Quizzes & Puzzles10 mins ago
Automatic Vehicles
63 Answers
Hi, I've been driving 40 years, always in a manual, which I prefer, I have only driven an automatic many years ago, for a short while, I am picking up my new vehicle next week which is an automatic (to good a deal to ignore) but I am feeling a bit apprehensive about driving an auto, and I'm sure although, I will soon get use to it, I wondered if there are any tips that could help a beginner.
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I wouldn't suggest driving with one foot, you may still have to drive the occasional manual (hire car etc.) and keep using the handbrake or parts might start to seize up through lack of use. (sorry ttt)
I've driven automatics for years, but the thing which people trying them for the first time find a little disconcerting is the 'creep' when you engage drive or reverse. This is a valuable asset for manoeuvring and you quickly get used to it, a dab on the brake stops the car's movement.
I've driven automatics for years, but the thing which people trying them for the first time find a little disconcerting is the 'creep' when you engage drive or reverse. This is a valuable asset for manoeuvring and you quickly get used to it, a dab on the brake stops the car's movement.
khandro, when I first drove an auto I used my left foot for the "clutch" and nearly knocked myself out! I was quickly advised by the bloke I bought the car off to drive with my right foot only! I never use the handbrake but I take your point occasional use will stop it seizing but it's really only there because it's needed in the test and mentioned in the HWC.
I've had an automatic for many years and would never go back to manual. One of the best things is you don't roll back on an incline (if your car is fully automatic) although I had a semi automatic once, would never have another. I'm afraid I don't have much advice for you really fruitsalad as I took to it like a duck to water and I'm sure you will soon get used to it. Happy motoring. x
You need to keep your foot on the foot brake to start ( Safety)
As said, a good length of Jump Leads.
When Stopping at Traffic light or whatever the car comes to a stop, just keep your foot on the foot brake otherwise the car will CREEP (Drive Forward)
Select ( D) that's all you need to use unless Reversing ( R), the other gears are hardly ever used unless your thinking of going up Snowdon.
Regards service / checking the Auto Oil, the oil now used in Auto Boxes in Lifetime so some of the box's does not need to be checked,
A lot of People get the hump when they are behind you at night with your foot on the Foot Brake, (Hard Luck) was my answer, sorry if that sounds selfish but you are away under 5mins.
The Auto gear are Lit up at night so you know what gear you are in ( D)
When you get the car Fruit, take it for a run & use every gear from (D1 D2 D3 D4 Then R, that's if the cars has all them forward gears, make sure the gears are Direct / clean / Clear with NO GRIDING when you try and select, you say a NEW, if it's a new second hand car, make sure you take someone that knows a bit with you, an Auto when giving trouble will cost you a lot of money so make sure it's checked right, have whoever check under the car, if it shows signs of RED OIL under the Sump Rear attached to the Auto Box, beware, there may be an Oil Seal problem, other than that, take your time until you get used to it, you will never get a manual again believe me.
As said, a good length of Jump Leads.
When Stopping at Traffic light or whatever the car comes to a stop, just keep your foot on the foot brake otherwise the car will CREEP (Drive Forward)
Select ( D) that's all you need to use unless Reversing ( R), the other gears are hardly ever used unless your thinking of going up Snowdon.
Regards service / checking the Auto Oil, the oil now used in Auto Boxes in Lifetime so some of the box's does not need to be checked,
A lot of People get the hump when they are behind you at night with your foot on the Foot Brake, (Hard Luck) was my answer, sorry if that sounds selfish but you are away under 5mins.
The Auto gear are Lit up at night so you know what gear you are in ( D)
When you get the car Fruit, take it for a run & use every gear from (D1 D2 D3 D4 Then R, that's if the cars has all them forward gears, make sure the gears are Direct / clean / Clear with NO GRIDING when you try and select, you say a NEW, if it's a new second hand car, make sure you take someone that knows a bit with you, an Auto when giving trouble will cost you a lot of money so make sure it's checked right, have whoever check under the car, if it shows signs of RED OIL under the Sump Rear attached to the Auto Box, beware, there may be an Oil Seal problem, other than that, take your time until you get used to it, you will never get a manual again believe me.
Take Paul1763's advice about tucking your foot behind your other foot/leg. I have a manual car but My mother has an automatic and when I drive her car (which is now getting more and more frequently) there is a flat footplate where the clutch should be. I rest my left foot there and when I get the urge to use the clutch that does not exist I do not interfere the the other controls.
