Automatic Vehicles

[fruitsalad]

Hi, I've been driving 40 years, always in a manual, which I prefer, I have only driven an automatic many years ago, for a short while, I am picking up my new vehicle next week which is an automatic (to good a deal to ignore) but I am feeling a bit apprehensive about driving an auto, and I'm sure although, I will soon get use to it, I wondered if there are any tips that could help a beginner.

[paul1763]

thats the one Baldric, the link wouldn't load or play for me last night

[Hopkirk]

Ignore TTT and TWRs advice about the handbrake, and follow the Highway Code Rule 114.


"You MUST NOT

use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users .......

In stationary queues of traffic, drivers should apply the parking brake and, once the following traffic has stopped, take their foot off the footbrake to deactivate the vehicle brake lights. This will minimise glare to road users behind until the traffic moves again."

[mikey4444]

You will soon get used to it and you will then wonder what took you so long !
In heavy traffic, especially in Town, an Auto box comes into its own.

Much has been said in the past about the extra fuel used by an auto, but I have always had my doubts about that. I reckon the auto changes gear much more efficiently than most humans, so the fuel penalty will be minimal.

[bhg481]

Dead right, Hoppy - it's nothing but rude to sit on your brakes and dazzle the person behind in a queue of traffic.
It also has the advantage that, if you see in your mirror an idiot roaring up behind you, you can flash the brake lights to draw his attention to he fact that you are stationary.
Another interesting fact about automatics: whilst the "figures" show them to take longer to go from 0-60 than manuals, for most drivers tey are actually quicker. An experiment carried out by the Swedish Police many years ago proved this. The timings for manual cars are done by expert drivers who smash the cars through the gears (don't bother with the clutch) in a way that a person who owns the car wouldn't dream of doing. With an automatic you shove your foot to the floor and ALL drivers can obtain the same times with no risk of damage to engine or gearbox. (An automatic will not let you over-rev the engine).

[Dodger666]

My wife has a Honda Jazz Automatic. I was a bit wary the first time I drove it but my "fears" soon disappeared. It is so easy to drive, particularly in traffic, and hill starts are so much easier than coordinating the accelerator, clutch and handbrake. when my manual car needs changing it will be an auto for me. The Jazz has the option to switch to manual gear change using paddles on the steering wheel. I have only tried it once to see how it works. I much prefer the Auto mode.

[bhg481]

I was interested to see that tonyav finds automatics boring. On the rare occasions now that I drive a manual I find it quite interesting for a few miles and then I get bored having to keep changing gear and jumping up and down on the clutch - just the opposite of tonyav.

I like to call the gear lever the "magic wand" - every now and again you wave it around a bit, utter a few words under your breath and, magically, the car is in a different gear.

[Cloverjo]

I love my auto and wouldn't drive anything else. Well, I can't. I failed my test in a manual twice and would probably still be trying to learn 20 years later if I hadn't switched to an auto.
I don't understand why ToraToraTora is telling you not to use the handbrake. I always use the handbrake when parked.

[Old_Geezer]

Just a comment from a short period driving one a long time ago. It was fairly easy to get used to, but was glad to return to a manual drive where I felt more in control and not traveling in the equivalent of a dodgem car. Be aware the car can creep forward if not actually braking at junctions/lights.

[aelmpvw]

don't all drivers apply a brake of some sort when stationary whether it's a manual or automatic?

[mikey4444]

Ignore TTT's advice here...apply the handbrake, in manual and auto cars.

[ToraToraTora]

yes hoppy/mikey full of "the rules" yada yada that's why they fit a handbrake but you don't need it.

[cactusdriver]

Perhaps TTT doesn't bother to dip his headlights for oncoming traffic or signal when leaving a roundabout, it's just common courtesy not to dazzle with brake lights when waiting.

[TWR]

Many time I've had drivers in front of me at T/ Lights, Road Works with their foot on the footbrake, does it bother me for 3>>5 mins, I don't think so, I have enough to do Texting, chatting on my Mobile, Swapping C.D.s to be bothered.

[tamborine]

Practice auto driving on a sit-on mower/dodgem/golf cart or disabled vehicle before you attack roads

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/south-east/woman-drives-car-through-fruit-shop-in-doveton/news-story/889530ca36ac7f9fe7c4a84062d7ddd0

[mikey4444]

TTT...calm down dear !

[cactusdriver]

TTT, I think I've read enough of your posts to form an opinion - your last outburst rather confirms it. I see why you chose MT for your atavar, she was never wrong either!

[ToraToraTora]

Just tell me why you think that my advice regarding the handbrake automatically means I deliberately dazzle other drivers and do not indicate?

[ToraToraTora]

I am just giving my advice to the OP as I see it, it is my opinion I do not demand agreement nor do I expect abuse for no good reason.

[bhg481]

Oh dear. The petty squabbling has started. Another interesting thread highjacked and ruined.