What is the first action you should take when starting a car with an automatic transmission?

The first action you should take when starting a car with an automatic transmission is to ensure the gear shift is in park or neutral. This is a crucial safety measure designed to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly when the engine starts.

If the gear shift is not properly set in park or neutral, starting the engine could potentially lead to the car rolling away or moving forward, posing a risk to the driver and others nearby. Ensuring the correct gear position is a standard practice that contributes to safe vehicle operation and helps prevent accidents.

While starting the engine, checking fuel levels, and turning on headlights are all important actions to perform, they are not the immediate priorities that ensure safety when initiating the driving process. Starting the engine while the vehicle is in gear can lead to dangerous situations, which is why confirming that the gear shift is in the correct position is essential before proceeding with any other action.