Learn how to drive an automatic

[Danoff]

See that gate on the left? The part that has the "-" at the top (where god intended it) indicating that if you bump the lever upward your car will downshift? That's a very important part of driving.

It has come to my attention that very few people know how to use this feature of their cars and, as a result, are not driving their cars properly.

Scenario

You're driving on the freeway and you're stuck behind a slow moving vehicle going 10 mph slower than the other lanes. You want to get out from around this vehicle. How do you do that properly in an automatic?

Observe a break in traffic approaching you in the overtake lane. Before it arrives, move the stick from automatic mode into the manual mode and select a downshift. This will cause your car to shift into a lower gear and give you power for overtaking. When the gap arrives, you are already in the proper gear and can simply accelerate into the merge. After you have completed merging, slide the lever back into automatic mode.

How does this differ from what you're used to. What you're used to is using the throttle (a total different control) for modulating the transmission. As a result, you have to mash the throttle to the appropriate depth to try to force the transmission to downshift. When you do that, you not only have to wait for the transmission to shift (losing valuable seconds as the gap passes you by) but you also commit yourself to accelerating toward the vehicle in front of you until you merge. By selecting the gear ahead of time, you have significantly better control and don't have unintended consequences.

Scenario

You have to slow down for a turn, but you know you'll have to get on the gas hard after the turn. How do you do this properly in an automatic?

The answer is that while you're braking you move the lever into manual mode and select a downshift (or two). That way when you're ready to accelerate the power is available for you. If you simply wait until you're ready to accelerate you will have a delay while the transmission tries to find the appropriate gear. The gear selection will be rougher, you will back up traffic behind you (briefly), you will waste fuel, and you may not get the gear you want if your right foot didn't find the right place in the throttle to convince the transmission to select the gear you wanted. After you have completed the turn, slide the lever back into automatic mode.

Scenario

Your car is underpowered and you're going up a long hill. The transmission constantly wants to select a gear that is either too tall, or too short for the hill. As a result, you pop back and forth between 2nd and 3rd gear all the way up the hill. How do you handle this properly in an automatic?

The answer is to slide the lever into manual mode and hold gear 2 (the lower gear that the transmission was selecting). This eliminates needles shifts, inconsistent speed, is less irritating for drivers behind you, is smoother for your passengers, and gives you the power to accelerate more if you need to. Remember that this hill requires this gear and do it in advance next time you're on this hill. After you get up the hill, slide the lever back into automatic mode.

The manual mode of your automatic is your friend. It is a tool. it is not something you need to use for every shift (it would be annoying and pointless to do so), but it is also not something to be forgotten. Develop the technique, and use it in your everyday driving. It should become second nature for you to realize that a given scenario is one of the few times automatic mode is not appropriate, and move naturally into manual mode.

Also, you do not need a manual mode like the one pictured above to make this happen. I have used this technique in a car much like this one:

The button on the side of the gear lever does not have to be pressed for you to slide it forward into D3 for a commanded downshift. There is a reason for this, and the reason is that you're expected to need to do so. When you're done passing, slide it back into D4. It's a simple forward or back motion, no button pressing or unlocking of the lever.

Go forth and develop your automatic driving skills. If you do this already, I applaud you. You are a person who learns how to use a system to its best.

 

[1stlsx]

The button on the side of the gear lever does not have to be pressed for you to slide it forward into D3 for a commanded downshift. There is a reason for this, and the reason is that you're expected to need to do so. When you're done passing, slide it back into D4. It's a simple forward or back motion, no button pressing or unlocking of the lever.

I could be wrong, but im 99% sure you would pull this lever back from D4 > D3 for a downshift, not forward. Every Accord / Civid Ive driven you have to depress the button to downshift, upshifting this is not required....

 

[Exorcet]

I personally just leave it in manual mode. Not annoying at all. Haven't bothered with the old Honda that doesn't have a designated manual mode, but it didn't really need it as much.

 

[SpartanG]

The majority of people who drive automatics (as opposed to manual) do not care about driving. Therefore they will not take the time to learn these "techniques" to the point where it is second nature (necessary to be useful in emergency situation).

Also, doing a lot of forced shifting or hard driving in a specific gear on a traditional slushbox is not very good for it.

Save the manuals.

 

[Aquarelle]

I'll be honest, if you're going to go to this much effort just get a manual or a manual conversion.

As a general rule of thumb anyone who gets an auto isn't bothered by performance, they just want a comfortable and easy way to get from A - B.

In the brief time that I was forced to use an automatic, yeah I used the different drive modes etc. But I didn't go out of my way to learn it, it was just common sense. (At least to me)

I dunno, I imagine most of the people that would read your post (and have it apply to them) are driving an auto out of necessity (Since everyone here loves cars and loves driving so I personally don't see that going hand in hand with limiting yourself with an automatic transmission) so maybe this will help them.. but really I imagine anyone who will end up making use of this stuff figured it out for them selves like I did.

 

[Danoff]

I'll be honest, if you're going to go to this much effort just get a manual or a manual conversion.

What the hell people?

It's not that much effort. In exchange for just a little bit of familiarity with your car, you get a system that works for almost every road scenario perfectly and you don't have to shift 99% of the time you don't want to.

I've owned manuals. This is better for a daily driver.

As a general rule of thumb anyone who gets an auto isn't bothered by performance, they just want a comfortable and easy way to get from A - B.

Total 100% nonsense - this is a stigma in the minds of manual drivers and nothing more. LOTS of people I know personally have automatics and care a great deal about performance.

 

[Aquarelle]

Okay 👍

 

[Exorcet]

Total 100% nonsense - this is a stigma in the minds of manual drivers and nothing more. LOTS of people I know personally have automatics and care a great deal about performance.

AMG comes to mind as well.

I like shifting, but it's extreme to determine everything about a car/person from the transmission type they are using.

 

[Aquarelle]

AMG comes to mind as well.

I like shifting, but it's extreme to determine everything about a car/person from the transmission type they are using.

That's why it's a "General rule of thumb"

 

[Exorcet]

That's why it's a "General rule of thumb"

Fair enough, but I'd still say it's a bad one. A transmission is 1% of the car.

 

[nobuffalo]

If we need a thread created to explain how to get the most out an auto, maybe most people driving them really don't care much about performance?

 

[Aquarelle]

Fair enough, but I'd still say it's a bad one. A transmission is 1% of the car.

I wouldn't say so. That's why I'm stating opinions, not facts.

Generally speaking (which was over looked last time and resulted in my head getting bitten off) people buy cars with an automatic transmissions (assuming it has been an intentional choice) because they don't want to be shifting gears through town all the time and want their time driving to be less troublesome.

I never stated there's anything wrong with that, what I'm getting at is if you're going to care enough to manipulate the automatic system why not just get a manual? that's what I don't understand.

I get that automatics are great for people learning to drive and those who don't do much 'performance driving' let's say or just don't want to be working the clutch and shifter in traffic etc.. but once you get used to a manual (To me anyway) it's just second nature. The only major difference is that you can't eat, drink or use a mobile behind the wheel in a manual as easily.. which I'd probably say is a good thing

 

[motortrend]

Fair enough, but I'd still say it's a bad one. A transmission is 1% of the car.

I'd say that is taking it quite far, the transmission difference between manual and auto might not be that much but the importance of the tranny should not be undermined
EDIT: I've owned a car with an auto that does this and I must say that knowing the point in throttle position in which the car downshift makes this feature almost unnecessary. I only used the feature a couple of times as it was slow as hell to upshift and I wand never in a scenario in which it would have really benefited me.

 

[1stlsx]

The majority of people who drive automatics (as opposed to manual) do not care about driving. Therefore they will not take the time to learn these "techniques" to the point where it is second nature (necessary to be useful in emergency situation).


Save the manuals.

You're so far off base here its not even funny. With modern day computer controls you can have an auto that shifts quicker than a manual, sure do you have slightly more control with a manual, yes, but with less than 1% of the driving population that understands how to actually use a manual correctly, whats the point?

Also, go to a local drag strip with high powered cars, the majority will be automatic. For you to say someone driving an auto doesnt care about performance is ******** sir. I can drive a manual quite well. I have drag raced both, road coursed both and driven 200mph in a manual, so Im not talking out of my ass.

My race car has a 4L60E auto trans. I took it on the road course, and was competetive, in fact was the quickest in my class first time out. Sure would I have had more fun with 6 gears instead of 4, yup, but do I think it would have given me and advantage, not at all.

Also with the ability for consumers to tune vehicles becoming more prevalent, there is not really the "gotta mash it to down shift" issue anymore. I have had both my tuned vehicles setup to shift down, and up, exactly where they should and I want them to, there is no need for manual shifting. The only time I've used manual shifting is in my truck when towing up a long grade. My car now has a manual valve body to allow for more control, but even on teh road course it picked the perfect gear outta every corner. Its not the transmissions fault anymore, its the programming if u dont like it

EDIT: Also our 7 series BMW has adaptive shift and it has learned to down shift quicker (at a lower speed & throttle %) over time. I dont see why anyone woudl bash an auto like this....

 

[Ridox2JZGTE]

Asian countries have manual cars in majority, only in big cities where autos are more prominent and used manual cars are usually more expensive, so the statement : 1% of the driving population that understands how to actually use a manual correctly is a bit of a stretch.

 

[Aquarelle]

Also, go to a local drag strip with high powered cars, the majority will be automatic. For you to say someone driving an auto doesnt care about performance is ******** sir. I can drive a manual quite well. I have drag raced both, road coursed both and driven 200mph in a manual, so Im not talking out of my ass.

Generally speaking. How many times.

How many times?!

 

[Joey D]

That's why it's a "General rule of thumb"

Is say probably 20 years ago that was a pretty good rule of thumb, but as cars became more modern the transmissions have greatly improved I think that's becoming less and less of a rule.

I never stated there's anything wrong with that, what I'm getting at is if you're going to care enough to manipulate the automatic system why not just get a manual? that's what I don't understand.

It has to do with the choice of shifting when you want to and having the computer do it when you don't. With a manual you have to shift regardless if you want to or not, with an automatic you have the option to do both, although you forfeit a little bit on the manual side to have both options.

The only major difference is that you can't eat, drink or use a mobile behind the wheel in a manual as easily.. which I'd probably say is a good thing

You'd be surprised. It's no harder for me to do any of those things whether I'm driving my Neon or Focus. It's just I can't talk on the phone in the Neon but that has to do with the exhaust drone in the cabin, it's so loud you can't hear anything.

 

[1stlsx]

Asian countries have manual cars in majority, only in big cities where autos are more prominent and used manual cars are usually more expensive, so the statement : 1% of the driving population that understands how to actually use a manual correctly is a bit of a stretch.

Can you shift it and use a clutch sure, but you have no idea how many times Ive seen missed shifts, shifts at the wrong time, especially mid corner, etc causing the balance of the vehicle to be upset. So yes, I woudl say the percentage fo the popualtion that can heal toe, shift with out missing a gear consistently in a pessure situation etc is 1% or less

 

[Aquarelle]

Is say probably 20 years ago that was a pretty good rule of thumb, but as cars became more modern the transmissions have greatly improved I think that's becoming less and less of a rule.

I dunno, the last modern auto I drove was a '04 Falcon and it still felt exactly the same to me.. though it did change down roughly when I would have when I planted the accelerator to pass other vehicles so I suppose it's not as bad as my old Bluebird or my friends Accord (both from the 90s)

I don't know.. something about only having 4 gears to choose between if you want to control it yourself just seems daft to me. Though I'm fundamentally biased because when I'm driving a manual I don't really give any thought to it, my hand and foot just move in a fluid motion instinctively.

It has to do with the choice of shifting when you want to and having the computer do it when you don't. With a manual you have to shift regardless if you want to or not, with an automatic you have the option to do both, although you forfeit a little bit on the manual side to have both options.

Perhaps, but again.. these functions never get used because generally speaking people just don't care to have control over the gear changes if they're going out of their way to get an automatic.

Again, I don't see who this information appeals to. Surely anyone who cares already knows...

You'd be surprised. It's no harder for me to do any of those things whether I'm driving my Neon or Focus. It's just I can't talk on the phone in the Neon but that has to do with the exhaust drone in the cabin, it's so loud you can't hear anything.

I /can/ eat and drink etc in a manual, but it's certainly a lot harder than if I were to do the same thing in an automatic though over the years I've learnt little tricks for solving that so..

 

[1stlsx]

Generally speaking. How many times.

How many times?!

Generally speaking?

2500+ drag passes ranging from stock rwd cars to 650 hp 911 TT

Track days: aabout 100, from Phoenix Interational Raceway to Firebird International Raceway to INDE motorsports ranch. Again racing an LT1 powered RX7 (MANUAL), VW MKIV R32 w/ turbo (MANUAL), Camaros (AUTO AND MANUAL), Corvettes (AUTO AND MANUAL), and again the above 911TT MANUAL

200 MPH, 3 Times, the last being GPS verified at 201 MPH. The video of this run was on Evolution Motorsports wibesite for a year or so, until my best friend, the owner of the car, died in a motorcycle wreck in 2004.

 

[Aquarelle]

Generally speaking?

I wasn't talking about that..

Everything I've been saying about Automatics and their owners has been a general sweep. As much as I'd like to know every single person in the world, their driving preference, habits and ability. I am not privy to that information (probably for the best).

What I'm saying is, if you look at the majority of people that buy automatics.. they don't care about how fast it goes. They care about whether it starts in the morning, if the stereo is nice and if the ride is comfortable.

Now I've never said people who want to get the most out of their automatic don't exist. What I've been getting at is anyone who DOES care about getting performance out of their automatic gearbox already knows all of this stuff, I really can't see anyone suddenly realising anything new from hearing this.

Also I'm deeply sorry to hear about your friend.

 

[1stlsx]

I wasn't talking about that..

Everything I've been saying about Automatics and their owners has been a general sweep. As much as I'd like to know every single person in the world, their driving preference, habits and ability. I am not privy to that information (probably for the best).

What I'm saying is, if you look at the majority of people that buy automatics.. they don't care about how fast it goes. They care about whether it starts in the morning, if the stereo is nice and if the ride is comfortable.

Now I've never said people who want to get the most out of their automatic don't exist. What I've been getting at is anyone who DOES care about getting performance out of their automatic gearbox already knows all of this stuff, I really can't see anyone suddenly realising anything new from hearing this.

The samne can go the other way tho. I knwo for NON performance oriented cars, in my experience, a manual is cheaper than an auto a lot of times. The manual is bought because its cheaper, not beacuse it offers a performance advantage. I can get eh manual or upgrade to an auto for $X, ill take the manual is what they say.

"Costs
Manual transmissions cost less than automatics to begin with. When you go to a car dealear you will notice that the stick-shift version of the same model is about a thousand bucks cheaper. Sometimes a thousand dollars seems like not not so much when it comes to buying a new car but forget about the car itself, think of what you can do with an extra $1000."

http://www.manualversusautomatic.com/

 

[Aquarelle]

The samne can go the other way tho. I knwo for NON performance oriented cars, in my experience, a manual is cheaper than an auto a lot of times. The manual is bought because its cheaper, not beacuse it offers a performance advantage. I can get eh manual or upgrade to an auto for $X, ill take the manual is what they say.

"Costs
Manual transmissions cost less than automatics to begin with. When you go to a car dealear you will notice that the stick-shift version of the same model is about a thousand bucks cheaper. Sometimes a thousand dollars seems like not not so much when it comes to buying a new car but forget about the car itself, think of what you can do with an extra $1000."

http://www.manualversusautomatic.com/

Really? I had to go seriously out of my way to get my first manual. Everything in the student range is FF & A/T over here for the most part.

I'd imagine this applies more to new cars then. Personally if I really didn't care for having control over my transmission I'd part with the extra grand to satisfy my laziness. Just like how I'd happily pay an extra grand if I had to for a manual conversion if I can't get the car I want in manual.

 

[1stlsx]

Really? I had to go seriously out of my way to get my first manual. Everything in the student range is FF & A/T over here for the most part.

I'd imagine this applies more to new cars then. Personally if I really didn't care for having control over my transmission I'd part with the extra grand to satisfy my laziness. Just like how I'd happily pay an extra grand if I had to for a manual conversion if I can't get the car I want in manual.

Things may be different on that side of the globe, but over here manuals are usually cheaper, again unless you are looking for a performance based car, MR2, Supra, Corvette, Mustang, Camara, WRX ETC.

Looking at your basic entery level new or used car at a dealer, the manual is usually cheaper....

 

[Aquarelle]

Things may be different on that side of the globe, but over here manuals are usually cheaper, again unless you are looking for a performance based car, MR2, Supra, Corvette, Mustang, Camara, WRX ETC.

Looking at your basic entery level new or used car at a dealer, the manual is usually cheaper....

Hmm.. interesting.

Not particularly relevant but interesting none the less.

 

[Luminis]

What I'm saying is, if you look at the majority of people that buy automatics.. they don't care about how fast it goes. They care about whether it starts in the morning, if the stereo is nice and if the ride is comfortable.

I, for one, think you're right. But that's because the vast majority of drivers in general won't care about performance or involvement, but about the other bits. I mean, from what I can tell, it seems like manual is the most common transmission type in Germany. Can't say much about the rest of Europe, but around here, people were never as big on automatics as they were (from what I've heard) in the US. And yet, only a few, select individuals actually care about their cars' performance.

Anyways, as someone who's been driving manuals almost exclusively and who even learned to drive with a manual (most drivig instructors use manuals around here), the whole topic is just so... Strange to me. Basically, if you want to get a driver's license, you've got to be able to drive a manual properly. And I kinda think that's a nice idea because, frankly, it sucks to get killed if you hop into a manual, got not idea what you're doing and crash and burn to your death (I'm exaggerating, of course).

Difference in culture and whatnot, I know, I know. Just saying,t he thought of people not being able to comprehend the concept of downshifting and still getting their driver's license - it kinda scares me. That's not to say that you don't get to drive a car around here despite being a total moron. Nothing of that sort. But to someone who doesn't hail from Slushbox Country, this is just a very, very confusing thought.

 

[Zenith]

But what if the car is a Venza?

 

[SpartanG]

You're so far off base here its not even funny. With modern day computer controls you can have an auto that shifts quicker than a manual, sure do you have slightly more control with a manual, yes, but with less than 1% of the driving population that understands how to actually use a manual correctly, whats the point?

The point I was trying to make is that if you compare auto drivers to manual drivers, there will be significantly more manual driver who can be considered car enthusiasts.

I completely understand that autos are very good for drag racing. They can take more power, easier built, faster shifting, etc. I wasn't trying to say that autos are completely useless or start the manual vs auto debate haha. But to answer your last part its just more fun and more engaging. With todays tech it is indeed slower. I DD an auto. (actually changing that this summer though ) There's also a reason why auto miatas and E30s are worth much less than their 5-speed counterparts.

The base of the argument is that some people like to go faster and some people just like to have fun and learn skills. I'm in the latter camp.

 

[sems4arsenal]

I've been driving an automatic for more than a year and never did downshift at all ,when ever I overtake mashing the throttle is simpler and effective for me.

 

[Pupik]

My left foot went to sleep while reading this thread.