Can a car move without stepping on the accelerator?

[PaigeLynn]

Automatic transmission cars can move without stepping on the accelerator. The following are related expansion materials: 1. Automatic transmission: Because automatic transmission cars do not have a clutch pedal, when the gear is engaged, the clutch is actually already connected. At this time, without the resistance of the brake, the car will naturally move forward slowly. When the brake is released in an automatic transmission vehicle, even if the accelerator is not pressed, the vehicle will slowly move forward. This action is generally called automatic transmission crawling. 2. Manual transmission: Manual transmission models rely on the clutch to achieve this function. When starting the vehicle, if the accelerator and clutch are properly coordinated, the car will slowly move forward, which is also called "crawling". If the clutch is released too quickly, the car will not only fail to move but will also stall.

[DelPeyton]

As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I've noticed that a car can indeed move without pressing the accelerator, but it depends on the situation. On flat ground, if your car is an automatic, the engine can move slowly at idle speed, typically around 2-3 kilometers per hour. This is called idle creeping. I often use this when queuing in parking lots with an automatic car, avoiding frequent accelerator presses. However, this doesn't work uphill—the car might roll backward, so I always press the accelerator slightly in advance to ensure safety. Going downhill is easier; the car can coast using gravity without pressing the accelerator. In urban traffic jams, using this technique can save some fuel, but you must stay alert to avoid hitting the car in front or pedestrians. For manual transmission cars, moving at idle speed can easily stall the engine, requiring clutch coordination. Beginners need more practice to master this smoothly.

[DiFinn]

I've repaired many cars. From a technical perspective, the reason a car can move without pressing the accelerator is that the engine's idle speed provides power. After the engine starts, even if you don't press the accelerator, it maintains a minimum RPM (usually 800-1000 rpm), which is transmitted to the wheels through the transmission. Automatic transmissions have hydraulic systems to assist, making idle crawling smoother; manual transmissions require clutch control to manage torque transfer, otherwise, the engine may stall if the RPM is too low. I've seen cases where older cars with unstable idle speeds or low battery power may experience jerky movement or failure to move. A related issue is that prolonged idling without pressing the accelerator increases the risk of carbon buildup. It's recommended to regularly maintain and check the health of the engine and transmission to keep the engine efficient. During daily driving, pay attention to how slopes and load affect power output.

[Gabriella]

As a beginner driver, I'm very concerned about safety issues, such as whether the car can move without pressing the accelerator. Yes, it can, but it needs to be handled with caution. On flat ground, when starting an automatic transmission car, releasing the brake will cause the car to slowly coast forward, which I often use during practice for starting off. However, on steep downhill slopes, the speed can increase rapidly, and if the brakes aren't applied in time, it's easy to lose control. On uphill slopes, insufficient power can cause the car to roll backward, leading to accidents, so I always gently press the accelerator before starting. Related to this, beginners should not rely on idling to move in heavy traffic, as delayed reactions may cause rear-end collisions. It's best to only use this method in low-speed areas like parking lots. Manual transmission cars are more challenging, with a higher likelihood of stalling. I recommend that beginners practice more with an instructor to master the coordination between the accelerator and clutch, ensuring that safety comes first when driving.

[TaylorFitz]

From driving experience, there's a noticeable difference between automatic and manual transmissions when coasting without pressing the accelerator. Automatic cars have strong idle crawling capability - my SUV moves slowly when I release the brake, which is great for effortless driving in traffic jams. However, manual transmissions require clutch control. When I drove an older sedan, I found idle movement prone to stalling and requiring skill. Influencing factors include road gradient: downhill coasting is naturally faster, while uphill the car may barely move or even roll backward. Engine condition also matters - with carbon buildup or weak battery, idle speed may become unstable. Interestingly, some hybrid vehicles can idle in pure electric mode with lower fuel consumption. In summary, coasting is possible but speed and stability depend on vehicle condition and operation - beginners should prioritize automatic transmissions for practice.