How Do You Start and Move a Car with Automatic Transmission?
It’s important to start your car’s engine properly to avoid damaging the starter system or wasting fuel.
- Make sure the gear selector lever is in Park. If the selector lever is in Neutral the car may roll if the parking brake has not been set.
- Check that the parking brake is set.
- Set the automatic choke by pressing the accelerator (gas pedal) once to the floor and releasing it (in cars with a carburetor) unless your car has a fuel injection system then nothing is needed.
- Press the accelerator lightly with your right foot and hold it.
- Turn the ignition key to the start position. Release the key as soon as the engine starts.
- As the engine idles with no pressure on the accelerator pedal check the gauges and warning lights to be sure that the oil pressure system is working properly.
Putting the Car in Motion
Once your engine is running and you’ve checked the gauges, you’re ready to put the car in motion. Follow these steps:
- Press down firmly on the brake pedal.
- Use your right hand to shift the gear selector lever to Drive or Reverse, depending on which way you intend to move.
- Release the parking brake.
- Turn on your directional signal to indicate the direction you want to move.
- Check for traffic in your rearview and side view mirrors. Be prepared to accelerate into the desired lane once the roadway is clear.
- Look over the shoulder to check blind spots.
- Remove your foot from the brake and apply gradual pressure to the accelerator.
Proper working of the accelerator pedal takes practice using the right foot for both accelerating and braking. For best control of both the accelerator and brake pedals, rest the heel of your right foot on the floor in a position that lets you keep it there while pivoting back and forth between the two pedals. This foot position will give you a quicker response when you need it.
How Do You Slow and Stop a Car with Automatic Transmission?
Countless situations that will require you to apply your brakes in unexpected circumstances are red lights, stop signs, pedestrians, and cars.
- Braking
For smooth braking you need to develop a sense of timing and get a feel for applying the right amount of pressure on the brake pedal. Your goal is to stop in time but whenever possible you want to stop your car gradually, not abruptly.
The amount of foot pressure required to brake to a stop depends on the size and weight of the car, its brakes, your maneuvering space, and the road surface. As you practice driving and become more experienced you will become increasingly skilled at judging the distance needed to bring your car to a smooth stop.
For effective control of brake pressure position the heel of your foot between and in front of the accelerator and brake pedals. This way you’ll be able to apply pressure with your toes and can easily increase or decrease pressure as needed.
Follow these steps when preparing to brake to a stop:
- Check your mirrors for any vehicles that may be following too closely.
- Lightly tapping the brake pedal will warn following drivers that you intend to stop.
- Apply smooth, steady, firm pressure to the brake pedal easing up as you come to a halt.
- Leave the transmission in drive when stopping at a red light.
- Emergency Braking
If a driver or pedestrian suddenly enters your path of travel you may need to stop the car as quickly as possible. However, slamming on the brakes may increase your stopping distance and can cause you to lose steering control and go into a skid.
To prevent the wheel from locking press the brake pedal firmly to a point just before the wheels lock this is called threshold braking. If the wheels start to skid, reduce pressure very slightly, then add pressure again as needed. Release pressure as the car comes to a stop.
An antilock brake system (ABS) is made to keep the wheels from locking when the driver brakes abruptly.