Does an automatic transmission car move when the brake is released?
2 Answers
An automatic transmission car does not necessarily move when the brake is released; it depends on the actual situation. Whether an automatic transmission car moves when the brake is released primarily depends on which gear the transmission is in. Generally, if the gear is in D (Drive), R (Reverse), or L (Low), the vehicle will move when the brake is released. Situations where an automatic transmission car does not move when the brake is released include: 1. The vehicle is on a very steep slope; 2. Some cars have transmissions that are set not to start unless the accelerator is pressed. An automatic transmission means the driver does not need to shift gears manually; the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on speed and traffic conditions. Common types of automatic transmissions in cars include: hydraulic automatic transmissions, hydrostatic automatic transmissions, electric automatic transmissions, stepped mechanical automatic transmissions, and continuously variable mechanical automatic transmissions.
Yes, when I drive an automatic transmission car, it starts moving forward slowly as soon as I release the brake without even needing to press the accelerator, especially when the car is in D (Drive) mode—it feels particularly noticeable. This design makes driving in traffic jams or parking lots super easy. I often rely on this feature to inch forward bit by bit in crowded places without any hassle. However, you need to be careful because if you release the brake on a slope, some cars might immediately roll backward. But most modern models come with hill-start assist or active anti-roll systems that automatically hold the car for a second or two until I press the accelerator. If the car is in N (Neutral) or P (Park) mode when I release the brake, it definitely won’t move at all, so I always remember to shift to D mode first. If the car doesn’t move, I also need to check whether I’ve shifted to the wrong gear or if the wheels are stuck—safety first. Friends who usually drive manual transmissions might be surprised when switching to an automatic, but once you get used to it, it saves a lot of trouble.
