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.

[SeaJayPea]

Ask whoever you're picking it up from if they'll get somebody to sit with you for a few moments until you get a bit of confidence. I was exactly the same, but got used to it in a matter of minutes.

[Prudie]

Just take it easy for the first day or so and soon you'll wonder why you've waited 40 years. They are so much easier to drive. Tip, always carry a set of jump leads in case of flat battery, you can't push start them.

[MargoTester]

It's so easy just takes a little time to get used to. Would never go back to a manual from choice. Especially brilliant in heavy traffic. Do as SeaJay suggests and get the dealer to show you the ropes. Good luck.

[paul1763]

tuck your left foot behind your right one untill you stop thinking about the clutch, ive only ever driven an auto box once and came to a dead stop when i went to change gear.

[bhg481]

Paul's advice is the most important. When changing gear you stamp on the clutch and then let it out gently; if you go to do that you'll hit the large brake pedal - the consequencies can be a shorter car than you'd like.

[ToraToraTora]

welcome to civilised motoring. the rules:
- never use the hand brake, when you park use P
- Drive with one foot

[Khandro]

I wouldn't suggest driving with one foot, you may still have to drive the occasional manual (hire car etc.) and keep using the handbrake or parts might start to seize up through lack of use. (sorry ttt)
I've driven automatics for years, but the thing which people trying them for the first time find a little disconcerting is the 'creep' when you engage drive or reverse. This is a valuable asset for manoeuvring and you quickly get used to it, a dab on the brake stops the car's movement.

[Khandro]

sorry ttt I see what you mean. I'm talking about using the left foot on the brake while you engage drive not for general braking.
Left foot braking is for rally drivers.

[Bazile]

My first experience of driving an automatic was a few years ago in Florida .

Picked up the vehicle from the airport - it was dark - i was in the states for the first time - left hand drive - 60+ miles from our hotel .

It was fine - i soon got used to it - no problem

[melv16]

Aren't automatics for old folk? :-)

[ToraToraTora]

khandro, when I first drove an auto I used my left foot for the "clutch" and nearly knocked myself out! I was quickly advised by the bloke I bought the car off to drive with my right foot only! I never use the handbrake but I take your point occasional use will stop it seizing but it's really only there because it's needed in the test and mentioned in the HWC.

[ToraToraTora]

most automatics now wont go in gear until your foot is on the brake anyway so use right foot only, simples.

[Barsel]

I've had an automatic for many years and would never go back to manual. One of the best things is you don't roll back on an incline (if your car is fully automatic) although I had a semi automatic once, would never have another. I'm afraid I don't have much advice for you really fruitsalad as I took to it like a duck to water and I'm sure you will soon get used to it. Happy motoring. x

[TWR]

You need to keep your foot on the foot brake to start ( Safety)
As said, a good length of Jump Leads.
When Stopping at Traffic light or whatever the car comes to a stop, just keep your foot on the foot brake otherwise the car will CREEP (Drive Forward)
Select ( D) that's all you need to use unless Reversing ( R), the other gears are hardly ever used unless your thinking of going up Snowdon.
Regards service / checking the Auto Oil, the oil now used in Auto Boxes in Lifetime so some of the box's does not need to be checked,

A lot of People get the hump when they are behind you at night with your foot on the Foot Brake, (Hard Luck) was my answer, sorry if that sounds selfish but you are away under 5mins.
The Auto gear are Lit up at night so you know what gear you are in ( D)
When you get the car Fruit, take it for a run & use every gear from (D1 D2 D3 D4 Then R, that's if the cars has all them forward gears, make sure the gears are Direct / clean / Clear with NO GRIDING when you try and select, you say a NEW, if it's a new second hand car, make sure you take someone that knows a bit with you, an Auto when giving trouble will cost you a lot of money so make sure it's checked right, have whoever check under the car, if it shows signs of RED OIL under the Sump Rear attached to the Auto Box, beware, there may be an Oil Seal problem, other than that, take your time until you get used to it, you will never get a manual again believe me.

[tamborine]

Automatic lesson here

http://youtu.be/JMJhOSdxQVg

[Sycamore3House]

Take Paul1763's advice about tucking your foot behind your other foot/leg. I have a manual car but My mother has an automatic and when I drive her car (which is now getting more and more frequently) there is a flat footplate where the clutch should be. I rest my left foot there and when I get the urge to use the clutch that does not exist I do not interfere the the other controls.

[paul1763]

alternatively go to youtube type BMW day mode night mode, bloody hilarious

[Baldric]

Would that ^^^ be the one AT 16:19 Paul?

[tonyav]

I have driven a few auto's, I find them boring after a while. Great in town traffic though.

[stocksman]

I drive cars of all sorts for my nephew's garage. I wouldn't tuck your left foot behind the right but just pull it hard back to the seat base until you get used to it. Behind the other foot would be much more uncomfortable.