Does Starting an Automatic Car Without Pressing the Brake Damage the Vehicle?
2 Answers
Starting an automatic car without pressing the brake does not damage the vehicle. Conditions for pressing the brake: Currently, automatic cars have two design modes: one requires pressing the brake to start, while the other does not. It depends on the specific model. Generally, most automatic cars do not require pressing the brake when starting, except when in N (Neutral) gear without the handbrake engaged. In such cases, it is advisable to apply the brake for safety reasons. Purpose of pressing the brake: For safety, it is essential to press the brake and develop this habit. The working principle of an automatic transmission is that when starting in P (Park) gear, you must press the brake to shift into any other gear. Without pressing the brake, the gear lever cannot be moved due to a built-in safety lock mechanism.
As a seasoned driver with decades of experience, I remember when automatic transmissions first became widespread last century, everyone was accustomed to pressing the brake when starting the car. This wasn't to harm the vehicle but mainly for safety reasons. Automatic vehicles are designed with start-up protection—if the gear isn't in Park (P) or Neutral (N), the car might not start without pressing the brake, preventing unintended movement. Direct mechanical damage is minimal because the ignition system has limiters. However, developing bad habits, like forgetting to press the brake on a slope, can be dangerous if the car rolls. Once in a garage, I nearly hit a wall because I didn’t notice the gear position. So, driving is all about details determining success or failure—good habits protect both you and your car’s longevity. Never underestimate this action; safety should always come first.