From manual to auto...........

[trupac]

Sup y'all.
Am probably gonna ask a question which is going to seem stupid to alot of people.
I have driven a manual all my life, but am now getting an automatic. What is the correct usage for an automatic transmission? I know there are only two pedals, footbrake and accelerator. And also p = park, r = reverse, n = neutral and d = drive. The bit that is confusing me is when to use d1, d2, d3, and d4. what situations, and after selecting these manual gears do i just put it back into drive(d) straight away. i know it might sound stupid, but as a manual driver i just wanna know the most efficient way to use an automatic transmission.

 

[dieselman]

Just leave it in D and let it sort itself. 1,2,3 restrict the gear changes upto the selected gear.
If you were travelling down a steep hill you should select a lower gear to give some engine braking.

 

[Mmmm]

Basically as above, but here's the advice given by IAM

With the touchtronic/speed tronic type of boxes I have always overridden them on winding roads for more control on the corners and will some times drop a gear manually rather than kickdown so that I am in that gear before starting overtaking rather than have a moments hesitation as the box changes down when you kickdown and move out.