Is it necessary to press the brake when shifting gears in an automatic transmission?
3 Answers
Shifting from D to S gear does not require pressing the brake. While the car is moving, simply push the gear lever into the "S" position. The same applies when switching back to D gear. The S gear is typically used for climbing hills and quick overtaking. However, it's important to note that in some car models, the S gear is placed as a button next to the gear lever, such as in Nissan series models. Relevant information about automatic transmissions is as follows: 1. Introduction: As the name suggests, an automatic transmission does not require the driver to manually shift gears. The vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. Generally, automatic transmission cars have six gear positions, from top to bottom: P, R, N, D, S, L. 2. Automatic Principle: The engine's power is transmitted through the gearbox, which is also a key factor affecting fuel consumption. Generally, automatic transmissions consume 10% more fuel than manual transmissions. Whether manual or automatic, the more gears there are, the more fuel-efficient the vehicle becomes.
When driving an automatic transmission car, you do need to step on the brake to shift gears, especially when switching from Park (P) to Drive (D) or Reverse (R). There's a device called the shift lock mechanism in the car—if you don't press the brake, the gear lever will be completely locked and immovable, which is a safety design. I've personally encountered a situation where a novice friend forced the gear lever without pressing the brake and ended up damaging the transmission. When you press the brake, make sure the car has come to a complete stop before shifting to protect the transmission gears from impact and extend the car's lifespan. Additionally, shifting on a slope requires even more attention to braking, as the car rolling downhill is extremely dangerous. Nowadays, I even habitually press the brake when shifting from Neutral (N) to Drive (D)—after all, an extra safety measure never hurts.
For automatic transmission vehicles, stepping on the brake to shift gears is an ironclad rule. I've been driving for over twenty years and have never seen an exception. The principle is simple: the gearshift lock underneath the car only releases when the brake is pressed, allowing you to move the gear lever. If you don't step on the brake, not only will the lever refuse to budge, but forcing it could damage the internal solenoid valve. Moreover, during gear shifts, the engine and transmission remain connected. Shifting without braking creates a jolt akin to being suddenly kicked, causing the entire drivetrain to clunk. This is especially true during cold winter starts—if you shift into gear and drive off immediately, transmission problems are bound to arise over time. Once, while getting my car serviced, a mechanic told me that 80% of automatic transmission failures stem from improper shifting practices.
