Automatic cars

[bricro1]

Is it wise to change from manual to automatic at the age of 76?

[Loosehead]

Yes just remember to drive with one foot then all will be well!

[Panic Button]

Not necessarily Loosehead!

As a young experienced driver I would always drive an automatic with my right foot only.

However there are countless examples of older drivers changing to automatics, and ending up flying off multi storey car parks, or driving into swimming pools.

Please see the attached link to Honest Johns website where he explains that older drivers new to autos should use left foot braking.

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/faq.htm?id=15

[Panic Button]

(continued)

Honest John advocates driving that way for everyone, but I can't agree with that myself.

I believe it would be unsafe for someone who drives both autos and manuals to change which foot they brake with depending which they are driving. A recipe for disaster I would say.

However Bricro, honest John gives you some food for thought.

If you can still drive a manual comfortably, I would recommend you stick with it.

[Loosehead]

Pay attention panic , I said drive with one foot, in most cases that will be the foot you normally brake/accelerate with, ie the right foot even with the left hookers. It's extremely dangerous for the non experienced auto driver to use two feet. Are you trying to nit pick for the fun of it? I just don't understand. Just put your left leg to one side voila! I drive an automatic and I too use my right foot. Looks like you are agreeing but I just don't get the "not necessarily" bit! Honest john is talking boll0cks, left foot braking in itself is ok but what always always always happens at some time or other and I've done it so I know,is that when the concentration wanders the driver lapses back into thinking they are driving a manual car and goes to change gear by pressing the "Clutch" which of course is a brake! Doh head into dash board time, passengers through window time. Believe me chop off the left foot !

[Panic Button]

Engage brain before typing Loosehead.

You said drive with one foot.

I drive automatics - cars, lorries and buses. and I use one foot.

I was merely pointing out that there is a school of thought among many professionals that you should use two feet.

If you read my answer you will see that I am not convinced either.

[Loosehead]

Brain engaged, you agreed with me and then quoted some idiot who doesn't I was a little puzzled. You can always find someone with an opposing view.

[Toureman]

I would advise the change at any age, modern automatics are so good now, the only people who say "I would never have an auto" have never tried one, or boy racers who think they know everything.

It is advisable to only use the right foot for accelerator and brake, it is amazing how many auto cars you see driving along with their brake lights on because the driver has their left foot resting on the brake pedal.

Honest John is talking rubbish.

[jake-the-peg]

Coo the generalisation squad is out today!

I'd not drive one and I'm neither a boy racer and I have tried them.

It's simply, as I think is implied in the question, because after years of driving manuals some of us have the clutch so engrained that we inevitably hit the clutch at some point.

Only it's not the clutch is it? The result is you end up like one of those stick on Garfield dolls plastered over the windscreen.

It's never the first day of driving nor even the second by about day 4 you've relaxed a bit and that's when the left foot comes out and bang!

Maybe you'll adapt better, maybe not. You could always hire one for a week and see

[scotchollie]

We didn't establish if our questioner was buying a left or right hand car, or if indeed they are a UK driver?

Seems like people have jumped in here with, ahem, both feet.

Suggest you test drive a few automatics in different makes and get a feel for what you are comfortable (and safest) with.

I'm left handed, but do a variety of things right handed, oddly enough. I drive a clutchless car in the UK with manual and automatic transmission in one gearbox and have no problem using my right foot for braking and accelerating.

So, my own view would be that as long as you are comfortable with the switch and have some familiarity with automatic driving, go for it - as long as you are confident that you can drive safely!

And how nice it is that you are still driving at 76. Suggest, with respect, that you ebay your bus pass!

Best wishes.

[chadad]

Disregarding the fact that the windscreen comes back and hits you every time you dip the clutch, I don't like driving automatics for the reason that you do not "feel-as-one" with the vehicle, and are only a short step from just being a passenger.
Having driven for fifty five years, I prefer to " Row it along with the gearstick".
chadad

[Pippa68]

Once you drive auto you never go back :o)

[BigDogsWang]

Can't agree there Pippa. I recently sold my Audi A6 Auto for a manual Honda. I do miss the Auto in traffic jams, but prefer the control I have with a manual.

[Pippa68]

I do a LOT of motorway driving at the weekends and the auto has been a godsend. Not only are my feet no longer aching, my sciatica improved too.

I bought an auto on my GPs advice, and Mr P followed suit after driving my car (he also does a lot of miles for work).

Each to their own I guess ~ and I suppose it depends on the car. I once had a BMW 5 series manual and it was a delight. I replaced that with an auto version and it was pants!

[Scylax]

You can have the best of both worlds, manual and
automatic, with a Honda Jazz SE. What a clever
little gearbox. The push of a button is all that is
required, and 76 year-old drivers will be amazed at
the sheer 'rightness' of this modern marvel.

[mexicola]

Older people can have difficulty re-learning procedures. Changing habits can be harder and often, in high stress situations, the old methods can come back, this could cause you to become confused in dangerous road events.

I would have to advise you to stick with the manual transmission even though there are benefits to the automatic.