Is it necessary to step on the brake when shifting gears in an automatic transmission car?
2 Answers
When shifting gears in an automatic transmission car, it is not always necessary to step on the brake. The need to step on the brake depends on the following situations: 1. Shifting from P (Park) to R (Reverse) requires stepping on the brake. 2. Shifting from P (Park) to D (Drive) requires stepping on the brake. 3. Shifting from D (Drive) to N (Neutral) does not require stepping on the brake. 4. Shifting from R (Reverse) to N (Neutral) does not require stepping on the brake. 5. Shifting from N (Neutral) to D (Drive) requires stepping on the brake. 6. Shifting from N (Neutral) to R (Reverse) requires stepping on the brake. 7. Shifting from D (Drive) to S (Sport) does not require stepping on the brake. This design in automatic transmission cars is for safety considerations and to protect the automatic transmission.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience in automatic transmission vehicles, I can confidently say that pressing the brake when shifting gears is absolutely standard practice. When transitioning from P to D or R, failing to press the brake can cause the car to lurch unexpectedly, leading to dangerous situations such as rolling on a slope or collisions in parking lots. I remember my first oversight—shifting gears without pressing the brake at a turn—the car jerked violently, nearly hitting a pole, and it gave me quite a scare. Since then, I've made it a habit: always press the brake when shifting. Although newer models are designed to be smarter, for safety's sake, don't skip the brake. This not only protects the transmission and extends its lifespan but also reduces the risk of accidents. No matter how long you've been driving, don't skip this rule—safety first.
