How to Drive an Automatic Car: Complete Guide

Are you thinking of replacing your manual car with an automatic car but still thinking about yourself? “How will I learn to drive an automatic car?”. It’s an understandable fear, especially if your driving lessons were based on a manual car. But there’s no need to worry: driving a car with an automatic gearbox is much simpler than it seems, and we’ll explain how to do it in a simple, safe and easy way!

In addition to driving an automatic car, you will be able to learn more about the system, find out what types of boxes exist and learn about the advantages and disadvantages of this system. Let’s do it?

Read more: 10 best cheap cars with automatic transmission

Os first automatic cars They emerged in the 1940s, but it has only been in the last two decades that they have become popular in Portugal, thanks to technology that has significantly improved their efficiency and durability.

But after all, what is an automatic car? We will explain.

An automatic car is one that does not require a manual transmission. In other words, you don’t need to use the clutch or worry about the right time to engage in the correct gear. The entire operation is performed by the vehicle system itself and you, as the driver, only have to accelerate or brake.

It is estimated that, in Lisbon and Porto, motorists spend, on average, between 36 to 60 hours per year in urban trafficmaking cars even more automatic comfortable And less tiring.

The main difference is the need to change gear manually. In a manual car, you have to coordinate the clutch, accelerator and change. In an automatic car, these decisions are made by the vehicle itself.

Let’s look at this example: If you’re going uphill, with a manual transmission car you have to downshift to maintain the power. In an automatic car, the system detects the need and slows down for you, allowing you to focus solely on the road.

Another important point is the driving fluidity. Automatic cars tend to be softer during starts and stops, avoiding jolts and engine wear.

In addition to ATMs, there are also semi-automatic boxes. Despite the similarity in naming, the two systems have obvious differences.

• Semi-automatic box: It doesn’t require a clutch, but you can still decide when to engage a particular gear. It gives you a bit of manual control, without all the complexity of a manual car.
  

Automatic box: automatically carries out all gear changes. The experience is more relaxing, especially in cities and heavy traffic.

They exist different types of automatic transmissioneach with its own characteristics:

1. CVT (continuously variable transmission):
   
   • There are no fixed changes: the transition is continuous.
     
   • Provides greater smoothness and fuel economy.
     
   • Ideal for urban driving.
     
2. Double clutch (DCT):
   
   • It has two clutches that allow quick gear changes.
     
   • Better performance in acceleration and sporty driving.
     
   • More common in mid-to-high range models.
     
3. Traditional automatic (AT) with torque converter:
   
   • More robust and reliable.
     
   • Simple maintenance and wide availability of spare parts.

Despite being a technology with immense advantages for the driver and passengers, they are there some less positive points which you should also consider. Let’s take a look at each of them.

Greater comfort in city traffic and on long journeys

Driving in a city with heavy traffic can be stressful, especially during rush hour, where stops and starts are constant. In an automatic car you don’t have to operate the clutch or change gear at every stop, which makes driving much more relaxed. On long journeys this also translates into less fatigue, allowing you to pay more attention to the road.

Reduces driver fatigue

The absence of manual gearboxes and automatic management of the garages translate into less physical and mental effort, which is particularly relevant for those who make long daily journeys.

Safer driving for beginners

For those learning to drive, using the clutch and manual gearbox at the same time can be complex. With an automatic car, the driver can focus solely on the road, traffic signs and speed, reducing the likelihood of errors such as turning off the engine or starting abruptly.

Facilitates parking maneuvers

Parallel parking or on narrow streets can be tricky with a manual transmission car, due to the need for coordination between the clutch and accelerator. The automatic transmission allows smoother and more precise movements, making parking easier and safer.

More expensive maintenance in case of complex failure

Maintenance and repairs of an automatic transmission can be more expensive than those of a car with a manual transmission. DCT or CVT transmissions require specialized mechanics and specific parts, so a serious failure can cost several hundred euros. However, with regular maintenance (oil changes and periodic inspections), you can increase the life of these systems, reducing the risk of serious long-term problems.

Higher purchase price

Automatic cars tend to have a higher purchase cost than manual equivalents, due to the additional gearbox technology. The difference can vary between 1,000 and 3,000 euros, depending on the model and type of transmission. However, with the development of this technology, it is expected that this difference will no longer exist in the long term.

Now that you’re convinced that an automatic transmission car is the right choice for you, let’s understand how driving an automatic transmission car works.

Understand P, R, N, D and S modes

• P (Parking): used for parking. The car is stuck and does not move;
  
• R (Reverse): reverse; should always crash before switching to R;
  
• N (neutral): neutral, useful for long stops;
  
• D (driving): normal driving mode;
  
• S (Sports): Sport mode, available in some cars, maintains higher revs for quicker responses.
  

Preparation before starting

1. Adjust your seat and mirrors for a full view;
   
2. Put your foot on the brake;
   
3. Confirm that the box is in P (Parking);
   
4. Start the engine;
   
5. Slowly release the brake before shifting into D (Drive).
   
6. Accelerate to drive and let the car decide which gear to use!

Although driving an automatic car is easier than driving a manual one, mistakes are common and can compromise safety, vehicle life and fuel efficiency.

1. Switch modes without stopping

One of the biggest mistakes is trying to switch from D (Drive) to R (Reverse) or vice versa while the car is moving. This could cause serious damage to the automatic transmission, as the internal components are not designed for this sudden change of direction.

How to avoid:

• Always put your foot on the brake before changing modes;
  
• Make sure the car is completely stopped before using R or P modes;
  
• Read your vehicle’s manual, as some modern models allow changes to be made at low speeds, but it’s always best to be on the safe side.
  

2. Leave the car in P without the handbrake

Many people rely solely on the P (Park) position of the garage to keep the car stationary. However, on slopes, this can cause the vehicle to shift or even overload the transmission.

How to avoid:

• Always apply the handbrake, even if the car is in P;
  
• When going uphill or downhill, also consider using safety chocks if you park for an extended period of time.

3. Use sport modes in urban driving

Modern automatic cars offer modes such as S (Sport) or M (Manual), which modify the behavior of the transmission for higher revs and quicker responses. While fun, these modes increase fuel consumption and engine wear when used in cities or heavy traffic.

How to avoid:

• Always use D (Drive) mode for daily driving;
  
• Reserve S mode for the open road or when you really need more performance.
  

4. Ignore the box maintenance signs

The automatic transmission requires regular maintenance, such as oil changes and periodic inspections. Ignoring signs such as jolts when shifting gears, strange smells or clanking noises can lead to complex breakdowns and expensive repairs.

How to avoid:

• Scrupulously follow the manufacturer’s maintenance plan;
  
• Take the car to a specialized center if you notice changes in the behavior of the garage.

Based on all the information collected, the question arises: After all, is it really worth buying a car with an automatic transmission?

Simply put, the answer is yes. If you often drive in the city or in heavy traffic, a car with an automatic transmission offers more comfort and reduces stress. However, if you take a lot of road trips, a car with an automatic transmission remains a good choice, especially with the sport modes available to increase the vehicle’s power.

At Caetano Retail you will find a wide range of automatic cars, from compact and economical vehicles to SUVs and luxury models. Consult our online catalogue, or go to one of our dealerships to find out more about this type of technology.