Do You Need to Press the Clutch When Shifting an Automatic Transmission?

[VonAmir]

Automatic transmission cars do not have a clutch mechanism, so there is no need to press the clutch when shifting gears. Currently, automatic transmissions mainly include hydraulic automatic clutches, CVT continuously variable transmissions, and DSG dual-clutch transmissions, whose structures are completely different from manual transmission clutches. The so-called semi-automatic transmission refers to AMT, which adds an automatic shifter to the manual clutch, meaning it can be understood as a manual clutch with automatic shifting. Below are the correct shifting methods for automatic transmission cars: 1. After starting the engine in P gear, no matter which gear (D, N, R) you want to shift into, you must first press the brake and then push the gear lever into the target gear. If you do not press the brake, the gear lever cannot be moved because the transmission is equipped with a safety lock mechanism. 2. If the vehicle shifts from N to D or R, you must also press the brake. At this time, the vehicle transitions from a stationary state to movement. If you do not press the brake, the vehicle will suddenly lurch forward (or backward), creating a safety hazard and causing significant damage to the vehicle's transmission components. 3. While driving, shifting from D to R requires pressing the brake, but shifting from D to sport mode S does not require pressing the brake. Similarly, shifting into manual mode does not require pressing the brake. When parking, shifting from N to P also requires pressing the brake; otherwise, the gear lever cannot be pushed up.

[LaHailey]

When driving an automatic transmission car, you don't need to press the clutch pedal at all when shifting gears, because the automatic transmission has an intelligent system that automatically controls the engagement and disengagement of the clutch. I remember when I first started learning to drive, I was used to pressing the clutch to shift gears in a manual transmission car. But after switching to an automatic transmission, I realized there was no clutch pedal - everything is handled by the transmission itself. For example, when shifting from P (Park) to D (Drive), you just need to press the brake pedal to stabilize the car and then operate the gear selector. This saves a lot of effort, especially in traffic jams or during long-distance driving, making me feel less physically fatigued. I recommend beginners to familiarize themselves with the vehicle's control panel to avoid incorrect operations. With automatic transmissions, more attention should be paid to the timing of braking, especially when going up or down hills or in parking lots - make sure the car is completely stationary before shifting gears, which is safer and more fuel-efficient.

[SanMaci]

From a mechanical structure perspective, automatic transmissions use torque converters or clutch packs to manage power transfer. When you shift gears in the car, the onboard computer automatically calculates the optimal timing for clutch engagement without requiring any pedal operation. Understanding this has given me greater appreciation for automotive design, as it significantly reduces human error. During gear shifts, ensure engine RPM remains stable. It's best to develop the habit of pressing the brake before every gear change, such as when shifting from reverse to drive. This helps prevent rolling or sudden acceleration while extending transmission lifespan. For routine maintenance, regular transmission fluid checks are crucial - through scheduled maintenance, I've avoided gear shift hesitation issues.

[Deborah]

As a new driver learning automatic transmission, I initially worried about shifting gears like in a manual car with the clutch pedal, but in practice, I found there isn't one. Shifting just involves moving the gear lever—for example, changing from D to N at traffic lights by pressing a button or pushing the lever. Remember to press the brake to prevent the car from rolling, especially on slopes. I now enjoy driving more because the simplified operation reduces mistakes. I recommend practicing gear positions in an empty lot to avoid distractions while driving.