Do you need to press the brake when shifting from N to D?
2 Answers
You need to press the brake when shifting from N to D, and also when shifting from P to other gears. Introduction to automatic transmission gears: 1. P stands for Park, used for long-term parking; 2. R stands for Reverse, engaged when the vehicle needs to move backward; 3. N stands for Neutral, engaged when the vehicle is parked for a short time without turning off the engine; 4. D stands for Drive, when the gear lever is in D, the vehicle will automatically shift gears based on throttle opening and speed data; 5. S stands for Sport mode, making the vehicle more sporty to drive; 6. M stands for Manual mode, when the gear lever is in M, gear shifting is done manually by the driver; 7. L stands for Low gear.
After driving for so many years, I know it all too well—you absolutely must step on the brake when shifting from N to D. It's not to make things difficult for you, but for safety first. Just imagine if the car is parked on a slope or roadside, and you shift gears without braking—it could suddenly move. What if there are pedestrians or other cars nearby? The consequences are unthinkable. I learned this the hard way once when I was in a hurry and forgot to brake—the car lurched forward and almost hit a wall. Ever since then, I've made it a habit: firmly press the brake before touching the gear lever. Plus, this also protects the transmission, ensuring smoother internal gear engagement and reducing wear. Check your owner's manual—most cars require this step. Don’t cut corners; making this a habit will give you much more peace of mind while driving.
