Driving an automatic.

[Bill Sikes]

I have never driven an automatic car, and am somwhat loath to do so. I may,
however, have to. What are the differences compared to a manual? Are they
reasonably easy to get used to? I'd much appreciate views from anyone who's
driven both, but started in a manual car. Any comments welcome, though!

Hi Bill, i am now the proud owner of my first ever automatic. I bought an automatic last September, i would never go back to manuel again. It felt a little strange for the first week or two, you keep trying to change gear at junctions. The problem now is if i drive my wifes manual, i don't bother to change gear.
All in all great once you get used to it.

I've driven one, but I find them a bit boring to be honest, they're not as much fun as gears!

Originally Posted by Pinky

I've driven one, but I find them a bit boring to be honest, they're not as much fun as gears!

I did worry a little that it might be boring so i bought one with lots of other fiddly bits to play with, i think it's a man thing.

Originally Posted by Soberano

I did worry a little that it might be boring so i bought one with lots of other fiddly bits to play with, i think it's a man thing.

Yes, men have a tendency to play with their fiddly bits don't they?

Originally Posted by Pinky

Yes, men have a tendency to play with their fiddly bits don't they?

Left myself wide open for that one

Chuck it into cruise control you can even put your feet up, i love it.

[Patsy Warnick]

Although we have a automatic - I prefer a stick shift/manual car.
I think you have more control with a manual.
With the automatic, we have cruise control - I've never and will never use that, my husband uses the cruise on trips - I won't. (the control thing).

I have to drive a automatic due to my back - I've always had a manual vehicle.

Patsy

[minks]

Here when you purchase a car, it's automatically an automatic... a manual is an option.
I learned in a standard, and loved it, more control for certain.
An automatic is by far easier, and more dull, and you have less control on those dicey icey streets but boy when you are sitting in heavy traffic going uphill you won't have to worry about stalling ahahahaha
I actually like both.
Bill you will adjust just fine, they are so simple.

One thing, the brakes wear a lot quicker on an automatic because you can't use the gears to help slow you down.

[gmc]

You've got a lot less control- you can't change down to take a corner or drop a gear getting ready to overtake, there is usually a delay before the kick down operates and you can't hold it in gear while overtaking. There's less engine braking so brakes can wear out more quickly. Don't bother with a diesel automatic since most automatic boxes are designed for a petrol engine they tend to hold the gears for too long mitigating the advantages of the diesel torgue and fuel economy is crap. They all have a control so youi can hold it in low gear on snow and such

Honda do (or did) an automatic that is also a clutchless gear shift in their civic. Four speed box you can leave in drive or pick your own gear. It was very nice to drive worth looking at if you can.

They're OK in heavy traffic I suppose but personally like you I wouldn't have one unless I had to.