Driving
Gear Changing Up (Automatic transmission, Manual selection mode)
Most automatic vehicles change gears automatically. However, some automatic transmissions allow the driver to manually select gears when additional control is required.
Procedure
1. Maintain a steady speed appropriate for the road and traffic conditions.
2. When necessary, manually select the appropriate higher gear using the gear selector, paddle shifters, or manual shift mode.
3. Return your hand to the correct steering position immediately after completing the gear selection.
4. Apply the accelerator smoothly and progressively as required.
Important Notes
Manual gear selection should be performed smoothly and only when necessary.
Keep both hands on the steering wheel whenever possible and maintain full control of the vehicle.
Avoid looking at the gear selector while driving.
Ensure the selected gear is appropriate for the vehicle's speed and road conditions.
When to Use Manual Selection
Manual gear selection in an automatic vehicle is generally used when:
Additional engine control is required.
Driving on steep uphill or downhill gradients.
Overtaking where improved acceleration may be needed. Negotiating winding roads or challenging driving conditions.
Descending a Hill
When driving downhill, a lower gear may be manually selected to assist with speed control and reduce excessive use of the service brake.
This provides greater vehicle stability and helps prevent brake overheating on long descents.
Common Faults
Looking away from the road to operate the gear selector.
Removing a hand from the steering wheel for longer than necessary.
Selecting an inappropriate gear for the vehicle's speed.
Accelerating harshly after changing gears.
Using manual mode unnecessarily when automatic mode is more suitable.
Gear changes in an automatic vehicle should be smooth, controlled, and should not affect the vehicle's stability or passenger comfort.
Most automatic vehicles change gears automatically. However, some automatic transmissions allow the driver to manually select gears when additional control is required.
Procedure
1. Maintain a steady speed appropriate for the road and traffic conditions.
2. When necessary, manually select the appropriate higher gear using the gear selector, paddle shifters, or manual shift mode.
3. Return your hand to the correct steering position immediately after completing the gear selection.
4. Apply the accelerator smoothly and progressively as required.
Important Notes
Manual gear selection should be performed smoothly and only when necessary.
Keep both hands on the steering wheel whenever possible and maintain full control of the vehicle.
Avoid looking at the gear selector while driving.
Ensure the selected gear is appropriate for the vehicle's speed and road conditions.
When to Use Manual Selection
Manual gear selection in an automatic vehicle is generally used when:
Additional engine control is required.
Driving on steep uphill or downhill gradients.
Overtaking where improved acceleration may be needed. Negotiating winding roads or challenging driving conditions.
Descending a Hill
When driving downhill, a lower gear may be manually selected to assist with speed control and reduce excessive use of the service brake.
This provides greater vehicle stability and helps prevent brake overheating on long descents.
Common Faults
Looking away from the road to operate the gear selector.
Removing a hand from the steering wheel for longer than necessary.
Selecting an inappropriate gear for the vehicle's speed.
Accelerating harshly after changing gears.
Using manual mode unnecessarily when automatic mode is more suitable.
Gear changes in an automatic vehicle should be smooth, controlled, and should not affect the vehicle's stability or passenger comfort.