Automatic cars offer many advantages, both for novice and experienced drivers. They are easier to operate than manual gearboxes and offer greater comfort over longer distances. In this article, we'll explain how to operate a vending machine, but remember: before you can drive, you must have a valid driver's license and a good understanding of all applicable traffic regulations.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Before you drive
Step 1. Get in the car
Use the key to open the door and sit in the driver's seat.
Step 2. Customize the car to your needs
Adjust the chair in such a way that you can reach everything and see well out of all windows. Adjust the mirrors so that you have a good view of what is behind and next to the car. Check where the blind spot is so you know exactly where to look when cornering or changing lanes.
Step 3. Identify all control buttons and pedals
It is very important that you know in advance where the accelerator and brake pedals are, where the lever is for the different driving modes and how to operate the lights and the windscreen wipers.
- The gas and brake pedals are at the bottom, near your feet. The brake pedal is the left pedal and the accelerator pedal is the right pedal.
- You steer with the big wheel in front of you. When you turn the steering wheel, the front wheels of the car turn.
- On the steering column (usually on the left) there is a small poker with three positions: a rest position and positions down and up. This is your turn signal. The headlight controls are usually on the left side of the steering wheel, look for a large button on the dash.
- The lever to select the different driving positions is usually located between the driver's and co-driver's seats. On American cars, the lever is sometimes on the right side of the steering wheel, on the steering column. Next to the positions are a number of letters and a number of numbers. The letters are usually "P", "D", "N" and "R".
Step 4. Fasten your seat belt
Make sure you and your passengers wear a seat belt at all times in the car.
Method 2 of 3: Operating the car in "Drive" mode
Step 1. Start the car
Put your right foot on the brake pedal and press it. Put the key in the ignition and turn it clockwise to start the car.
Step 2. Select the correct driving mode
Keep your foot on the brake pedal and put the lever in the "Drive" position. This position is marked with a "D", you will probably see a "D" light up on your dashboard.
- For pokers that are attached to the steering column, you first pull the poker towards you before moving the poker up or down for the correct position.
- With a poker that is between the seats, you usually first have to press the button on the side to be able to move the poker to a different position.
Step 3. Release the parking brake
The handbrake is a lever between the two seats or a pedal on the far left on the floor. With a pedal you sometimes first have to unlock a lever above it, with a lever between the seats you often first have to press a button on top of the lever.
Step 4. Look around you
Take a good look around the car, also check the blind spots, check whether there are moving objects or people in the vicinity of the car. But keep your eyes focused on the direction you are going to move.
Step 5. Start driving carefully
Slowly release the brake pedal and the car will start to move by itself. Remove your foot from the brake pedal and use the same foot to give a little gas if necessary by pressing the accelerator pedal, then the car will go faster. You don't have to change gears anymore, it doesn't matter how fast you drive, the gear changes happen automatically.
Step 6. Turn the steering wheel to steer the car to one side
In D position, turn the steering wheel to the left to steer the car to the left and to the right to steer the car to the right.
Step 7. Use the brake pedal to slow down or stop the car
Take your right foot off the accelerator and place it on the brake pedal. If you press the brake pedal gently, you go a little less fast. If you suddenly fully depress the brake pedal, you make an emergency stop. If you want to start driving again, move your right foot back to the accelerator pedal.
Step 8. Park the car
When you have arrived at your destination, stop the car with the brake pedal, and then return the lever to the P position. Turn the engine off by turning the ignition key counterclockwise. Don't forget to turn off your headlights and apply the parking brake before getting out.
Method 3 of 3: The other driving modes of an automatic
Step 1. Drive backwards
If you want to drive in reverse, you must first make sure that the car is completely stationary. When you are standing still you can put the lever in the R-position ("reverse", or backwards). Before you start driving, take a good look around you and especially behind you. Gently release the brake pedal and move your foot toward the accelerator.
The car now steers in the opposite direction; if you turn the steering wheel to the left, the car will turn to the right while you reverse
Step 2. Use the N position ("neutral")
You only use this position when you don't have to control the speed of the car, so you never use the N position while driving. You can use the position when you park for a while and the car is idling, or when you are being towed.
Step 3. Use the lower gears
The gears marked "1", "2" and "3" are the lower gears. You can use these positions to brake on your motorcycle, for example when you drive down a steep slope. For example, if you drive in the mountains, it is better for your brakes. You only use position "1" when you drive down a steep slope very slowly. You don't have to stop driving when you switch between "1", "2", "3" and "D" positions.
Tips
- Check your mirrors regularly.
- Always drive carefully and pay close attention to your surroundings when driving a car.
- Operate never the two pedals with two feet. Always use your right foot for both the accelerator and brake pedals, keep your left foot on the ground.
- Press the pedals gently and gradually
- Pay close attention to the road signs and traffic lights.
Warnings
- Always keep your eyes on the road; never use your phone while driving.
- Never drive after drinking alcoholic beverages.
- Follow the traffic rules and do not drive without a driver's license.
- Lock your car if you have parked the car somewhere.