Automatic transmission is available in many cars and is set to become increasingly widespread. It makes driving less stressful, especially in traffic, but it requires careful use! Have you just switched from manual to automatic transmission? Let's look at some tips for optimal management.
There's no clutch pedal, so the left foot is not used. Simply lift your (right) foot off the brake and the car starts to move; then, your (still right) foot moves to the accelerator. This is a very useful feature in traffic jams or for precise maneuvers: simply release the brake to move at minimum speed, without having to balance with the accelerator.
Engage reverse gear only when the car is stationary: changing gears while the vehicle is moving during a maneuver unnecessarily stresses the automatic transmission.
To handle particular driving conditions, for example in the mountains, many automatic transmissions offer the option to "fix the gear." By positioning the lever on numbers 1, 2, or 3, the corresponding gear is engaged and "locked." Why is this useful? The automatic upshift – once a certain RPM is reached – can sometimes be a problem. On uphill climbs, it can cause a significant slowdown. On steep descents, it can increase speed. It's better then to fix the most appropriate gear for the situation and utilize – on descents – the engine braking effect.
Use "kickdown": this is how you tell the control unit that maximum power is needed, for example, when overtaking. The term refers to pressing the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor. When the accelerator is fully depressed (beyond the normal full acceleration position), a lower gear is automatically engaged, allowing for greater acceleration.
Have you parked? Remember to move the selector to the letter P for "Parking." This function locks the driveshaft and wheels, preventing any movement. Leaving the selector in "D" mode and engaging the handbrake, however, damages the clutch.
