating hard.
19. Avoid moving the gear selector between park, reverse, and drive while the car is moving to prevent strain on the transmission.
20. Avoid using the brake and gas pedals at the same time, except in cars with launch control.