wikiHow to Drive a Car With an

Automatic Transmission
Three Parts:Preparing to DriveOperating the Vehicle in "Drive"Operating Alternative GearsCommunity

Q&A
Cars with automatic transmissions are very popular for both new and
experienced drivers, as they are generally simpler to operate than
manual transmissions and can be more comfortable for long trips.
These simple steps will guide you in learning to operate an automatic
transmission, but remember: before operating any motor vehicle,
please make sure you have a valid driver's license and understand all
local traffic laws.

Part 1
Preparing to Drive
1. to Drive a Car With an Automatic Transmission

1
Get into your car. Unlock the vehicle with a clicker or key and climb
into the driver's side.

2. to Drive a Car With an Automatic Transmission

2
Adjust the car to your needs. Adjust your seat in any direction you are
able to/find necessary so that you can comfortably reach any controls
and see well out of windows. Move the mirrors so you can see behind
and to the sides of the vehicle clearly. Identify the car's blind spots
before you start driving, so that you can check them before making
any turns or lane changes.

3. to Drive a Car With an Automatic Transmission

 3
Identify the controls. It essential to find the accelerator and brake
pedals, the steering wheel, the gear selector lever, the light controls,
the defroster, and the windshield wipers before you begin.
 The brake and accelerator pedals are located at the bottom front of
the area where your feet are. The brake pedal is on the left, the
accelerator is on the right.
 The steering wheel is the large wheel in the center of the driver's
console. Turn it to the left and right to turn the wheels of the vehicle.
 Located on the steering column (usually on the left side) is a small
lever that has a rest position in the middle and two locking positions
above and below. This is the turn signal. Often on the left side of the
steering wheel mounted into the console or a knob on one of the levers
on the steering column is the control which turns the headlights on
and off.
 The gear selector lever will usually be in one of two places: it is either
mounted to the right side of the steering column or in-between the
driver's and passenger's seats. It will have a display showing gear
indicators, usually marked with the letters "P", "D", "N", and "R" and a
few numbers. On steering-column shifting levers, this display is usually
located on the instrument panel, underneath the speedometer.

4. to Drive a Car With an Automatic Transmission

4
Fasten your seat belt. Ensure that you and any passengers in your
vehicle are wearing seat belts at all times.

Part 2
Operating the Vehicle in "Drive"
1. to Drive a Car With an Automatic Transmission
 1
Start the car. Place your right foot on the brake pedal and push it
down, then insert the key and turn it clockwise to start the vehicle.

2. to Drive a Car With an Automatic Transmission

2
Select your gear. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and shift the
gear lever into "Drive." This gear is marked with a "D" on the display
panel, and will be highlighted when you've successfully selected it.
 For shift levers mounted on the steering column, pull the lever towards
you before moving it up and down to select a gear.
 For shift levers mounted on the floor, there is usually a side button to
unlock the lever. It can then be moved along its track into position.

3. to Drive a Car With an Automatic Transmission

3
Release the parking brake. This is either a lever between the two
front seats or a pedal on the far left side of the foot area. There may be
a release lever above the lower parking brake or a button to push on
the topside model before you can disengage it.

4. to Drive a Car With an Automatic Transmission

4
Check your surroundings. Look all around the car, including blind
spots, to see if there are any moving objects or beings in the vicinity.
Make sure to keep your eyes mainly on the direction you're moving.

5. to Drive a Car With an Automatic Transmission

 5
Get your car moving. Slowly release pressure on the brake pedal and
the car will start to move slowly. Take your foot off the brake, use the
same foot to press the gas pedal gently, and the car will begin to move
faster. There is no need to change gears in relation to speed in regular
road driving.

6. to Drive a Car With an Automatic Transmission

6
Turn the steering wheel to turn the car. In "drive," turn it to the left to
turn the car left and turn it to the right to turn the car right.

7. to Drive a Car With an Automatic Transmission

7
Apply the brakes to slow or stop the car. Take your right foot off the
accelerator pedal and move it to the brake, applying gradual pressure
so as not to jerk to a halt. When you wish to start again, switch your
foot back to the accelerator.

8. to Drive a Car With an Automatic Transmission

8
Park the car. When you have reached your destination, bring the
vehicle to a complete stop by applying gradual pressure to the brake
pedal and slide the shift lever back into the "P" position. Turn off the
engine by turning the key counter-clockwise. Don't forget to turn off
the headlights and apply the parking brake before getting out of the
car.

Part 3
 Operating Alternative Gears
1. to Drive a Car With an Automatic Transmission

1
Travel in Reverse. If you need to travel backward, make sure the
vehicle is at a complete stop before changing gears in or out of
"reverse." Slide the gear shift to select the gear marked "R" and check
behind/ around you for any possible obstructions. Gently remove your
foot from the brake and place it on the accelerator.
 When turning in Reverse, your car will turn in the same direction that
you turn the wheel. You're just going backwards, so the end of the car
will swing in that direction, rather than the front.

2. 2
Use "neutral." The "neutral" gear is only to be used when you have no
need to control the speed of your car, not when driving regularly.
Examples of this include when idling parked for a short time or when
being pushed/towed.

3. 3
Use the lower gears. The gears marked "1," "2," and "3" are known as
lower gears. These can work as a sort of in-engine brake system when
you need to save your actual brakes. Going down steep hills is a good
use of this technique. 1st gear, however, is only to be used when you
must go very slowly. There is no need to stop when shifting between
these gears and Drive.