Do You Need to Press the Brake When Starting an Automatic Car?
2 Answers
Automatic cars require the brake to be pressed when starting to prevent the car from lurching or rolling during ignition. Situations where the brake needs to be pressed in an automatic car: 1. Shifting from P to other gears requires pressing the brake; 2. Shifting from N to D or R requires pressing the brake. Precautions for shifting gears in an automatic car: 1. Ensure the gear is in N or P before starting, and remember to press the brake during ignition; 2. Gear shifting should be timely, accurate, decisive, and quick—avoid hesitation; 3. Upshift after accelerating, downshift after decelerating; 4. Use D gear for driving on flat roads; 5. No need to press the shift button when switching between N, D, and 3 gears.
I've been driving automatic transmission cars for over twenty years, and every time I start the ignition, I must press the brake pedal. This is not only a safety habit but also a safety design of the vehicle. Think about it—if you don't press the brake and the gear isn't in Park, the car could lurch forward, which is extremely dangerous. Once in a parking lot, I saw a novice driver start the car without pressing the brake and nearly hit an obstacle. Developing the habit of pressing the brake can prevent accidents. Moreover, modern cars require the brake to be pressed while in Park to start, protecting the transmission and preventing mishandling. During routine vehicle checks, I also ensure the brakes are responsive to guarantee smooth and safe ignition every time, which is crucial for driving safety.
