How to drive an automatic

steve19_2

just remember you dont have a clutch. if you go for the clutch with your left foot ther is a good chance you might hit the breake as this pedel is much bigger if this happens your passinger are sure to let know when there face is up against the screen

derrick

Yes, keep your left foot away from the pedals, it is amazing how many idiots cover/rest on brake pedal causing brake lights to be illuminated, therefore people behind never know when you are braking because the bl**dy brake lights are permanently on,(or on and off if foot keeps on/off brake pedal).

ailuro2

So Park to start it, then foot on brake, into Drive, release brake and off it goes.Reverse to stop it.

Yes, astonsmummy it is easy,but hard to remember when I'd only done it for one week three years ago.:rolleyes: and yes,Mark , the last time we came back form Canada after driving an automatic for a week I stalled the car at the airport car park barrier:rotfl:

Many thanks for the reminders.:D

ispartacus75

ailuro2 wrote: »

So Park to start it, then foot on brake, into Drive, release brake and off it goes.Reverse to stop it.

HELL NO!!

You will rip the gearbox from the car.

To stop simply use the brake pedal. If your stopping at lights or something leave your foot on the brake till your ready to move off.

If your stopping to get out of the car use the brake pedal to bring the car to a stop and then put the gear lever into Park (P).

DO NOT USE REVERSE TO STOP THE CAR, or it will be the last time you do it.

Mobeer

ispartacus75, I think ailuro2 meant "Do the reverse to stop it."
> apply brake, put into neutral, remove foot off brake (and apply handbrake), put into park to stop

shown73

As far as I remember, the official line is to use left foot braking. Reaction time slightly better, I believe. A much more extreme example is the difference between flying a weight-shift microlight aircraft and a normal one, where the actions of climb and descent are reversed, ie, push forward to climb in microlight, push forward to descend in normal plane. In practice, it's no problem, each being completely natural. I think that's because of the trouble taken to train for each type, and that's probably the answer, don't just jump in and drive off, take the trouble to familiarise yourself with the different layout and characteristics, and have a bit of practice. Driving is far more dangerous than flying, treat it with respect. Oh dear, that does sound patronising, it's not meant to be. I'm an old f--t who can still remember when cars were not so user friendly, but of course driving them safely is much more complex now, and anyway, the basic principles of operating any piece of machinery still apply.

NAR

Jimble wrote: »

Most important thing, DON'T USE YOUR LEFT FOOT.

Not very good advice if you don't have a right leg! :rotfl:
The correct advice is just to use one foot for accelerator and brake. Having driven automatics for 36 years I think my opinion is best!

hansi

ispartacus75 wrote: »

HELL NO!!

You will rip the gearbox from the car.

To stop simply use the brake pedal. If your stopping at lights or something leave your foot on the brake till your ready to move off.

If your stopping to get out of the car use the brake pedal to bring the car to a stop and then put the gear lever into Park (P).

DO NOT USE REVERSE TO STOP THE CAR, or it will be the last time you do it.

no, no no, don't leave your foot on the brake pedal, you'll blind the driver behind especially at night. Use your handbrake!

hansi

NAR wrote: »

Not very good advice if you don't have a right leg! :rotfl:
The correct advice is just to use one foot for accelerator and brake. Having driven automatics for 36 years I think my opinion is best!

Hear Hear. I have had many "ding dongs" with Honest John and others who favour "two feet automatic driving" In my opinion, VERY DANGEROUS PRACTICE.

ailuro2

ispartacus75 wrote: »

HELL NO!!

You will rip the gearbox from the car.

To stop simply use the brake pedal. If your stopping at lights or something leave your foot on the brake till your ready to move off.

If your stopping to get out of the car use the brake pedal to bring the car to a stop and then put the gear lever into Park (P).

DO NOT USE REVERSE TO STOP THE CAR, or it will be the last time you do it.

Oh Ispartacus,when I said reverse, I meant to do the sequence in the opposite order...I knew what I meant at the time:o

I agree- using the brake and handbrake is always the best way to stop, whether in an automatic,or manual gearbox:beer:

However, Thanks very much for the concern you showed- I really appreciate it.:D