Do You Need to Press the Brake When Shifting from S to D Gear?

[LaSarah]

Shifting from S gear to D gear does not require pressing the brake, and the same applies when shifting from D gear to S gear. Most automatic transmission models have an L gear or M gear on the transmission. L, M, and D gears belong to the same gear position, indicating acceleration. Shifting from S to D gear already reduces speed, and braking at this time can cause some wear and tear on the transmission. You can directly move the lever to complete the gear shift. Automatic transmission cars generally use uppercase English letters to represent gear positions. When the car is at different speeds, you need to "shift gears," meaning selecting different gear combinations to output power. Below is a detailed introduction to each gear position: P gear: Parking means "stopping." It is the parking gear, used when parking. When you reach your destination or need to park for a long time, shift the lever into this position. Note: You must ensure the vehicle is completely stopped before shifting into P gear. Shifting into P gear before the vehicle is fully stopped can cause partial mechanical damage to the automatic transmission. When in P gear, the wheels are mechanically locked, preventing the vehicle from moving forward or backward. Therefore, you must shift into P gear when parking on a slope. Additionally, during short stops (such as at traffic lights), it is best not to shift into P gear to avoid severe damage to the entire transmission in case of a rear-end collision. R gear: Reverse means "turning back." Whether it's a manual or automatic transmission, R is the reverse gear. Shifting into R gear makes the car move backward. You can only shift into this gear when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is idling. Never use R gear when the car is moving forward, and pay special attention to accelerator control when reversing. N gear: Neutral means "in the middle," also known as the neutral gear. At traffic lights, you can shift into this gear and press the brake. If the waiting time is longer, it is recommended to pull the handbrake, allowing your foot to leave the brake pedal for a short rest. Many people have a misconception that shifting into N gear while coasting downhill or at high speed can save fuel. This is a serious mistake. Not only does it not save fuel, but it can also damage the transmission. S gear: Sport means "sport" in cars, indicating the sport gear. When shifting into this gear, the transmission delays gear shifts to provide more power, generally used when overtaking. M gear: Manual means "hand control" in cars, indicating the manual mode. Similar to manual transmission cars, it requires manual gear shifting. L gear: Low means "low speed" in cars, indicating the low-speed forward gear. When shifting into this gear, the transmission only operates in low gear (equivalent to first gear in manual transmissions) and does not automatically shift to other gears based on speed changes. This gear is generally used when climbing or descending slopes. In low gear, the driving wheels output more torque, providing sufficient power to climb steep slopes. Prolonged braking can cause the brake pads to overheat and reduce braking effectiveness, which is very dangerous on long or steep descents. In such cases, you can shift into L gear, using the engine's low speed to restrain the vehicle's movement, eliminating the need for constant braking. D gear: Drive means "driving." Shifting into this gear and pressing the accelerator allows the car to move. In this gear, the transmission automatically shifts based on speed and accelerator conditions. At traffic lights, you can stay in D gear and press the brake. If the waiting time is short, this is fine, but if it is longer, it can raise the transmission oil temperature and degrade the oil quality.

[MacValeria]

I used to frequently shift from S mode to D mode while driving, usually without needing to press the brake—just flip it over directly. For example, when overtaking on the highway using Sport mode, I could easily switch back to Drive mode afterward, and the car would continue running smoothly. That’s how automatic transmissions are designed—shifting between S and D doesn’t require brake protection like shifting to P mode because both are driving states. However, some special models might have slight differences, so I always recommend checking the vehicle manual first—don’t be lazy. It’s best to perform the operation while the car is moving, not when parked on the roadside, to avoid distracting yourself. Safety always comes first—don’t shift gears abruptly at high speeds, and stay focused! With over ten years of driving experience, I can say this operation is basically risk-free.

[VonJessica]

As a car enthusiast, I've found that shifting from S mode to D mode usually doesn't require pressing the brake pedal - this flexibility is by design. Automatic transmissions allow seamless gear changes while driving because S and D modes share the same control logic, mainly differing in engine response. For example, when switching directly at highway speeds, you won't feel any jerking. This stems from how the transmission's internal hydraulic system handles the transition, simplifying operation. However, note that some high-performance cars or older models might have slight limitations, which I confirmed after test driving various vehicles. For safety, always ensure clear road conditions ahead when shifting gears, and avoid distractions during turns. The more you understand your car, the more confident you'll be!

[DelCalvin]

When I first started driving, I was always worried about shifting gears. After asking an experienced driver, I learned that shifting from S to D doesn't require pressing the brake—you can do it directly. That's the convenience of automatic transmission cars, especially when switching while driving, as it doesn't affect speed or safety. For example, when using Sport mode to overtake in traffic, you can simply shift back to D mode afterward without any issues. The design is meant to make driving smoother, so don't overcomplicate it. Beginners might think they need to press the brake button, but it's actually unnecessary. I recommend new drivers practice on nearby roads first until they feel comfortable before heading out. For safety, always keep your eyes on the road when shifting gears—simple and effective is what matters most!