Why choose an 'Automatic'

If you are reading this in the USA you might be thinking "Why choose a stick shift!"

In most of Europe, the norm is to drive a car with manual transmission - the automatic is still the odd one out.

Automatic transmission takes much of the physical work out of driving and leaves you with both hands on the wheel for more of the time. This should make you safer, especially if you do lots of long journeys or short trips in busy stop-start traffic.

However, there are some differences in technique required if you are going to stay safe in an 'auto'. Having said that, some of the systems now used on upmarket automatics are very sophisticated and will get you out of trouble!

Automatics used to be less reliable, but the technology is now well established and although you may use a little more fuel, the fact that many drivers find that driving an automatic is less stressful makes this a small price to pay.

Follow the links below or use the navigation arrows at the foot of the page to find out more about driving with automatic transmission.

	What is automatic transmission
	One foot or two?
	General driving advice
	Park or neutral?
	When to override the car's choices
	Types of automatic transmission