Miguel Sánchez
Even at the risk of being condemned by more than one purist with sporting pretensions, the truth is that manual changes are much more laborious and demanding than the automatic. However, we usually learn with this type of mechanism, which often means that we do not know how to drive an automatic car even though we have learned to drive perfectly with the RACC experts.
But let's take it step by step. First, we must consider the different automotive cultures. In this sense, while the United States has based its automotive design on automatic transmissions coupled with large-displacement engines, in Europe we have always been characterized by the use of manual transmissions in pursuit of a more comfortable driving experience. greater control on the machine even though this makes it more difficult to get it out the first time driving license.
In short, while the first model is characterized by a comfortable “let go"The second prioritizes a driving style where the driver's activity must be almost constant; something that -by the way- we can notice even in details such as the cabin or the driving posture.
Not in vain if you do some memory you will surely notice how the interior of almost any classic car U.S. tends to look like a real “living room on wheels”, while European vehicles have always been characterized by a cabin that is much more designed for constant handling, control over the machine, and the use of manual transmission.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
If there's one big advantage to an automatic transmission over a manual, it's the ease and convenience of use. Perfect for those with mobility issues in the clutch-operated leg, it's also suitable for urban driving by being able to forget about constant gear changes, neutral spots, and so on.
At this point we must be honest, no matter how much the spirit of the most dangerous driving force wants to possess us. purist: an automatic - or semi-automatic - gearbox is perfect for urban use and even models as old as the Fiat 850 tell us about this Idromatic of 1966.
Simply place the lever in the appropriate position - forward, reverse, parking - and let yourself be carried away by the benefits of advanced engineering where everything is done with two pedals: one to accelerate, another to brake.
However, what we gain in comfort we lose in direct control over the machine; therefore, if our driving style is active, almost sporty, a manual gearbox will undoubtedly be the best option. advisable and fun.
That said, the automatic transmission has an obvious disadvantage: its high production cost and, eventually, its repair or replacement. This is logical, since we are talking about a much more complex and delicate mechanism than the one provided by the manual gearboxes, making the need for complete replacement in the event of a serious breakdown a financial nightmare.
How to drive an automatic car for the first time and get used to it
If you choose to drive an automatic car for the first time don't feel strangeTo begin with, you've already seen how highly recommended its use in the city is; it's also—as we've said—highly recommended for those with mobility issues in their left leg, which handles the clutch.
By the way, let's start with an anecdote so that you don't feel "a weirdo" given the case: Ferrari prepared for Gianni Agnelli himself a whole Testarossa equipped with automatic transmission due to l'Avocato's physical problems at a certain age.
Remember: whoever comes to criticize you for your use of the automatic transmission might not have been so brave to do so in front of the boss himself. Fiat Group in its heyday. Of course, it's normal to wonder how to drive an automatic car for the first time.
So, the first thing to keep in mind is the importance of resting your left foot. Otherwise, some habit acquired after using a manual transmission could play tricks on you, causing unexpected braking; to us and to pedestrians, remember that well.
In this regard, we strongly emphasize the benefits of practicing in a traffic-free environment, no matter how many years you've had your license. It will do you good, it will even be rejuvenating, and you'll feel like a teenager accompanied by a family member looking for remote industrial estates where he can do his first driving practice.
After that, all that's left is to enjoy a quieter, more comfortable, and smoother ride. Put the gearshift in the correct position and... let yourself be carried away by the comfortable smoothness of an automatic transmission.
Image: RM Sotheby's
