[Closed] driving an auto

All the hire ones I have had I just braked and left it in Drive. Probably wait for someone more qualified to come along so you don't break your own car though.

I've taken to putting it in neutral with handbrake on. Interestingly (or not) the gear knob will slide without pushing the button from drive into neutral but no further (as in you can't put it in reverse at 60mph).

Thats what I've been doing intuitively, but a torque converter can't wear out can it?

My wife had automatics as company cars for the last 11 years or so and leaves them in drive and brakes. Never had any problems, but the cars are traded in every three years so ymmv!

leave in drive use foot/handbrake, 20yrs in an auto not broken a converter yet....

I put my foot on the brake pedal and leave it in drive.

If I was going to be stopped for a long period of time then I would put it into Park and put the hand brake on.

neutral and parking brake - don't dazzle poor sap behind with your brake lights

OK, will leave in D, ta... (with handbrake)

If you leave it in drive, and your foot slips off the brake pedal it may well move off, and brake lights will annoy the driver behind,had some driving lessons in an auto many years ago, and my mate decided it was a good idea to tie my left leg to the seat so i couldnt use both feet on the pedals, stopped to get fuel went to get out and head butted the petrol pump.

And im sure you can over heat the oil in the torque convertor if you hold it in drive with thebrakes on.

On the flipside if you have a zf hp22 box if you put it in neutral at every set of light it actually burns the clutches out inside the gearbox.

Can't win.

I leave in gear and use the foot brake but I have a bmw and really don't care about the person behind.

Might start leaving in gear and using the handbrake, atleast then it might be functional for the next mot as I only ever leave it in park.

Definitely neutral and handbrake as leaving your brake lights on to dazzle the driver behind (much more of a problem with more modern cars and especially so those with LED lights) is just totally unnecessary lazyness.

Sorry it's a pet hate of mine!

On my Merc I just have to press the brake pedal down a bit harder as I come to a halt and it applies the parking brake, so I can take my foot off the brake pedal and still leave it in D. When the lights change I just press the accelerator and drive off. Clever, but prone to problems and recalls!

Does a rear brake light really annoy the person behind? doesn't bother me. I rarely put my DSG box in neutral and put the handbrake on when in traffic as the brake lever is under the arm rest and pain to put on .

You won't burn the torque converter with your foot on the brake in D with the engine idling.

If you have put a lot of energy into the brakes and sit with your foot on the brakes at rest, then you can run the risk of warping your discs as the brakes cool.

Some modern autos will have auto hold function which applies the brakes and cancels creep, so you can release the brakes whilst in D, and the car will remain still until you press the accelerator. Although if you've got a torque converter auto I'm not sure they have that function, DCT's can though. Edit, looks like pembo has just confirmed that torque converter autos do have auto hold.

I've taken on my newer BMW to slip it into Neutral and using the foot brake, my older one just left it in D and used the foot brake.

I take mine out of drive if I'm stopping for more than a few seconds because... of the brake light thing. Yes. Nothing to do with an irrational fear that I'll randomly lose consciousness for no apparent reason, causing my foot to slip off the brake pedal, thereby allowing the car to slide itself into the path of an oncoming truck or bus. No. Definitely not that. It's the brake light thing, yes. 😯

and brake lights will annoy the driver behind

Blimey I must have very thick skin. Is it possible to get annoyed by that?

cheers_drive - Member
Does a rear brake light really annoy the person behind? doesn't bother me.

Yes, it really does annoy me, depending on how bright the brake lights are. Also, it seems to be much worse if you're on a bike. It's up there with badly set up dazzling headlights in terms of annoyance. Grrr.

Read the cars manual. Auto version of my Mondeo the manual says leave in D and holdthe footbrake on. Cant imagine a new torque converter is more than a new clutch and dmf!

Dullest cars in the world autos. Hate with a passion.

Can't wait to get rid of mine.

Read the cars manual.

Whhhhhhhaaaaaat??????

As an upside Automatic gearbox cars have 50% less rear end shunts than manual gearbox cars, due to the aforementioned drivers sitting there blinding everyone with their brake lights!

Thinking outside the box, what does the owners manual say?

Come on, I'm a bloke, thats a last resort right?

Yeah RTFM is the last resort!

I have to say, I am very surprised that I didn't receive a definitive answer here very quickly 😉

Sorry that was just me being stupid, FWIW I leave the wifes in drive and hold the footbrake on

Had a hire c220 a few weeks ago, just left it in drive.....then I floored the ****ed and made it scream 🙂

Same on my Merc, leave in drive and dab brake to hold. Drop into park if a long wait though.

Merc hold in drive - a wonderful thing! Just annoying that the Mrs Honda doesn't have it.

The recalls were with SBC not the hold mechanism and Merc discontinued SBC around 2005.

I shift into neutral as recommended in my manual (Leon DSG box)

Auto hold on BMW leave the brake lights on, it essentially applies the handbrake for you (and releases when you press the accelerator). Not sure if the lights stay on if you put the handbrake on yourself while the car is still in drive.

Neutral and handbrake if going to be sat there more than about 30 secs (like if the lights have just changed to red) and there's already a car behind. Else leave it in D and on the footbrake.

One thing that you will notice compared to a manual is that it will eat brakes. My big Honda accord Tourer loved the things every 10 to 12 months. Very relaxing to drive in traffic and with cruise its weird when it changes up itself to resume. I would have another if I was doing a lot of motorway miles. More reliable than a DMF and can handle big torque's.

Does a rear brake light really annoy the person behind? doesn't bother me. I rarely put my DSG box in neutral and put the handbrake on when in traffic as the brake lever is under the arm rest and pain to put on .

YES IT EFFIN' DOES! There's nothing more irritating than being stuck behind some muppet who sits with his brake lights on. Even worse is the muppet who sits with an indicator flashing uselessly. Use the handbrake and turn on the indicator (assuming you're not driving a BMW) only when you need to indicate your intentions to other drivers.

Really guys. If bright lights and flashing lights annoy you, being on the road is not for you I'm afraid.

Try riding a bike on the road, that'll give you a whole different perspective on what is actually annoying.

I think it's a bit inconsiderate to stand on the brakes when stationary, especially now we have a set of LEDs at eye level, and LEDs can be bright but it is indicative of the person driving the car.
Rear Fogs really get my goats especially in traffic. As a rule if you can see my headlights turns your fogs off.
Oh and Motorbikes on full beam. Yes, i fully support lights on to be seen but full beam. Grrrrr

I just roll my right hand forward as I approach the lights and use either bar-mounted brake to hold my position, then simply release the brake lever and twist the throttle to go again lifting my feet back up as I pull away.

Drive + footbrake if it's a short wait. Park if it's at the lights or a longer wait. Handbrake?

Another neutral and handbrake (actually footbrake on my car) if it's more than a few seconds.

One thing that you will notice compared to a manual is that it will eat brakes. My big Honda accord Tourer loved the things every 10 to 12 months. Very relaxing to drive in traffic and with cruise its weird when it changes up itself to resume. I would have another if I was doing a lot of motorway miles. More reliable than a DMF and can handle big torque's

Really? My 2.7 tonne auto Land Rover redefines the word 'big' but hasn't had pads for 30k miles, nor discs for 50k. Obviously it depends on how you drive - you need to get used to the lack of engine braking and lift off much earlier, otherwise you're constantly braking.

Like others I just leave it in drive and keep my foot on the brake (unless it's a very long wait). I'm fairly certain I've only needed the brake pads replacing once in 106K miles . I doubt I'd ever go back to a manual through choice.

Auto gearbox's are a fluid principal, so you are actually causing more mechanical wear by changing "gear" if you stop. Leave it in D, you are not putting enough energy through the 'box to overheat anything.

As for the brakelights issue, I drive a Beemer so as per the standard BMW drivers manual states (the next page over from where it states that indicators are for emergency use only) I sit for hours on the brakes, which with the fogs as well allows me to see everything behind me for miles......

I don't know why anyone would choose to drive a manual these days, modern auto boxes are fantastic. Sure maybe for the track but on the road? Madness.

Another Merc driver here, I just sit with my foot on the brake. If the lights annoy you then consider this:

"you are behind me because that is where you belong, if you are resentful then consider your own situation and try and make better of yourself, that anger that you are experiencing is just self loathing looking for an easy way out."

oh and the myth about manual being faster than auto is just that, you can still change manually with an auto and its goes like as a buttered gerbil up a liberal MP

If bright lights and flashing lights annoy you, being on the road is not for you I'm afraid.

😆
+1

Interesting thread and something I've often wondered. I'm still none the wiser 😆

As for manual v auto, I've got to say I have nothing against autos but I do prefer the involvement of changing gear on the open road. Stuck in traffic, not so much. I s'pose a modern semi-auto like a DSG is the best compromise, although when I've test driven them i've found them fast but a bit boring (I'm thinking of you Golf GTi).

On the manual vs auto debate, after 3 days I'm a total convert

[i]Dullest cars in the world autos. Hate with a passion.

Can't wait to get rid of mine. [/i]

Must be a crap one then, what is it so we can avoid?

I've had auto's for years (535i now) and can't understand why anyone would drive a manual. And foot on brake, leave in D for me.

[i] I s'pose a modern semi-auto like a DSG is the best compromise, although when I've test driven them i've found them fast but a bit boring (I'm thinking of you Golf GTi). [/i]

Or along with a diesel engine - press accelerator, count to 2, move...

Or along with a diesel engine - press accelerator, count to 2, move...

😆 too right

Until the last year or so - when I stopped doing such high mileages for work - I was a diesel driver. My Civic had a great turbo if you could find it. Bloomin' scary at times. Now I'm driving naturally aspirated, free revving petrol cars and I feel in control again. Ace! 😀

(that said I do love an auto in stop start traffic)

On my Merc, ahem...

Dealer said leave it in drive for stop start driving. Engine cuts out then restarts when footbrake released.

it seems to be much worse if you're on a bike. It's up there with badly set up dazzling headlights in terms of annoyance

Must be terrible being dazzled by a bright light 🙄

would the handbrake hold the car when it's in D and idling?

Take it out of drive and into neutral. Handbrake on.

I do this for a number of reasons in any car.

I was taught to do this as if you got rear ended you are less likely to be pushed into traffic.

Your rear brake light dazzles someone sat behind you

If you've been 'on it' - really going for it like a tool. Sitting on your brake pedal can warp discs.

I drive my parents' cars fairly often - they are both autos. I don't think I have ever used the handbrake in either of them.

Drive for driving, Reverse for reversing and Park for when parked; the pedals do the rest of it.

Dave

Just checking then. For the people who can't understand why people would go for a manual.....did you actually find driving a manual difficult?

I mean, I, like most drivers in the UK at least, don't have to think about driving a manual. I can hold a conversation, look out the window, listen to the radio...all simultanously, while at the same time changing gear in a manual car. It's that easy.

I refer to my previous point. If changing gear appears to be a complex tax to you, perhaps manouvering a vehicle around the road system is not your bag.

If I commuted say 30miles a day in mixed driving conditions (including traffic jams) I think an auto would be best.

When I've driven auto's though I just find they are either in the wrong gear to what I prefer or kick down at the wrong moment.

Plus its sooooooooo dull driving an auto 🙁

If changing gear appears to be a complex tax to you, perhaps manouvering a vehicle around the road system is not your bag.

True, but being unable to change gear is not the only reason for having an automatic is it.

I've got electric windows (woo hoo), but I can still wind a handle.

did you actually find driving a manual difficult?

No, dead easy, why ?

I refer to my previous point. If changing gear appears to be a complex tax to you, perhaps manouvering a vehicle around the road system is not your bag.

You sound bitter. Automatic cars have come down a lot in price dont you know, maybe you can afford one now.

[i]Take it out of drive and into neutral. Handbrake on.

I do this for a number of reasons in any car.

I was taught to do this as if you got rear ended you are less likely to be pushed into traffic.
[/i]

Eh, you think a handbrake will work better than your brakes?

[i]Just checking then. For the people who can't understand why people would go for a manual.....did you actually find driving a manual difficult?

I mean, I, like most drivers in the UK at least, don't have to think about driving a manual. I can hold a conversation, look out the window, listen to the radio...all simultanously, while at the same time changing gear in a manual car. It's that easy.

I refer to my previous point. If changing gear appears to be a complex tax to you, perhaps manouvering a vehicle around the road system is not your bag.[/i]

Its got nothing to do with the 'action', just we choose not to do it.

And if you believe that you can't 'drive' an auto with 'gusto', come with me 🙂 on a fast A road.

I love changing gears, manual all the way on the track car but for driving +400 miles a week I opt for a supercharged auto. To be honest its more than just good its very good and if you choose to manually shift you can. Best of both worlds and you can continue masturbating whilst racing from the traffic lights.

And if you believe that you can't 'drive' an auto with 'gusto', come with me on a fast A road.

I'm in! 8)

Best of both worlds and you can continue masturbating whilst racing from the traffic lights.

A friend of mine has a Fireblade. He said a BMW 640 waas next to him at the lights and when they moved off the car driver give it some stick. He said he had to work his bike quite a lot to sort him out but what concerned him was that the BMW driver still kept hold of his Coffee cup throught the whole thing (I know, not big or clever but quite funny)

he had to work his bike quite a lot to sort him out

*swoons*

*swoons*

That'l be the lack of carbs

FFS put the hand brake on, think of the poor sod stuck behind you having there retinas burned out

So why neutral and handbrake vs putting it into park? I was told over Xmas, by someone who's driven auto's for years, that you should almost never use the handbrake on an auto - you just put it into park. The only time you use the handbrake is if you're parking on a very steep hill.

No idea if that's correct or not.

Next time I drive one I might try tying my foot to the seat. Last time I was alway fine down to about 5mph at which point I'd try to drop the clutch, hit the brake hard, and throw everyone against their seatbelts.

FFS put the hand brake on, think of the poor sod stuck behind you having there retinas burned out

😆

On a semi-trolling note.....if an Audi approaching you is dazzling you with his LED/HID's simply hit high beam and dazzle the ****er back.

Regarding brake light dazzle...

Isn't there some issue whereby they intense brightness of the light can reduce the sensitivity of the following driver's eye, from which they will take several minutes to recover? This can be a particular problem at night. I think I'd rather be followed by someone who can still see what's happening in front of them 🙂

On similar lines I recall reading something about people responding better to a change in brake light status than to a steady state - so if you're sat at the back of a queue of traffic you're more likely to get run into if you have your brake lights permanently on than if the following driver sees them come on.

Keep it in drive - it's designed that way. Otherwise, it wouldn't be auto would it?

I also never have a problem with people's brake lights. I never noticed it at all until a colleage ranted about it to me. And I generally find it hard driving at night due to being dazzled, so I am fairly sensitive to light. Perhaps just not so much at the red end?

Having said that in traffic I tend to use auto-hold since I have it.

As for it being easier to drive an auto - of course it is. I don't have a problem driving a manual, but out of two things I can do with perfect ease one is easier still.

As for driving fast in one - perfectly possible if it's decent. If you are a wannabe Jensen Button then you probably won't like it cos you can't pretend you're zooming around a racing track. DSG for the win anyway - that's what real racing cars actually use isn't it?

Having said all the above, my next Passat will be manual, for fuel economy reasons. Even the DSG costs some fuel.

Plus its sooooooooo dull driving an auto

Good job you aren't in the market for a new Ferrari then. Then don't make a manual now!

The Institute of Advanced Motorists says:

At traffic lights.
Leave in D. If red, stop and apply hand brake.

Just leaving your foot on the brake pedal is not a good idea for several reasons, including the fact that if you're shunted from behind you're unlikely to keep your foot there and you'll go into the car in front, or into oncoming traffic if you're at the front. The dazzle is also an issue, particularly at night in the wet. I actually usually put it into neutral if I'm likely to be there any length of time, e.g. if the lights have just changed to red; maybe I shouldn't.

So why neutral and handbrake vs putting it into park?

What's wrong with the handbrake; why wouldn't you want to use it? Putting it into park involves going through reverse on most cars, so you're flashing your reversing lights at the person behind; not a good idea if you want them to understand what you're doing.

[i]Its got nothing to do with the 'action', just we choose not to do it.[/i]

Great. I wasn't questioning anyone's choice, I was trying to understand why they were questioning mine.

by strange coincidence i'd just been driving around in an automatic hire car whilst my manual was in the garage.... twas a bit crap but the sports button was fun on the lanes

but this thread reminded me of when i struck in traffic on the m6 a while back (i'd just bought an iphone and set up a picasa account the same day - hence the iphone photo) and had my eyes burned out after spending 30 minutes in stationary traffic behind this arsehole - in which i'd turned off my engine, but the beamer 5 series driver kept his foot on the brake light all the fricking time!

[img] [/img]

i moved lane in the end as the traffic congestion continued further up the m6 and let someone else put up with the brakelight each time we stopped

Quick question on the DSG box. If you stop and move the selector into N do you have to press the brake pedal before you can move into D?

Yes I think so, as in most autos, to stop you nudging it into drive. Not sure though - you can switch between D and N whilst moving.

I tend to leave mine in drive or occasionally put it in park at lights. All the autos I've driven have a bit of creep so move forward even though your foot is off the gas so I guess by leaving it in drive with your foot on the brake you are using slightly more fuel than if you stick it in neutral or park.

you can still change manually with an auto and its goes like as a buttered gerbil up a liberal MP

Except for using the tiptronic instead of kickdown to drop a cog or two its not worth doing with Merc boxes as they change quite slowly so best to let them do their own thing. The new 8 speed ZF in the BMW 5 series now that's quite another matter as its a torque convertor box that changes as a fast as a DSG.

20 yr old Merc. Neutral and 'hand'brake.

Pembo - Member
Quick question on the DSG box. If you stop and move the selector into N do you have to press the brake pedal before you can move into D?
POSTED 41 MINUTES AGO # REPORT-POST

You have to use the footbrake to put it in D once you're stationary, but you can move between N and D whilst on the move

Oh and for sheer ease DSG is brilliant, it's not perfect but it's pretty damn good