Sunteți pe pagina 1din 4

By Ayodeji Morakinyo (ayodeji@easy.

com)

DRIVING AN AUTOMATIC TRANMISSION CAR Gear Modes The gear modes of an automatic transmission car usually range from 1, 2, D to N, R, P. Gear modes 1 and 2 have the same functions as they do in manual cars. They are high transmission gears that drivers can use to either regulate their speed deliberately or drive upwards on hilly terrains. When gear mode 1 is engaged, it means the driver is moving at a low speed or just about to move and does not desire to let the car automatically change the gear mode subsequently. In gear mode 2, the driver can drive faster than with gear mode 1 but cannot exceed that level without first changing to D. However, when the gear is in mode 2, the car will automatically transfer between gear modes 1 and 2 depending on the measure of force applied to the throttle and the momentum of the car. For example, when you put the gear in mode 2 and are driving at a very low speed, the car will intelligently operate at gear mode 1 until the momentum of the car increases to the point where it is necessary to move up to 2. Similarly, if while in gear mode 2, you slow down or come to a complete halt before accelerating gradually again, the car will automatically move its gear mode to 1 without any physical change observed on the gear box. In gear mode D, the car changes the gear mode by itself without any intervention from the driver. It does this by intelligently measuring the speed of the car and relating it with the force applied on the throttle. It determines what mode of gear is suitable for what speed depending on how the driver uses the pedals. This function is performed at necessary intervals and not haphazardly. So, there is no need to fear. As the driver, you will always be in charge of the cars speed and can still influence the transition process. P park R reverse N neutral D drive 2 second gear 1 first gear

By Ayodeji Morakinyo (ayodeji@easy.com)

N, R and P are conventional standards; they are found in almost all automatic cars. Or, maybe I should say all the automatic transmission cars I have ever seen have them. But sometimes, gears 1, 2 and D are represented by D1, D2 and D3 respectively. In such cases, their functions remain the same; it is just the naming system that differs. However, there are exceptional cases where there are no gear modes 1 and 2 but just one D. Such cars are usually designed to move speedily or race as casual sport cars. This single D represents the drive gear mode which allows the car to translate between various speed levels. In other words, it performs the work of gear modes 1-5 of the manual transmission system. Consequently, we can say that: P park R reverse N neutral manual cars D drive = = Stay at a point while the car engine is runs = = Move backwards Equivalent to the neutral gear position of

Gear mode 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 Gear mode 1 + 2 = Gear mode 1

2 second gear = 1 first gear

Pedals Unlike what is obtainable in manual transmission cars, an automatic car has two pedals, Throttle and Brake, each of which may only be pressed by use of the right leg or foot only. Consequently, when driving automatic transmission cars, only the right leg is used. The left leg is perhaps, useless.

Brake is located in the middle Throttle (or accelerator) is located at the right side of the brake pedal

There are just two pedals and they are controlled by the right leg. The left leg is free, since there is no clutch pedal. The brake pedal is usually in the middle, beneath the dashboard, in the hollow space provided in front of the drivers seat and the throttle pedal is often situated next to it, on the right. There is no pedal on the left side of the brake.

By Ayodeji Morakinyo (ayodeji@easy.com)

Moving the Car


1.) Before starting the car, ensure that you perform all the routine checks

of the gadgets beneath its bonnet and examine the tyres.


2.) After that, enter the car and make sure the gear is in Park (P) mode.

At this mode, the gear will correspond to the label (P) on the gearbox selection module. At park mode, when you start the car, it should not move at all. However, if in doubt, place your feet on the brake immediately the car is started.
3.) Insert the car key in the ignition hollow and start up the engine. 4.) Make sure all the mirrors are properly positioned, wipers are working

and no critical anomaly is shown on the display unit built into the dashboard.
5.) To move the car, place your right foot on the brake pedal and place the

gear into mode 1 or 2 or D, depending on whether or not you would like to change the gear later. Most times, drivers just put the gear in the drive or the highest drive mode so they would not have to keep changing the gear as they move on.
6.) Once the gear is put into one of 1, 2 or D (sometimes listed as D1, D2,

D3), gradually release your foot or leg from the brake and the car will start moving slowly. Keep releasing your leg until the car has gained motion. Then, apply the same leg (right leg) to the throttle pedal slowly, to increase the cars speed. This makes the car to gain more acceleration. Apply the brake pedal from time to time, to reduce the speed.
7.) Whenever you are just about to move, it is important to always apply

the brake when transferring the gear from Park to either any of gear mode 1, 2 and D or reverse. This is because, once one of the gear mode 1, 2, D or reverse is engaged, the car automatically gains momentum via latent impulse. This acts as a precaution against the occurrence of an accident or unanticipated jerking of the car.
8.) To reverse, the same principle applies. Move the gear from Park (P) to

Reverse (R) mode while your right foot is pressing down the brake pedal. Once the gear is in Reverse, gradually release your right foot from the brake pedal and the car starts moving. When the need to

By Ayodeji Morakinyo (ayodeji@easy.com)

move faster arises, place the same leg on the throttle pedal and accelerate as the situation requires.
9.) Sometimes, when the car is parked or already stationary and you

change the gear from Park to any of 1, 2, D and Reverse, the slope of the earth may prevent it from moving as you remove your leg from the brake. In such circumstances, you will not have to place your right leg on the brake pedal. Simply apply some pressure to the throttle pedal to get the car moving.

To park the car, bring it to a halt by gradually applying the brakes until it becomes stationary. Then move the gear into the Park (P) mode and engage the arm brake if present.

S-ar putea să vă placă și