New to automatics 762

From distant memory-

P - Park- neutral and locks the wheels via the transmission to prevent rolling. Some models will only start in Park IIRC.

R - Reverse

N - Neutral. No drive but car can roll like a manual.

D - Drive- full use of transmission and all gears for normal driving.

I could be wrong with these, it's been about 16 years...

3 - gearbox can change between 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears.

2 - gearbox can change between 1st and 2nd gears.

1 - gearbox can use 1st gear only.

The latter 3 positions are useful when you want to hold lower gears for the same reasons as you'd use lower gears on a manual. If you're on slippery ground or a very steep, short climb at low speed for example, (like Wrynose or Hard Knott pbutt in the Lake District for example!) the last thing you want is a sudden upshift!

Strictly (and perhaps pedantically) speaking no- a manual left in gear will move if you lift the clutch with the engine running, on an auto IIRC P engages Neutral and locks the transmission shaft. Never select P when rolling, if indeed it will let you ( I don't suppose modern cars allow it), it can shear off the locking mechanism!

In drive? Certainly. Don't leave the car in drive sitting at junctions or lights etc, especially with the handbrake disengaged- one accidental slip onto the accelerator and you're off unexpectedly! I expect it increases transmission wear as well. Getting into the habit of Neutral + handbrake is far more important than on a manual.

Yeah- the usual problem for people converting to autos- almost going through the windscreen when you forget there's no clutch and jump on the brake by mistake! Very embarrbutting :-)

Brakes take a hammering on autos, keep an eye on their wear cos there's little else to stop you. Keep the transmission fluid level right, renew at recommended intervals and observe clinical cleanliness. What wouldn't bother manuals at all can damage auto boxes. Low fluid levels will obviously cause premature wear, but can also affect gear changes dramatically.

You can, contrary to popular myth, tow many autos the conventional way, but over a limited mileage and at low speeds. Consult the manual if you have one. A local tow ( a couple of miles or so) at less than say 25mph may well be quite safe.

Engine faults or even binding brakes can occasionally manifest themselves as apparent transmission issues (unexpected up-downshifts for example), it can be wise to get the engine etc checked out before shelling out on gearbox maintenence.

It's been many many years since I had an auto, (Ford Sierra) apologies for any innaccuracies.

Morse