Do You Need to Keep Pressing the Accelerator When Driving at a Constant Speed?

[DiRyan]

When driving, you still need to continue pressing the accelerator after reaching a steady speed; otherwise, the speed will gradually decrease until the vehicle stops. Below is relevant information about pressing the accelerator in a car: Proper Techniques for Pressing the Accelerator: The engine's accelerator is typically controlled by a pedal, also known as the throttle pedal, which regulates the fuel supply to the vehicle's engine. To operate the accelerator pedal, place the heel of your right foot on the floor of the driver's compartment as a pivot point, then gently press the accelerator pedal with the ball of your foot, using ankle movements to press down or release. When pressing or releasing the accelerator pedal, apply force gently, ensuring a smooth and gradual motion. Precautions When Pressing the Accelerator: When driving uphill, avoid pressing the accelerator pedal all the way down. When using a low gear, it is generally advisable to press the accelerator halfway. Similarly, avoid pressing the accelerator pedal fully when climbing a slope. If the engine does not respond with increased speed after pressing the accelerator three-quarters of the way while driving, shift to a lower gear and then press the accelerator to accelerate.

[Brianna]

It really depends on the specific car model. For traditional manual transmissions or vehicles without cruise control, maintaining a steady speed basically requires keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal, just with very precise pressure control. I've tried keeping my right foot in the same position for long periods on highways, and my calf would actually get sore - I had to occasionally adjust my ankle slightly. However, many new cars now come with cruise control; just press a button to set the speed and free your right foot. Though when encountering uphill or downhill sections where the system automatically increases or decreases throttle input, manually controlling the accelerator actually feels smoother. When I first got my license, I often made steady speeds look like wave patterns, but now I've mastered the trick - imagine there's a raw egg under the accelerator pedal, and maintaining constant gentle pressure with the front part of your foot makes it much steadier.

[LaRhett]

Maintaining a constant speed in a gasoline-powered car does require continuous fuel supply, but that doesn't mean you need to keep the accelerator pedal permanently pressed. Having driven over a dozen car models, I've noticed that the depth of throttle application significantly affects fuel consumption. Just lightly resting your foot on the pedal with 1-2 cm of travel is sufficient - many beginners tend to over-press fearing speed loss. When taking my nephew driving recently, I noticed his right foot constantly making micro-adjustments, causing the speed to fluctuate by ±5 km/h, making rear passengers feel like they're on a boat. Actually, observing dashboard needles is less effective than sensing body vibrations - when the engine sound stabilizes into a steady hum and tire friction noise remains consistent, you've basically reached optimal cruising. On gentle downhill slopes, you can even completely release the accelerator to coast, when the instant fuel consumption gauge may drop below 2L/100km.

[AnnaLynn]

It depends on the vehicle configuration. When I drove an old-style truck for long distances, I had to keep my foot on the accelerator the whole time, which really built up my thigh muscles. But now, my family car is equipped with ACC adaptive cruise control. On the highway, I can set it to 110 km/h, and it automatically follows the car in front when it slows down. When the road conditions are good, I can even rest my feet on the floor. Once, while testing this feature, I watched the steering wheel adjust itself, and after half an hour, I actually started feeling a bit drowsy. However, this function isn't as effective in urban areas, especially when traffic is complex—the system's reactions can sometimes be abrupt. On regular roads, I'm used to using my right heel as a pivot, with my foot making slight adjustments left and right like a compass, which helps relieve fatigue while keeping me ready for sudden situations. I still remember what my driving instructor said ten years ago: 'Press the accelerator as if you're stepping on a feather.'