Every one of us likes to drive a car. But for many of us, it can be an intimidating task. However, driving is just another skill and way easier to learn than it looks. Once you get behind the wheel and take steering in your hand & put in continuous efforts in practice, you will soon master the art. Imagine learning how to drive a car & zooming off in the wind on your first-ever solo car trip.
Remember, you should have a clear vision of the front and rear sides while driving. If your car windshield is damaged or not providing a clear vision, then you should repair it as a priority. For professional windshield repair services in Florida visit windshieldrepairfl.com.
In this article, we have provided you with the basics of car driving. After reading our handy guide, you can get theoretical knowledge of how to drive a car!
First and Foremost: Understanding the Pedal
Manual cars are fitted with 3 different types of pedals: Accelerator, Brake and Clutch colloquially known as ABC. Generally, the leftmost pedal is the clutch, the middle is the brake and the rightmost is the Accelerator.
You can memorize C-B-A, opposite of ABC. C-B-A: Clutch-Brake-Accelerator.
The leftmost pedal – Clutch – is a two metal plate that is responsible for connecting the engine with the wheels. Having a clutch pedal is the most unique feature of the manual transmissions.
The other two pedals – Brake and Accelerator – are present in the Automatic transmissions as well. And as their name suggests, the accelerator and the brake are responsible for speeding up and slowing down the car, respectively.
Understanding The Basics Of Control
In addition to the 3 pedal system, there are other controls and adjustments that we should learn about before putting our key in the ignition.
Getting comfortable in your driving seat is very important because any distraction while driving may lead to an unexpected accident. To avoid such situations we request you to tighten up your seat belt and adjust your seat so that you reach the pedals and steering comfortably.
You can adjust your seat forward/backwards, as well as up and down. Some modern cars have additional buttons to adjust your seat electronically whereas other cars offer a lever right underneath your seat.
Also, remember to adjust your rear-view mirrors so that you can see clearly and effectively. A lot of new learners are not careful enough to adjust their mirrors, we would like you to avoid such mistakes.
Also Read: History of Cars
How to Drive a Car with a Manual Gearbox?
In a manual gearbox transmission car, you will need to shift the gear manually. Having said that, driving a manual car could be slightly tricky for some of us.
Therefore, we advise you to get completely familiar with the gear lever and the 3 pedals system. Don’t worry too much in the beginning and try to stay relaxed.
The following are the steps that you should follow to drive Manual cars:
- Getting in your seat & tightening up the seat belt: Mishaps could take place anytime and anywhere, it is our request to all of our readers to always tie up their seat belts before your turn on the engine.
- Put your key in the ignition: To turn on the engine, put the key in the ignition which is on the right side of the steering wheel. It is advised to turn on the engine while keeping your foot on the brake.
- Press down the clutch pedal: Clutch pedal connects the engine with the wheels. Keeping it pressed will help you to shift the gears.
- Time to shift the gears: Put the car in the first gear. It is advisable to put on the first gear at the start.
- Start pressing the Accelerator: Use the right foot to press the accelerator pedal. Be gentle while pressing, and simultaneously, start lifting off the clutch pedal gradually.
- Release the Handbrake: Once you release the handbrake, the car will start trailing in the forward direction.
- Time for Increasing the Revolution: Accelerating more will speed up the car, as this is the only thing taking you forward.
However, pressing too hard on the accelerator or abruptly lifting the foot from the clutch could stall your car. The stall is a position when our engine is turned off due to not getting enough revolutions per minute or by quickly lifting off the clutch.
Once, the car is stalled, it is advisable to turn the gear lever to ‘neutral’ before restarting the engine.
Also Read: What Is A Hybrid Car?
How to Drive a Car Equipped With an Automatic Gearbox?
Did manual transmission puzzle you? Well, worry not!
These days many cars are equipped with an automatic gearbox. And the automatic transmissions are widely regarded as “easy to drive” because the clutch pedal is not required.
This makes driving an automatic car slightly different from a manual car.
Got a sigh of relief? Read ahead to find out how to drive an automatic car.
Here are step by step instructions to drive an Automatic car:
- The foremost step is to ensure that the gear lever is in the Neutral (N) position.
- Our second step is to press the brake pedal and turn the ignition on.
- Now Switch to Drive (D) gear and gradually start releasing the break.
- With this start pressing the accelerator pedal with the right foot and always keep the left foot on the brake.
- Switch the car in the Reverse mode, when you want to reverse it.
- Always park the car in the Parking (P) mode and don’t forget to apply the handbrake to avoid any rolling.
Also Read: What Is A Car Insurance?
Our Thoughts On This
Some of you would be doing it for the first time, hence, we advise you to start learning it at a driving institute or in the presence of an expert. Once you are done with how to drive a car, there is nothing more satisfactory than this.
However, we must remember that driving a car is a skill altogether and practising is the key to becoming a pro.
We hope this information will help you to enhance your driving skills.