Steps to Properly Start an Automatic Car

Are you planning to rent an automatic car? If so, it's important for you to understand how to properly start the automatic car before beginning your journey. As we know, in recent years, automatic cars have become a popular choice among drivers. This type of transmission allows drivers to drive comfortably without the hassle of manually shifting gears.

 

However, for beginners who are using an automatic car for the first time, the initial steps to start it might feel a bit confusing. But there's no need to worry because we are here to help provide you with a guide. Here are the steps or ways to start an automatic car that you need to follow. Let's take a look!

 

How to Start an Automatic Car

1. Ensure the gear lever is in the "P" position.

The first step in starting an automatic car is to make sure that the gear lever is in the "P" or Park position. This is done as a safety measure to prevent the car from moving or jumping suddenly.

 

It's important to note that most modern automatic cars won't start if the transmission is not in the "P" or Park position. However, in older automatic cars, the engine might start even if the gear lever is in Neutral (N). Nonetheless, for your safety, it's recommended to always ensure the gear lever is in the Park position.

 

2. Press the brake pedal first

After confirming that the gear lever is in the Park position, the next step is to press the brake pedal. This step should be taken before proceeding to the next stage, which is starting the engine.

 

Pressing the brake pedal before starting the engine is an additional safety measure provided by the vehicle manufacturer to prevent engine stall or sudden engine shutdown. This step applies to all types of automatic cars, whether they are new or older models.

 

3. Wait for the warning lights to turn off

Once you've checked that the gear lever is in the Park position and have pressed the brake pedal, it's advisable to wait until the warning lights inside the speedometer turn off. This is done to ensure that all vehicle systems are ready before the engine is started.

 

When all the indicators are off, you can proceed to start the car's engine. The method for starting the engine can vary depending on the type of key used, whether it's a key that needs to be turned or a button for engine start-stop.

 

4. Wait for the engine of the automatic car to stabilize

After successfully starting the car's engine, it's recommended for car owners to wait until the engine's RPM stabilizes. This step should be taken to ensure that the lubricants within the engine's chamber are properly distributed to lubricate all engine components. Then, you can shift the gear lever to the "D" or "R" position.

 

As you shift the gear lever, it's advised to also press the brake pedal simultaneously. This is done to avoid the potential risk of damage to the automatic car's engine. Additionally, you can shift the gear lever to positions like "D1," "D2," or "D3" depending on the desired speed.

 

Read Also: How Automatic Car Transmissions Work and Their Different Types

 

Causes of an Automatic Car Not Starting

By following the aforementioned steps, you can start and drive an automatic car. However, if the car's engine doesn't start or cannot be started, then there might be several issues with your automatic car, such as:

 

1. Car battery is depleted

If your car's fuel tank is filled but the car cannot be started, it's likely that the battery is depleted. This means that the internal components of the battery responsible for storing electrical energy have reached the end of their lifespan. It's important to note that to start an automatic car with a depleted battery, you can use jumper cables from another car with a normal voltage. This is a temporary solution, so it's recommended to have the battery checked at an auto repair shop. If it's indeed damaged, you'll need to replace it with a new one.

 

2. The fuel filter is clogged

A clogged fuel filter can also be the cause of an automatic car not starting. It's important to know that the fuel filter functions to remove debris from the fuel. If the filter is damaged, particles of debris can enter the car's engine and cause blockages. To prevent this situation, it's essential to regularly replace the fuel filter, approximately every 24,000 kilometers.

 

3. Faulty spark plugs

Spark plugs play a crucial role in providing the spark that ignites the engine. When spark plugs are damaged, dirty, or corroded, the engine will have difficulty starting. Therefore, check the spark plugs in your car to ensure they are in good condition. If they're dirty, remove them and clean them with a clean cloth. However, if the engine still doesn't start even after cleaning the spark plugs, try replacing them with new ones. It's important to know that spark plugs are fast-moving spare parts, so their lifespan is relatively short and they require periodic replacement.

 

4. Faulty starter motor

Another cause of an automatic car not starting is a faulty starter motor. Typically, a problematic starter motor will exhibit signs such as a rough engine sound even when the car cannot be started. The best approach to addressing this situation is to visit an auto repair shop for an inspection. If the issue only requires repairs, the starter motor can be fixed and used again without needing a replacement.

 

Read Also: Preventing Oversteer and Understeer During Driving: Useful Advice

 

That concludes the information we can provide regarding how to start an automatic car. If you're in need of a well-maintained automatic car for your travels, feel free to rent from MPM RENT. We offer a variety of automatic car options from various brands. For further information, you can contact the nearest MPMRent car rental service in your city.