Motoring corner : “Driving an Automatic Transmission Vehicle”

Driving an automatic transmission vehicle is somehow different from the manual vehicle. Most people find it is easier to drive an automatic transmission vehicle than its manual counterpart, as the driver does not require learning clutch control and changing gears, which is probably the most taxing task for any driver, more so with beginners. An automatic transmission does everything on its own, providing the person on the driver’s seat with utmost comfort. Nonetheless, as the functioning and operation of automatic transmission is unlike, one unquestionably needs to know how to drive it, before actually facing the task. We have highlighted some tips regarding the same. Automatic Transmission Modes – All Automatic transmission vehicles have modes that a driver can engage in order to operate the vehicle. Park (P), This mechanism restricts the car movement in any direction by mechanically locking the transmission. However, the non-drive wheels of the car may still spin freely. Therefore, using the hand brake (or parking brake) is advised to lock the rear wheels, so that they don’t move. This completely curtails any would have been movements that could result in the malfunction of the shift lever or if the gear box failed. The hand brake could be said to be an added safety feature. Reverse (R), this mechanism gives the car the ability to drive backwards or in a “reverse” motion by putting the vehicle into the reverse gear. Before the R shift is engaged, the vehicle must come to a complete stop and then the shift lock button is to be pushed, followed by selecting reverse. Failure to adhere to this could cause severe damage to the transmission if the vehicle doesn’t come to a complete stop. Reverse mechanism mostly consists of a solenoid-controlled physical barrier on either side of the Reverse position. A switch on the brake pedal engages this physical barrier electronically. Neutral Gear (N), This position allows the car to move freely under its own weight, by disconnecting the transmission from the wheels. This is normally a free position. Drive (D), Drive mechanism helps the car to move forward and accelerate. This is done through the range of gears provided by the selection. The number of gears in a transmission will vary from model to model. However, the gears commonly range from 3 to 5 or even higher, depending upon the vehicle model. The newer models of Lexus and BMW cars come with 8 gears. Driving an Automatic Transmission Car, one requires knowing that, there are only two foot pedals in an automatic transmission car - the brake and accelerator pedals. Both the pedals are operated by driver’s right foot and so the left foot rests on the floor. The gear selector has the following markings, P for Park, R for Reverse, N for Neutral and D for driving. Neural is used if the car has to be pushed or towed. Before starting the car, put the gear in Park (P). After this, turn on the engine. Now, press the brake pedal down with your right foot. Change the gear lever from park option to drive option. Hold the handbrake and look all around, including the blind spots, to make sure it is safe to move. If it is safe all around, release the handbrake. In case there are other vehicles around, use your indicators. Slowly, lift your foot off the brake, making the car move forward. Put your foot on the accelerator pedal and press down to increase speed. motoringcorner@live.co.uk

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Motoring corner : “Driving an Automatic Transmission Vehicle”