Key points
- Use only your right foot for both pedals
- P-R-N-D: select R or P only when stopped
- Hill starts are much easier in an automatic
- Most of the fleet is automatic; check each car's details
The short answer
Driving an automatic is easy to learn: start the engine with your foot on the brake, select D (drive) or R (reverse), and use only your right foot for both pedals. When you park, select P and apply the parking brake. Most of the Beta Car Rental fleet is automatic; the transmission of each car is shown in its details on the booking site.
For automatic rental options, see automatic car rental. This guide is about actually driving one in Istanbul.
Gear positions
| Position | Meaning | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| P | Park | When fully stopped, parking and before switching off |
| R | Reverse | Reversing; select only when stopped |
| N | Neutral | Brief stops or if the car needs to be pushed |
| D | Drive | Normal driving |
Some cars also have S (sport) or M / + – (manual shifting). You won't need them in the city, but they help with engine braking on long descents. Some models use buttons or a rotary dial instead of a lever, so ask at pickup if you're unsure.
Basics for first-timers
Keep your left foot still
The most common mistake for manual drivers is pressing the brake with the left foot out of clutch habit, which causes sudden hard braking. Keep your left foot on the footrest and use your right foot for both accelerator and brake.
Starting and moving off
Press the brake before starting the engine. In D the car creeps forward slowly even without touching the accelerator. This creep is useful in car parks and slow traffic: control it by gently releasing the brake.
Stop before changing direction
Make sure the car is fully stopped before switching between D and R. Selecting R or P while moving can damage the gearbox.
Automatics in Istanbul traffic
Stop-start traffic
Rush-hour stop-start driving is tiring in a manual. In an automatic you only move between brake and accelerator. For short stops, hold the brake in D; for long waits some drivers shift to N and apply the parking brake.
Beyoğlu's hills
Cihangir, Galata and Tophane have some very steep streets. Hill starts are far easier in an automatic, and many models have hill-start assist, which holds the car for a few seconds after you release the brake. Still, move from brake to accelerator promptly. See driving in Beyoğlu and Taksim for more local tips.
Long descents
Braking constantly on long, steep descents heats up the brakes. If your car has manual shifting (M or + –), select a lower gear for engine braking.
Parking
- Stop completely and keep your foot on the brake.
- Select P.
- Apply the parking brake. Electronic parking brakes use a button, and some engage automatically in P.
- On a hill, turn the wheels towards the kerb.
- Switch off the engine.
Some cars have Auto Hold, which keeps the car stationary at traffic lights after you release the brake. Ask at pickup how to switch it on and off.
Fuel and driving modes
Many automatics have an ECO mode that softens throttle response and can help save fuel in town. Smooth acceleration and anticipating stops reduce consumption in any mode.
Which car?
Most models in the economy, mid-size, SUV and minivan classes are automatic. Choose a compact economy car for the city, or a more comfortable mid-size car or SUV for longer drives. Always check the transmission in the car's details on the booking site.
To collect a car in Taksim, see Taksim car rental.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive an automatic with a manual licence?
Yes. A licence obtained on a manual car generally covers automatics as well. Licences obtained by taking the test in an automatic may be restricted to automatics.
Should I shift to N at traffic lights?
For short waits, holding the brake in D is fine. For long waits you can shift to N and apply the parking brake, or use Auto Hold if the car has it.
Are all Beta Car Rental cars automatic?
Most of the fleet is automatic, but the transmission is listed for each car. Check it in the car's details before you book.