This is a step-by-step guide on how to drive an automatic car. The guide covers the following topics:
1. Starting the car: Switch it on, press the brake pedal, and turn the key to start the engine.
2. Understanding the gear selector: The gear selector has different modes, including Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), Drive (D), and Sport (S).
3. Moving the gear selector: Press the brake pedal, press the button on the gear selector, and move it to the desired mode.
4. Driving the car: Come off the brake, and the car will start moving slowly. Use the gas pedal to accelerate and the brake pedal to slow down.
5. Stopping the car: Press the brake pedal, pull the handbrake up, and shift the gear selector to Park (P).
6. Driving uphill: Use the brake to control speed, and the car will not roll backwards.
7. Changing gears manually: Some cars have paddle shifters or a manual mode, which allows the driver to change gears manually.
8. Types of automatic transmissions: There are four types of automatic transmissions, including torque converter, dual clutch, single clutch, and CVT (Constant Velocity Transmission).
9. Tips and precautions: Avoid moving the gear selector between Park, Reverse, and Drive while the car is moving, and avoid using the brake and gas at the same time.
Overall, the guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to drive an automatic car and offers tips and precautions for safe and efficient driving.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. To start an automatic car, the gear selector must be in park or neutral.
2. Some automatics require pressing the brake pedal to start the car.
3. The gas pedal is located on the right, the brake pedal is in the middle, and the left footrest is for the left foot.
4. There are two stages to start an automatic car: ignition and engine.
5. To turn the ignition on, turn the key to the first click until the dashboard lights up.
6. The ignition stage allows the car's electrics to work, including the fan, stereo, lights, and electric windows.
7. To turn the engine on, press the brake and turn the key all the way.
8. The gear selector has letters and sometimes numbers, including P (park), R (reverse), N (neutral), D (drive), and S (sport).
9. Park (P) means the transmission is locked, and the car should not move.
10. Reverse (R) is for reversing the car.
11. Neutral (N) means the engine is not connected to the wheels, and the car can be pushed or towed.
12. Drive (D) is the normal driving mode, where the car changes gear automatically.
13. Sport (S) mode keeps the gears lower for a sportier ride.
14. To move the gear selector, press the button and move it to the desired position.
15. When changing between Drive, Reverse, or Park, the car must be stationary.
16. Some cars have a setting to manually change gears using a plus and minus system.
17. The handbrake can be electronic or traditional, with different operating systems.
18. To drive an automatic car, press the brake, move the gear selector to D, and release the handbrake.
19. When driving, use the brake to slow down and the gas pedal to speed up.
20. Automatic cars have a feature that prevents the car from rolling in the wrong direction when starting on an incline.
21. There are four types of automatic transmission: torque converter, dual clutch, single clutch, and CVT (constant velocity transmission).
22. Torque converters are old, proven, and reliable but not fuel-efficient.
23. Dual clutch systems are more efficient but not as smooth as torque converters.
24. Single clutch systems are jerky and reserved for cheap or high-performance cars.
25. CVT is used in many Japanese cars and is efficient and smooth but can drone when accelerating.
26. Avoid moving the gear selector between Park, Reverse, and Drive while the car is moving.
27. Avoid using the brake and gas at the same time, unless the car has a launch control feature.
28. Practicing driving without an instructor requires insurance, and some companies offer specialist learning insurance.