Do You Need to Press the Brake Every Time You Shift in an Automatic Transmission?

[StKyle]

For automatic transmission vehicles, you need to press the brake when shifting into Park (P) or Reverse (R), and you must also press a button on the gear lever. Other gears can be engaged directly without pressing the brake. The requirement to press the brake for shifting is to prevent driver misoperation, as Park and Reverse are two critical gears in the transmission. Mistakes during shifting could cause the vehicle to lurch forward or backward, so for safety reasons, it is mandatory for the driver to press the brake. Pressing the brake during gear changes prevents the vehicle from rolling backward or surging forward, ensuring the car remains stationary. When pressing the brake, make sure not to press too lightly, as the brake pedal sensor may not detect the input, and the gear will not be released. Additionally, the vehicle may not achieve optimal braking performance.