If you're a purist of manual transmissions, we have bad news: driving an automatic car is going to become increasingly common!

Car manufacturers are increasingly saying that manual transmissions will be discontinued. 

Thus, due to electrification and new technologies, driving an automatic car will become increasingly common. 

This is what we call natural evolution.

Although it feels strange to drive without a clutch pedal, piloting an automatic car can be fun.

However, just like with a manual car, there are some tricks that increase the lifespan of the transmission itself and other components. 

Therefore, as we are accustomed to doing, we have compiled useful tips to ensure that your driving experience with an automatic vehicle is the best it can be.

Let's check out how to drive an automatic car in the best way possible? 

So, off we go!

We receive many questions about automatic cars these days. 

The truth is that today, any brand new car can be automatic. 

Most vehicles sold in Brazil today have the option of both manual and automatic transmissions.

However, with the popularization of this technology, we are witnessing the end of manual cars.

Popular vehicles like the VW Gol, Fiat Uno, Hyundai HB20, and Chevrolet Onix are considered "entry-level" models with different transmission options!

Yes, automatic transmission is more expensive.

And that's why it's still present in some cheaper vehicles, such as the Renault Kwid and the Fiat Mobi, for example.

However, with the advancement of technology, in the near future we will only have automatic cars driving on the streets and roads.

The demand for automatic vehicles is growing.

Therefore, naturally, there is also a greater number of people asking: how to drive an automatic car?

And the answer to that is very simple: 

It's important to know what differentiates a manual vehicle from an automated one. 

And that's exactly what we're going to teach you right here and now!

Our experts have put together some great tips to help you get the most out of your autopilot experience.

So, the suggestion here is simple: pay close attention to what we are about to show you.

Before turning the key in the ignition or pressing the start button, you must press the brake pedal. 

Automatic cars will not start the engine unless this is done. 

It's a safety measure to prevent drivers from starting the car while it's still in gear. 

Therefore, to start the car, you must keep the transmission in the P position, which means parked.

If you are going to reverse, put the transmission in the R position. If you are going to drive forward, then the transmission should be put in the D position.

Driving uphill can seem daunting for those who drive automatic cars.

However, the processes for converting to an automatic car are quite simple.

To park, simply stop the car with the brake pedal and then pull the parking brake, also known as the handbrake.

Next, put the gear lever in the P position and turn off the car.

To start an automatic car on an incline, the process is the same.

Therefore, you need to step on the brake, start the car, put the gearshift in position, and release the handbrake.

The difference here is that when the car is going uphill, you need to take your foot off the brake and quickly press the accelerator more firmly so the car can move forward without rolling backward.

But rest assured, driving an automatic car is easy!

The rule here is very clear: Do not change gears while the car is in motion.

Primarily for the R position (reverse) and the N position (neutral or neutral gear).

In other words, before attempting any parking maneuver, wait for the vehicle to come to a complete stop before engaging reverse gear.

The jolt caused by engaging gears while the car is in motion puts stress on all the components of the gearbox.

And this accelerates the premature wear and tear of the entire system.

That's why many automatic models already have safety devices that block the system if the driver tries to perform this type of action.

Although it may be difficult at first, forget about the gear shift when you switch to an automatic car.

Having sequential gears is important when driving an automatic car.

However, they should be used in specific situations. Such as mountain roads, for example. 

Therefore, they should be used to shift up and down gears, providing more interaction and control of the car, as well as preventing inaccuracies when shifting up. 

On flat roads or in city traffic, leave the transmission in automatic mode.

This is because, in addition to being more suitable and comfortable, it will preserve the system as a whole.

But what about when it comes to overtaking? 

At this point, it's worth using the sequential shift function of an automatic transmission. Either via the console lever or the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. 

It's common that more force is needed when overtaking.

Therefore, to minimize transmission inaccuracies, use sequential mode, downshift, and accelerate. 

Kickdown is very useful for overtaking situations when driving an automatic car.

This is a mechanism that is activated when you press the accelerator pedal all the way down. 

Thus, the device understands that the driver needs more power and the system automatically downshifts one or two gears.

This increases the engine's operating range, resulting in faster acceleration. 

In other words: the car becomes smarter!

However, this feature is not common in all automatic cars.

The oldest ones, for example, don't have this system. 

Current models, however, perform the Kick Down automatically. 

Some automatic vehicles do not require transmission fluid changes.

However, the owner's manual should be consulted to determine if your model requires the replacement. 

Even so, for cars that don't require replacement, periodic checks are still necessary. 

After all, nobody is immune to leaks, right?

Many people are used to using only their right foot to drive an automatic car.

This is a driving practice directly related to driving manual cars. 

Therefore, with one less pedal, it doesn't make sense to leave your left foot resting.

In an automatic car, it's possible to accelerate with your right foot and use your left foot for the brake pedal.

However, an important warning is in order: do not try to change your driving habits overnight.

Also, don't run high-speed tests.

Initially, your left foot won't be used to the delicate touch required by the brake pedal.

This will cause some jolts. But with practice and time, the left foot gets used to this task.

Ideally, you should look for empty spaces to practice braking with your left foot. 

Continuing with tips on how to drive an automatic car, let's talk about neutral gear in traffic.

Here we have a legacy from manual cars. When stopped in traffic, you put it in neutral.

But with an automatic transmission, things are different. 

When stopped in traffic or on a road with lots of traffic lights, avoid putting the transmission in N (neutral) every time you stop.

This practice does not save fuel and, worse, frequent gear changes accelerate wear and tear on the equipment.

But we have good news!

More modern automatic cars activate a special system when stopped for more than three seconds.

This system causes the conversion valves to open. It's as if the car were in neutral.

But what if the car breaks down? What should we do?

Don't worry, we'll figure something out.

At the base of the automatic transmission lever there is a removable "plate".

Therefore, it is possible to use a screwdriver or the vehicle's own key to remove this plate and unlock the transmission system.

This action will allow the vehicle to be towed or pushed.

However, it is very important to read the owner's manual to know exactly where the system that releases your car is located. 

Can an automatic car be bump-started?

It's not possible to push-start an automatic car.

That's because the transmission system doesn't work with the engine off.

Therefore, there is no gear engaged to start the car, unlike what happens in a manual vehicle, for example.

Did your automatic car break down? 

So, unlock the system and call your car insurance assistance.

Now that you know all about driving an automatic car, how about learning about a new electric and automatic model?

We're talking about the Fiat 500e.

A revamped classic that has just arrived in Brazil and has a peculiar exchange rate.

To learn more about the past in futuristic guise and technology, just click below!