Does an Automatic Transmission Car Have Idle Speed When Reversing?

[DiKira]

An automatic transmission car does have idle speed during the reversing process. Idle speed refers to an operating state of the engine, which maintains this state while running. When reversing an automatic transmission car, the driver only needs to control the brake pedal. Below are some related tips for reversing an automatic transmission car: 1. First, find a suitable parking space and estimate the distance between the car and obstacles. 2. During the reversing process, promptly adjust the car's alignment. The reversing speed should primarily rely on idle speed, though the accelerator can be lightly pressed if necessary. However, timely braking and deceleration should be applied based on road conditions.

[Gloria]

I've been driving automatics for ten years, and there's definitely idle speed when reversing. You shift into R gear, release the brake, and the car will slowly move backward on its own—no need to press the accelerator. Especially on slopes, it would be a real hassle without this idle reverse. However, each car is tuned differently. My old Toyota reverses with a very gentle idle, while the new SUV I bought has a much stronger push. If you feel the reverse is too fast, just don’t fully release the brake. Parking is way easier than with a manual transmission.

[VonHarrison]

Last time at the driving school accompanying my wife during practice, the instructor particularly emphasized the characteristics of automatic transmission when reversing. He mentioned that as long as the car can idle forward in D gear, it will definitely idle backward in R gear, though with slightly less force compared to D gear. The driving school car was adjusted to make this very obvious; when the brake is fully released, the car maintains a steady reverse speed of 3 km/h. This idling feature is a lifesaver when teaching beginners to reverse into an uphill parking space. However, the instructor also warned not to over-rely on it, especially when there's a slope on the ground, reminding us to always be ready to use the brake.

[SanCarmen]

When the reverse camera activated, I noticed the tachometer needle slightly flickering. The mechanic said this is a sign of the transmission transferring power. Indeed, the engine outputs torque when reversing in automatic transmission, which is transmitted to the wheels through the torque converter. However, the car might jerk a bit when cold, like last week when I reversed in the garage in the morning—the car suddenly lurched backward as soon as I released the brake, scaring me into stomping on it again. Now in cold weather, I let the car warm up for half a minute before reversing.