Can an Automatic Car Move Just by Releasing the Brake?
2 Answers
Releasing the brake in an automatic car does not necessarily mean it will move immediately; it depends on the actual situation. Whether an automatic car moves after releasing the brake primarily depends on which gear it is in. Typically, when the gear is in D (Drive), R (Reverse), or L (Low), the car will move after releasing the brake. Here are some details about automatic cars: 1. Automatic cars usually use a hydraulic transmission device to replace the mechanical clutch in manual cars, so there is no clutch pedal. 2. When the engine speed of an automatic car is low, the torque transmitted by the fluid is limited and insufficient to propel the car forward. 3. When the gear lever of an automatic car is placed in the forward gear (D), releasing the brake pedal and increasing the throttle and engine speed will enhance the transmitted torque, pushing the car forward.
I remember being curious about this when I first started driving an automatic. Releasing the brake does allow the car to creep forward slowly—it's called the creep function. But it depends on the situation. If you're stopped on a slope, just releasing the brake might cause the car to roll back—I've experienced that! It's best to keep your foot on the brake when shifting gears and then gradually release the brake while giving a little gas when starting. Different cars react differently too. Some older models take a second to move after releasing the brake, while cars with auto-hold don’t have this issue. The creep speed might be slightly faster during a cold start, and the same goes for reversing. In short, developing the habit of checking the dashboard when starting is always a good idea.
