In most of Europe, the norm is to drive a car with manual transmission - the automatic is still the odd one out.
Automatic transmission takes much of the physical work out of driving and leaves you with both hands on the wheel for more of the time. This should make you safer, especially if you do lots of long journeys or short trips in busy stop-start traffic.
However, there are some differences in technique required if you are going to stay safe in an 'auto'. Having said that, some of the systems now used on upmarket automatics are very sophisticated and will get you out of trouble!
Automatics used to be less reliable, but the technology is now well established and although you may use a little more fuel*, this is offset by the fact that many drivers find driving an automatic is less stressful.
*Modern automatics are designed for optimum fuel efficiency and some drivers might well use less fuel in an auto than they would in an equivalent manual car, especially if they have not had training in eco-driving techniques.
The first thing you notice when getting into a car with automatic transmission is that there are only two pedals - it has no clutch. Hence the term 'automatic' - the car changes gear automatically without your direct intervention.
The term automatic simply refers to the gears and should not be confused with other features the car might have, such as traction control, electronic stability control, cruise control and so on - these features are also available in manual cars.
Most automatic transmission has something called a 'torque converter'. This is complicated thing that you don't need to know about unless you are thinking about becoming a vehicle technician - it transmits engine power to the gearbox and on to the driving wheels. If you really must know about torque converters take a look at 'How Stuff Works'.
Most automatics still have gears, typically 3 or 4; some modern cars have different settings, operated by engine management wizardry. These settings allow you to choose different driving modes depending on the traffic conditions and your mood (for example, you might have a 'sport' setting).
Whatever automatic system the car is fitted with, all the driver has to do is stay awake, steer, brake and accelerate.
Generally it's best to use your right foot (only) when driving an automatic in normal conditions. The reasoning behind this is that it is unlikely that you will to need to brake and accelerate at the same time. Using one foot will encourage early planning through earlier release of the accelerator. This makes your passengers more comfortable - and safer.
In some automatics you might need two feet for slow speed manoeuvres; the accelerator to coax the car to move and the brake to check that movement quickly and effectively in a confined space. If you have never driven an auto before, practice two-foot low speed manoeuvring in a clear area, for example, a quiet car park, before trying to reverse into your garage.
The main difference between an automatic and a manual is that you have less direct control of the car through the accelerator. In a manual car releasing the accelerator will almost always have a slowing effect on the car unless you are going downhill. This is because of an effect called 'engine braking' (the compression of the engine helps to hold the car back).
In an automatic, releasing the accelerator can often cause the car to shift up a gear, this removes the familiar engine braking effect and can make the car feel as if it is running away. Because of this you need to develop a habit of adjusting your speed early by 'progressive' braking and then using gentle acceleration to drive through the hazard situation (in this context a hazard means anything that causes you to slow down).
Controlled use of the accelerator is important whatever car you drive, manual or auto. In an automatic this is especially important. Harsh pressure on the gas pedal can cause the car to surge forward (or backward).
The one time that positive heavy acceleration can be useful is when getting away from a bank robbery - if you don't rob banks it's useful for overtaking.
Most automatics have a system called 'Kick down' for this purpose. When the accelerator is pressed to the floor the car will change down and hold a lower gear for power acceleration.
From time to time you will stop in traffic. On these occasions you need to make sure that the car is secure.
Whether driving a manual or automatic, it's a good idea to use the handbrake to secure the car when you stop for more than a moment. This helps to prevent the car from being shunted forward if hit from behind.
In an automatic it's even more important to use the handbrake than in a manual car; if you are hit from behind the car will try to take off! Stay in drive so that you are ready to move and apply the handbrake firmly.
The footbrake is not an effective means of securing your car. This is because your foot will lift off the brake if you are hit from behind. Using the footbrake is also anti-social and can be dangerous because brake lights can dazzle the driver behind, especially at night and in poor weather conditions.
If waiting a long time, apply the handbrake and then select neutral. This removes the chance of 'creep' if the handbrake is not securely applied (nobody's perfect!). When parking use the 'Park' position as soon as you stop. This locks the transmission.
There are time when you might need to have more control over your car. Here are some examples:
When you choose one of the 'manual' gear positions you will prevent the car from changing to a gear higher than the one selected.
If you are a 'petrolhead', as you get to know your car, manual changes will become intuitive. If you simply use your car as a car - that is to get from A to B (now there's a novel idea!) you might never feel the need to override the automatic changes.
Just do whatever gives you a sense of control for the type of driving you do - and if you are unsure, get some training!
There are several different types of 'automatic' transmission.
'Full' automatics: These are what we have been talking about in this section; they have a gearbox and torque converter to transmit the power to the driving wheels.
Semi-automatics: These have a gear lever but no clutch, so you change gear as normal but the car does the clutch bit for you.
Pre-selector systems allow a gear to be selected in advance and then activated when needed by pressing a pedal.
'Tiptronic' (Porsche) or 'Sensonic' (Saab) systems allow electronic sequential gear changing through + and - buttons or lever, usually built into the steering wheel (like in racing cars!). These cars have a clutch, but it's operated by an electronic motor rather than directly by the driver.
Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT): This old system was pioneered by DAF amongst others and came back to life in the early 90's; it's now often found in small 'automatics'. Rather than 'stepped' gears, this type of drive is infinitely variable and is controlled by accelerator pressure and speed. CVT usually has fewer selector choices than full automatics, typically: Park; Reverse; Neutral; Drive; and Low.
Electric cars: Generally have no gearing at all - the motor (or motors) drive the wheels directly.