How to start an automatic car.

 

• Put your right foot on the left-hand pedal (the brake) and push down

• Start the car by twisting the key or pressing the start button

• With your foot still on the brake, move the shifter to ‘D’ (if you want to drive forward) or ‘R’ (if you want to reverse)

• Lift your foot off the brake, this will cause most automatic vehicles to ‘creep’ forwards

• To gain speed, gently press your right foot down on the right pedal (the accelerator)

• Once moving, the gearbox will select the correct gear for the situation and do all the hard work for you.

• Look around for safety. 

How to stop an automatic car

• As you reduce the speed, the automatic transmission will shift down in gears for you

• When you’ve finished your journey, press down on the brake pedal until the car stops

• While stationary, keep your foot on the brake and shift the lever to ‘P’

• Apply the handbrake (either a lever or button usually next to the gear selector)

• Then turn the ignition off

In the image above, you will notice two other letters on the gear shifter.

The ‘S’ stands for Sports Mode. This will often lower a car’s suspension, increase the level of sensitivity to the throttle, and increase the speed of the vehicle’s acceleration. The car will often stay in gear longer to maximize the level of speed.

The ‘L’ refers to Low Mode. This will tell the car to remain in a lower gear for more power and less speed. This will help with towing and steep slopes.