The first part of this article, how to drive an automatic car, an effort had been made to explain how one should “reverse” an automatic car. This article I will concentrate on explaining how to move the automatic car “forward”.

Driving the “auto” car forward is exactly the same as a manual car. First, ensure the gear is in Neutral or “N”. The gear should not be in “P” (Parking). This will also not start the car either.

Assuming that you have managed to start the car, move the gear to “D” (Drive) position to drive forward. Step on the accelerator lightly. The car should move forward gently.

The difference between the manual car and the “auto” is this. When driving the “auto” car, your right foot which is used to accelerate the car, should be able to react slightly faster than when driving a manual car.

This is because, should you accelerate too fast, the car will launch or move forward dangerously. Your right foot should then be able to flip over quickly to the brakes to control the car.

As the car moves forward and gain momentum, the “auto” car will automatically change gears by itself as you drive along.

Likewise, if you should release the accelerator, the gears would change back to the lover “revs” (revolution) this slowing down the speed of the car.

Initially, you are bound to experience some teething problems when you begin using the “auto” car. As time goes by, I’m certain you’ll get over it. You should then be able to enjoy driving the automatic vehicle.

A few things one should take note of the “auto” car though. An “auto” car need a strong, good battery to start it. A weak battery would probably not be able to do the job.

So effort to either “jump start” the car and “push starting” the vehicle will probably end in failure.

Therefore, maintain the car battery in good condition. You are advised to change the battery as soon as you see signs it is getting weak.

Hopefully with good car maintenance on your part, you should then have no problem with an “auto” car.

When stopping the “auto” car, remember to move the gear back to position “N”. If you’re parking overnight, you are advised always to move the gear back to “P” or Parking position.

When waiting at “traffic lights” or if you’re stopping for a while only, move the gear to “N” ideally.

With part I of this blog teaching you how to “reverse” and this post instructing you how to move the “auto” car “forward”, this driving blog has finally managed to teach you how to drive an automatic car eventually.

Good bye and take care!

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Reversing With An Automatic Car

The latest Malaysian government’s announcement has created a “buzz”. The motor industry is excited. So are the driving school people. What are they excited about? The use of “automatic” cars, of course.

Automatic cars are already in use in Malaysia. But the percentage is rather low. For your information, the automatic car is branded as “the lazy man’s car”.

This article will not concentrate on the question of “should we or shouldn’t we” introduce the use of automatic vehicles, especially for tests and driving school usage!

Being such a “hot” topic today, it’s only appropriate the subject of “how to use an automatic car” be tackled by the writer.

Basically, an “auto” car is no different from “manual” cars. Steering is still there. The foot control / mechanism perhaps , the absence of the “clutch”. However, the usual 1 – 5 gears and reverse gear “stick” in manual cars are absent.

So how does one go about teaching a person who knows nothing about “auto” cars how to drive it?

The author does not drive an “auto” car. Anyway, attempts will be made the best he can to impart this knowledge to you.

First and foremost, one should understand the automatic gear system. Understand that it has, like the manual model, gears to be dealt with. N is for “neutral” or free gear. P, well is for “Parking”. R is still “Reverse”. Well, what about D? D isn’t for donkey, but “Drive”.

Some automatic cars have D1, D2, D3 and D4. You need not be confused over them. All you have to remember is “D” means drive. O.K? Are we ready?

Here goes then. Unless the car is in N or P, the engine cannot start or “ignite”. So step one is put the gear in N. To do this, press a “knob” with your left thumb and move it to N position. Important that you understand this before we proceed any further.

Unlike manual cars (my own driving tutor used to advise me) a driver should always step on the foot brake. This prevent the car from “darting” or “shooting” or “launching” forward suddenly.

When in position , next the vehicle is ready to “start” or “ignite”

Having managed to start the car, put the gear into “R” (Reverse) and with your right foot safely on the brakes, to control the car. Now release the brakes slowly.

You do not have to accelerate at all. Just by releasing your brakes slowly, the vehicle should move safely and gradually backwards. Viola! That’s how the Reverse is accomplished.

But remember, you have to release the brakes slowly and control it, if and when it’s necessary. For me, it has been quite a tiresome thing to teach you how to reverse an automatic car in this short article.

About how to move “forward”, it will be left to be explained in another article later. So, be patient. Blog in some other time! Bye bye!

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