Automatics

Vehicles with automatic and semi-automatic transmission have always been a great help to drivers with physical disabilities, because there’s less work for the feet and hands to do.

They’re also a popular choice with other drivers, not least because of the easier control and convenience they offer, particularly in congested urban conditions.

Vehicles with automatic transmission have no clutch pedal. The transmission senses and selects the best gear for the road speed and load on the engine. This not only makes the physical job of driving much easier but also allows you more time to concentrate on the road ahead.

Automatic transmission usually changes to a higher gear as the road speed increases and to a lower gear as it falls. It will also change down to a lower gear going uphill as the load on the engine increases.

There are times – for example, when going down a steep hill – when you need to stay in a low gear, even if the engine load is light. The transmission often tries to change to a higher gear in these situations. However, the driver is usually able to override the transmission by using the gear selector to stay in a suitable lower gear.

Driving a vehicle with automatic transmission

Make sure you fully understand the procedure required before you attempt to drive a vehicle with automatic transmission.

Although most automatics have a cut-out switch to prevent you from starting the engine while the vehicle is in gear, always check that the selector is in the ‘P’ (Park) or ‘N’ (Neutral) position and the parking brake is fully applied before switching on the ignition.

For normal forward driving, move the selector lever to the ‘D’ (Drive) position.

The transmission will then change gear automatically.

Alternatively, you can select one of the numbered gears. This gives you similar flexibility to a manual gearbox.

Controlled use of the accelerator is essential when driving an automatic, as it has such a direct effect when the selector is in any position other than ‘P’ or ‘N’.

Avoid heavy acceleration; it can

• cause the vehicle to surge forward (or backwards) out of control
• delay upward gear changes
• waste fuel and increase exhaust emissions.

Controlled use of the accelerator

When carrying out manoeuvres at low speeds, use hardly any accelerator and only light braking; one foot on each pedal is often convenient and safer.

When driving, it’s safer to use the right foot for both the accelerator and the brake pedal, just as you do in vehicles with a manual gearbox.

This develops anticipation by encouraging the early release of the accelerator pedal and early and progressive braking. It cuts out

• the instability and wear and tear brought about by using the brake and accelerator at the same time
• the need to learn a different method if you change from an automatic to a manual or vice versa.

The gear selector

Virtually all automatics have a gear selector. A typical gear-selector layout includes

• P – (Park) This mechanically locks the transmission and should only be selected when the vehicle is stationary
• R – (Reverse)
• N – (Neutral) This is the same as neutral on a manual gearbox 450
• D – (Drive) For driving forward with automatic gear selection • 2 – (Second gear)
• 1 – (First gear).

Some automatics with four forward gears have third gear as an additional position that comes between ‘D’ and ‘2’.

The numbered gear positions enable you to prevent the transmission from automatically changing up to a higher gear. This is particularly useful

• in heavy traffic
• when manoeuvring
• when going down a steep hill.

There might be minor variations in the selector positions between different manufacturers.

With any automatic it’s essential to study the vehicle handbook to understand the features of your particular model.

Kick-down

This is a feature that provides quick acceleration when you need it; for example, to overtake.

Sharply pressing the accelerator pedal fully down causes a quick change down to the next lower gear. To return to the higher gear, ease the pressure off the accelerator pedal.

The importance of the parking brake

Fully applying the parking brake whenever your vehicle is stationary is even more important on an automatic.

If the selector lever is in any position other than ‘P’ or ‘N’, the vehicle will move off under power if the accelerator is pressed (accidentally or on purpose), unless the brakes are on.

Creep

Creep happens when the tick-over, or slow running of the engine, creates enough power to move the vehicle. You’ll need to use the brakes to prevent any unwanted movement.

Always check your vehicle for a tendency to creep excessively. Do this on the level (not uphill). Never rely on creep to hold the vehicle on a hill – even though the vehicle doesn’t move. The vehicle could roll back without warning if the engine stopped for any reason.

The safe rule is: apply the parking brake fully whenever you pull up.

Paddle control

Some vehicles with automatic (or semi-automatic) transmission are equipped with ‘paddles’ on the steering wheel. These fingertip controls allow drivers to change gear manually when they need the extra control over the engine that comes with manual switching. Being able to select the appropriate gear before a corner, for example, can have a positive impact on the vehicle’s ability to negotiate the bend with maximum efficiency.

Using the paddles to generate more power from the engine can have a negative impact on fuel consumption.

Points to remember

Apart from avoiding the danger of excessive creep, you should also

• make sure the tick-over isn’t set too fast. This can make your speed more difficult to control. You could, for example, find the vehicle doesn’t slow down as much as you expect when you take your foot off the accelerator. This could result in you approaching a junction much too fast 452
• avoid overconfidence and driving too fast for the road and traffic conditions
• be aware of the reduced effect of engine braking on automatics. Use the gear selector to hold a lower gear if necessary
• control the vehicle’s speed in good time, so that you approach corners, bends or other hazards safely.

Automatics sometimes change up a gear as you approach a corner, due to reduced pressure on the accelerator. To avoid this, slow down before you reach the corner, then accelerate gently as you turn.