How to start and stop an automatic transmission: hot topics and structured guide on the Internet
As the popularity of cars increases, automatic transmission models have become the first choice for novice drivers because of their ease of operation. Recently (in the past 10 days), discussions about automatic transmission operations have continued to rise across the Internet, especially on short video platforms. Topics such as #automatic transmission starting skills# and #parkingstepsmisunderstandings have accumulated over 10 million views. This article will combine hot topics and explain in detail the correct operation process of starting and stopping the automatic transmission in the form of structured data.
1. Statistics of hot topics across the entire network (last 10 days)

| Topic keywords | Platform popularity index | Main points of dispute |
|---|---|---|
| Do you need to press the brake when starting with automatic transmission? | Douyin 98.5w | 38% of users believe that they need to apply the brakes first, and 62% believe that they should directly shift into gear. |
| When parking, should you apply the handbrake first or shift to P first? | Weibo hot search list No. 7 | There are differences between the manufacturer’s instructions and the internet celebrity tutorials |
| Tips for starting on hills with automatic gearbox | Baidu search volume: 124,000 times | Novice fear index reaches 73% |
2. Starting process of automatic transmission standardization
| steps | Operational points | Common mistakes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.Preparation stage | Make sure the gear is in P and depress the brake pedal. | Direct ignition without checking the gear position (accounting for 41% of the error rate) |
| 2. Start the vehicle | Start the engine and observe that there is no warning light on the instrument panel. | Ignore the fault light and start directly (67% of newbies) |
| 3. Switch gears | Press and hold the gear lock button and shift into D gear | Switching to R gear before stopping completely (vulnerable gearbox) |
| 4. Release the brake | Slowly release the brake pedal and lightly press on the accelerator | Stomping on the accelerator causes the car to swerve (one of the main causes of accidents) |
3. Steps for safe parking with automatic transmission
| scene | standard operation | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| Parking on flat ground | 1. Press the brake and stop → 2. Shift to N → 3. Pull the handbrake → 4. Shift to P → 5. Turn off the engine | Avoiding P gear stress can extend the life of the gearbox |
| ramp parking | 1. Apply the brake and stop → 2. Shift to N → 3. Tighten the handbrake → 4. Release the brake to confirm that the car is not rolling → 5. Shift to P | Additional turning of the steering wheel is required to bring the wheels against the curb |
| temporary parking | Keep the D position + apply the brake (within 30 seconds) or shift to the N position + pull the handbrake (more than 30 seconds) | Depressing the brakes in D for a long time will cause the gearbox to overheat. |
4. Answers to recent hot disputes
1.Regarding "Does the car need to be heated?":The latest survey shows that 92% of 4S stores recommend preheating for 30 seconds in winter. Warming up the car for a long time will increase the risk of carbon accumulation.
2.The dangers of engaging in P gear when waiting for a red light:A traffic accident report pointed out that being rear-ended while in P gear will cause the transmission gear to break. The correct approach is to engage N gear + handbrake.
3.Tips for saving fuel with automatic transmission:Through OBD detection data, it was found that slowly depressing the accelerator to 2000 rpm, then loosening the accelerator and then gently depressing the accelerator can save 15% of fuel compared to continuously accelerating the accelerator.
Summary: Although the operation of automatic transmission is simple, the details determine the life and safety of the vehicle. It is recommended that car owners regularly check the vehicle manual and pay attention to the latest operating instructions issued by the manufacturer. In case of special working conditions (such as ice and snow roads), professional technicians should be consulted in time.
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