Advantages of renting an automatic car

Whether you want to drive the west coast of Ireland in a rental car, rent a car in France and discover the scenic countryside or rent a car in the UK, an automatic means you can enjoy the journey.

What are the benefits of an automatic car?

Driving an automatic car makes travelling stress-free. There’s no need to worry about changing gear as there’s no clutch, which makes the journey much smoother. Whilst you’re still in complete control of the vehicle you don’t have to become familiar with gear changes that feel different to your own car.

Renting an unfamiliar car can sometimes seem a bit overwhelming as you’re not used to the way it drives. An automatic allows you to focus on driving without being concerned about being in the right gear. You don´t have to coordinate the clutch, accelerator and gear stick – the car does it all for you.

With an automatic rental vehicle, you won’t:

– stall the engine

– roll backwards on hills

– use a clutch

Whether you’re driving up mountain roads or through a congested city, an automatic car can give you more confidence as you can concentrate on the road as you’re not constantly changing gear. You keep both hands on the wheel, which is helpful when driving around sharp corners or on roads you’re not used to. 

Driving an automatic car also makes driving on the ‘other side of the road’ much easier. If you’re used to driving on the right and change to the left, an automatic means you won´t be trying to use the door handle to change gear!

Automatic car rental has its advantages if this is the first time you’ve driven a long journey in a rental car, as you can concentrate on the vehicle and not the gears. 

If you’re renting an automatic car for a business trip you’ll arrive less stressed as you won’t have to keep changing gears, particularly if you get stuck in city traffic. 

How to drive an automatic car

If you’ve never driven an automatic car before don’t worry. Once you’ve tried it you won´t want to go back to a manual! Many people worry about driving an automatic, but it’s simple. 

You’ll find the drive smooth, with no ‘kangaroo hopping’ in an unfamiliar vehicle. 

Your automatic rental car will have 4 main driving positions:

– P – Park – you use this when you switch the engine off and park the car

– D – Drive – when in Drive mode the car will move forward

– R – Reverse – to manoeuvre the car backwards

– N – Neutral – as in a manual car, you use Neutral when in heavy traffic 

Never put the gear stick into neutral to cruise as this could damage the engine. You should not do this with a manual car either as you could lose control of the vehicle. 

This is how to drive an automatic car:

• With the key in the ignition and the gearstick in ‘P’, press the brake pedal to start the engine.

• Engage the gear stick into ‘D’ which is known as drive mode. The car will start to move as soon as you press the accelerator. This is how you control the speed of the vehicle, in conjunction with the brake. 

The car will change gear automatically as you accelerate or decelerate.

• To slow or stop down press the brake pedal.

Braking in an automatic requires slightly heavier pressure as the engine doesn’t respond as quickly as with a manual car.

When braking and travelling downhill apply the pressure to the pedal gently to ensure a smooth ride. Any sudden pressure may jolt the vehicle. 

• Put the car in ‘N’ when you park and switch off the engine.

Remember that there is no clutch so your left foot may be searching for it if you’re familiar with driving a manual car. You’ll soon get used to the difference and learn to relax your left foot.

Don´t be tempted to brake with your left foot as your right will be able to apply more pressure, particularly if you’ve been used to driving a manual car.

You can accelerate with ease without having to change through the gears, which is ideal for overtaking or motorway driving. 

You’ll also find hill starts easier as you don’t have to find the clutch’s biting point. You simply put the car in Drive and release the handbrake as you move forward.

With overtaking, you need to press your foot firmly on the accelerator until you reach the desired speed, which is different from changing gears in a manual.

Choose an automatic rental car with Europcar and enjoy your journey with an efficient and comfortable drive.