Driving an automatic

External Since: Mar 10, 2006 Posts: 1

I have just bought my first automatic car after 20 years of having manuels.
I need tips for auto driving as the car is using lots more fuel than our
previous one even though they are the same type. Also when I use the
cruise control (I have never had this feature before) it kicks back
whenever we go up an incline. Will this use extra fuel on the highway? I
am in australia and there are lots of hills, they are rather hard to
avoid!
I already drive conservatively but autos are definately different to a
manuel.
thanks

Joined: Jul 28, 2005 Posts: 204

Here's a news flash for you. An automatic doesn't get as much mileage as a manual transmission. The whole idea behind an automatic is that you don't have to know anything. Just press the gas and go.

I don't understand what you mean about the vehicle kicking back on hills with the cruise control. If you mean that the transmission downshifts to handle the load then I conclude your vehicle is underpowered or the hills are monsters. It would downshift with or without the cruise turned on.

I suspect you are stuck with a vehicle that does not and will not perform as you expected it to.