Do You Need to Press the Brake to Start an Automatic Transmission Car?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission cars require pressing the brake to start. The correct ignition and starting sequence for an automatic transmission car is as follows: 1. Turn the ignition key to the second position, the power mode, allowing the car's computer system to begin self-checking for at least 6 seconds or more; 2. Press the foot brake and shift the gear from P (Park) to N (Neutral); 3. Release the foot brake and turn the ignition key to the start position to ignite the engine; 4. Press the foot brake, release the handbrake, and shift the gear from N to D (Drive); 5. If starting on a slope, to prevent rolling backward, you can first shift the gear to D before slowly releasing the handbrake; 6. Gradually release the foot brake to start smoothly; 7. Depending on road conditions, gently press the accelerator to add speed, and you can safely drive on the road.
As someone who has driven automatic transmission cars for over a decade, I've developed the habit of pressing the brake when starting the engine—it's become second nature. Holding the brake before ignition prevents the vehicle from moving during startup, which is especially dangerous when parked on slopes or by the roadside. For instance, once I forgot to press the brake in my driveway, and the car slightly rolled backward, nearly hitting the wall. Since then, I never take the risk. Most modern cars are designed to require the brake pedal to be pressed for the engine to respond; otherwise, an alarm sounds or the engine won't start at all, which is related to the gear system lock. Developing this habit not only enhances safety but also prolongs the car's lifespan by avoiding unnecessary wear. New drivers should pay extra attention—starting with simple actions like this can significantly reduce risks and make daily commutes much more secure.
