Tired of the whack-whack of the manual transmission while driving in traffic? Try switching to automatic transmissions. A few years ago, there was not much choice but to drive manual transmission cars. But with the advancement in the automobile industry, manual transmission cars are slowly being replaced by automatic ones, mainly because of the ease they provide. So, if you are thinking of purchasing an automatic car or have recently bought one, keep reading to learn some useful automatic car driving tips for beginners.

6 Useful Tips For Driving an Automatic Car For The First Time Drivers

The manual transmission car is not quite different from the automatic car. There are only a few variations. Therefore, your basic driving skills will be required while driving an automatic car. Following are some useful automatic car driving tips for beginners:

1. Make yourself comfortably Seated in the car

First and foremost, you should be comfortable in your seat even before you take the wheel, because when you are not comfortably seated, it can affect your driving skills. Sit erect in the driver's seat, adjust your seat, and make sure your feet are at ease. Before starting your car's engine, tighten the seatbelt properly and relax your hands. If you are not comfortable driving alone, take an experienced driver along with you.

2. Control Anxiety

When you are nervous, it can impact your driving. You may not, of course, run into individuals walking on the road, but you may end up with dents on your car. So, don't be nervous while driving. Being a beginner, it may be a bit intimidating to drive an automatic car, but don’t be anxious; stay calm and focused while driving.

3. Be Familiar with the Manual Car

The manual transmission and an automatic transmission car have only a few variations, one of them is adjusting to higher gears automatically in automatic cars. So, the basic driving skills, which include controlling the speed and steering the car, remain similar. Therefore, practice a lot in manual transmission cars before you change to automatic transmission cars.

4. Use Neutral, Park, and Drive Gears

As a new driver, you must become acquainted with all three different kinds of gear in automatic cars. The 'park' gear keeps your car immobilised. When starting and stopping your car, it is recommended that you put your car in park mode. While driving, you need to shift the gear to the 'drive' mode, which is intended for driving on open roads. During high-traffic situations, consider switching to the 'neutral' gear to make transitions smoother. This reduces the load on the braking system and tyres, ensuring both your and your vehicle's safety.

5. Use Reverse Gear Later on

In addition to the ones stated above, there is also a reverse rear. This gear is obviously for reversing your car. If you are a first-time driver, consider using this gear only once you learn the use of the other three gears. If you are still uncomfortable with the automatic car's clutch-less feature, you should first become familiar with the other three gears described above. Only when you have grasped those gears will you be able to use the reverse gear with confidence.

6. Drive Cautiously and Slowly

Being new to automatic car driving, you should be careful to drive at a moderate speed. This is because you may feel out of place at first because this car has different gears than a manually operated car. Therefore, you should start by driving slowly to get used to the gears. Before you can accelerate like a pro, you must first master the fundamentals of driving. If you wish to speed up, try clearer roads. Also, you may not be able to control the car if you speed or manage while taking sharp turns. Additionally, constantly be aware of the sudden turns around you and drive carefully until you are familiar with the gears of an automatic car to avoid accidents.

Conclusion

Follow the above-mentioned basic car driving tips for automatic cars and cruise through the roads easily. Additionally, do not forget to buy car insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen situations and penalties. Research the various types of car insurance available and use a car insurance calculator to choose the right plan that suits your needs. With these precautions, you are good to go on the road!

FAQs

How many gears does the automatic car have?

The automatic car has 4 gears:

• Park
• Drive
• Neutral
• Reverse

How to use the handbrake on an automatic car?

When you want to park your automatic car, engage the 'P' (park) mode and use the handbrake. A handbrake can also be used as a backup if the vehicle's main brakes fail. The handbrake can also come in handy if the automatic gearbox malfunctions and you are unable to use Park mode.

Give some automatic car driving tips for beginners?

Some of the useful safe driving tips include:

• Be calm and focused; do not be anxious.
• Adjust your seat to be seated comfortably.
• Know the basic gear system of an automatic car thoroughly before hitting the road.
• Drive slowly and cautiously.
• Practise thoroughly

Are there several types of gearboxes in automatic cars?

Yes, there are distinct types of gear boxes, such as:

• Torque converter automatic (traditional)
• Automated manual transmission (AMT)
• Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
• Direct shift gearbox (DSG)

Can you drive an automatic car with a manual driver's licence?

Yes, if you hold a manual driver's licence, you can lawfully drive an automatic vehicle. However, if you have an automatic vehicle licence, you cannot drive a manual car.