The UK is experiencing a surge in electric vehicle adoption, with over 1.1 million electric cars on the road as of March 2024, according to DVSA. More people now drive an automatic car.
While manual transmissions have historically been favoured in the UK, the shift towards EVs has introduced a new norm: automatic transmissions, as all-electric cars come with auto gearboxes.
If you’re wondering how to drive an automatic car, you’re in the right place. This blog post will guide you through the process, following the same steps used to drive a manual car to make the transition smooth and familiar.
An automatic transmission automatically changes gears for you as you drive. It is the opposite of a manual transmission, where the driver manually shifts gears using a clutch and shifter.
An automatic transmission uses a system of gears (mostly planetary) or pulleys, clutches, torque converter, and hydraulic fluid. It’s controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) that determines the optimal gear based on factors like vehicle speed, engine load, and throttle position.
Here are the three most common types of automatic transmission:
Some people also consider semi-automatic cars to be a type, but it is essentially a manual transmission with sensors used for gear shifting. So, it isn’t really a type of automatic transmission.
Here’s how you can drive an automatic car in 7 simple steps:
Spot a Difference: Starting an automatic car is similar to starting a manual car, but you don’t need to depress the clutch before starting the engine. Instead, you press the brake pedal.
An automatic car uses a gear shifter instead of a traditional gearstick. It is marked with P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive), L or 2 (Low settings for steep inclines), and S (Sports mode). Some automatic cars also offer a manual mode with plus (+) and minus (-) signs for gear selection.
Another difference is that there are mostly two pedals in an automatic car: a brake and a throttle. The third pedal isn’t a clutch. It’s a quick brake similar to a parking brake in a manual car.
The Process:
Spot a difference: Unlike a manual car, there’s no need to coordinate the clutch and accelerator to move the car. The automatic transmission does that for you.
The Process:
Spot a Difference: Driving an automatic on a level surface is exactly similar to driving a manual car. The main difference is the absence of gear shifting.
The Process:
Spot a Difference: You don’t need to manually lower the gears while driving an automatic car uphill, but you might want to change the gear setting to Low (L).
The Process:
Spot a Difference: You don’t need to press the clutch pedal while stopping an automatic car.
The Process:
Spot a Difference: Similar to reversing a manual car, but without the need to coordinate clutch and accelerator.
The Process:
Spot a difference: The main difference is selecting the “Park” (P) gear instead of the first gear in a manual car.
The Process:
An automatic car simplifies the driving experience by eliminating the need for manual gear shifting and clutch operation, making driving easier for beginners and those with physical limitations. Plus, automatic cars excel in traffic, reducing stress and fatigue. They also enhance driving safety. With less focus on gear shifting, drivers can concentrate more on road conditions.
Yes, a manual driving licence allows you to drive both manual and automatic cars in the UK. However, if you pass your driving test in an automatic car, you can only drive automatic vehicles. You would need to retake your driving test in a manual vehicle to drive a manual car.
No, automatic cars are not necessarily less fuel-efficient than manual cars anymore. While in the past, manual cars had better fuel economy, modern auto transmissions have caught up and, in some cases, even surpassed manuals. Technological advancements, such as the development of more efficient gears and torque converters, have led to this.
So, there you have it: how to drive an automatic car in 7 easy steps. In conclusion, driving an automatic car is a convenient and stress-free experience, especially for those new to driving.
While it differs slightly from manual driving, the basic principles remain the same. You can confidently navigate the roads in your new automatic vehicle by following these simple steps.
But remember, practice makes perfect. The more you drive an automatic car, the more comfortable you will become with its operation.
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